Cap Sleeve Blouse – Free Sewing Tutorial

With capped sleeves, this blouse creates a sleek look for your arms. The curved neckline has just the right amount of opening to show off your collarbone. The fabric used for this blouse is from the “Flownny” series. The tiny floral pattern is perfect for the blouse. The 100% cotton lawn fabric is thin and silky, yet not see-through, allowing you to wear it lightly on its own.

Design & Work: Yoko Kato

Fabric shown for this sample: NFA-1030-31D

Materials:

Fabric: 110cm wide x 1.5m
Fusible Interfacing: 80cm x 20cm/li>

Size: 66cm (body width) 53.5cm (length)

We interviewed Yuko about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What do you think of the comfort and texture of the featured fabric when it is made into clothing?
It is thin and silky, yet not see-through, allowing you to wear it lightly on its own.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into creating a beautiful neckline?
Since the design does not incorporate the “opening” on the side or back, the neckline needed to be “just enough” so that you can pull the blouse over your head. I tried to find a look that is not too revealing, yet allows you to show off your collarbone.

KF: This blouse has a curved neckline. What are some tips to keep in mind during the pattern making?

Using the “Pattern” in the instructions as a reference, trace along the printed pattern for the front neckline and back neckline respectively.
For more details about the pattern making, please refer to the video. If you are new to sewing, this video is also helpful:

Video tutorial! Dress making from original patterns.

KF: What are some tips for sewing the neckline?

When using the sewing machine, do it more slowly and carefully than when sewing a straight line. Instead of stretching the fabric for a straight stitch, you can achieve a clean finish by lifting the presser and slightly changing the direction of the fabric along the curve when sewing.

KF: Do you have any advice for sewing other parts besides the neckline?
When cutting a slit along the curve (③-④), be careful not to cut into the stitch line. Apply scissors up to 1mm off the stitch line. If the slit is not deep enough, you won’t be able to create a beautiful neckline when the fabric is turned inside out.

KF: How should we incorporate this blouse into one’s styling?
With this length, you can enjoy wearing it either by tucking it in or out. Simply designed, this blouse will look great with solid color pants, skirt and jeans, or can be elegantly paired with a suit. It is truly a versatile blouse to have.

KF: Thank you very much, Yoko

◎Sewing Tutorial

◎Sewing Tutorial(PDF format / A4 size)

For inquiries regarding wholesale in North America

Visit our site for the official wholesale distributor of KOKKA fabrics in North America (United States of America and Canada.)

KOKKA’s official online shop information

Kokka Fabrics is the official online store run by Kokka USA, Inc. We specialize in printed fabrics but also have a wide range of high-quality solid textiles.
We ship to the United States and Canada from our warehouse located in Torrance, California.

Drawstring Bag – Free Sewing Tutorial

The refreshing blue color gives this drawstring bag a cool look. With a Japanese feel, it naturally goes well as an accessory to a yukata (light cotton kimono). When the top is open, it turns into a tote, making it useful as a travel bag. The fabric used for this bag is from the [blizzard] series, a textile designed by the popular apparel brand Marble SUD. It depicts white animals huddled together in the falling snow. The cotton linen sheeting is easy to sew for beginners, making it a perfect material for bag making.

Design & Work:Mioko Sugino

Fabric shown for this sample:　(Panel Outer Fabric, Lining Fabric, Tag Fabric A) EGXA-8501-3A

Materials:

Fabric (Panel Outer Fabric, Lining Fabric, Tag Fabric A): 65cm×60cm
Fabric (Bottom Outer Fabric, Handle, Opening Fabric, Tag Fabric B): 80cm×30cm
Waxed Cord: 0.3cm diameter x 1.6m

Size: 23cm (l) 20cm (w) 10cm (d)

We interviewed Mioko about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
First of all, tiny animals are so cute! The depiction of snow scenes, which gives a cool feel amid the recent extremely hot days, is also pleasing to the eye! And a refreshing blue color is selected. I decided to make a drawstring bag that can be carried when wearing a yukata. With a Japanese-style design, I am sure it will go well together.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
It may look small, but it holds a surprisingly large amount of items. Its construction is all straight without any curves, so it is easy enough for beginners to make.

KF: What are some tips for making this bag?
For the bottom and opening, canvas fabric is used for a solid structure, but using a thicker oxford will also work. In that case, adding a bottom board insert is recommended to keep a nice shape.

KF: How should we incorporate this bag into one’s styling?
It is cute to carry as a purse with a yukata, or to keep the top open and carry it like a tote. Also nice to have is a matching scrunchie. When travelling, it is convenient to take it first as a travel pouch, and use it later as a bag while on the road.

KF:Thank you very much, Mioko! Here are sewing instructions along with step by step photos from her. Enjoy crafting!

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Drawstring Bag – Free Sewing Tutorial

The handles make this simple drawstring bag convenient to carry around. Plus the round bottom provides ample room. The fabric used for this bag is from the “British” series. The stitched cherry design adds cuteness to a traditional checkered pattern. It is 100% cotton oxford, a suitable material for making bags.

Design & Work:Kokka Fabric

Fabric shown for this sample: (A Fabric) YKA-16040-1C

Materials:

A Fabric: about 110cm wide x 30cm
B Fabric: about 110cm wide x 60cm
Fusible Interfacing (medium weight): about 110cm wide x 40cm
Waxed Cord: about 3mm wide x 170cm

Size:about 21.5cm (l) about 39cm (w) about 17cm (d)(excludes handles)

◎Sewing Tutorial

◎Sewing Tutorial(PDF format / A4 size)

KOKKA’s official online shop information

cocca is the official online store run by KOKKA Co., LTD, based in Osaka, Japan. Alongside selected KOKKA fabrics, you can also find lifestyle goods like umbrellas inspired by our textiles.
We ship internationally from our warehouse in Japan.

Tote Bag With A Buckled Handle　– Free Sewing Tutorial

This tote bag has a buckle attached to the bag’s opening that doubles as a handle. The fabric used for this bag is [Plants], a new pattern for 2023 by echino. The textile has unique plant shapes and silhouettes spread across the entire width of the fabric. The pattern is large, so you can enjoy different looks depending on where you cut out the pattern. The solid cotton linen canvas fabric is recommended for bags as well as tablecloths and throw pillow covers.

Design & Work:Yui Tamaki

Fabric shown for this sample: EKX-98030-32A

Materials:

Fabric (Outer Fabric, Opening Fabric, Handle): about 110cm wide x 90cm
Fabric (Lining Fabric): 90cm x 50cm
Artificial Leather Tape: 2cm wide x 50cm
Buckle: 2cm wide x One pair

Size:29cm (l) 40cm (opening side) 28cm (bottom) 12cm (gusset width)

We interviewed Yui about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
The clear lines and colors are very gorgeous and beautiful. I created a bag of a generous size to make the most of the large pattern.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
I designed this bag to be easy-to-make and to have a unique and cute shape. The solid cotton linen canvas allowed me to create a lightweight bag without applying a backing.

KF: What are some tips for making this bag?
When sewing around the opening, please use more clips and pins or baste first to keep the fabrics in alignment for a clean finish.

KF: How should we incorporate this bag into one’s styling?
I wanted to make a bag large enough for an overnight trip, yet as compact and lightweight as possible. This bag is perfect for days when you have a lot to carry, or for leisure activities. I think it would be very nice to be styled with a white shirt for an elegant casual look.

KF: Thank you very much, Yui! Here are sewing instructions along with step by step photos from her. Enjoy crafting!

Instructions

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One-Handled Bag – Free Sewing Tutorial

This one-handled bag is popular for its single handle and clean form. The fabric used for this bag is from the “GOTOCHI ONIGIRI” series, which includes 47 types of local rice balls from all over Japan, representing each prefecture. You can make wrapping cloth for lunch boxes and placemats along with the bag. The fabric is 100% cotton oxford, easy-to-handle even for sewing beginners.

Design & Work:Kokka Fabric

Fabric shown for this sample: YPA-46030-1E

Materials: