This is a lovely shoulder bag with a loosely folded drawstring top. The adjustable/detachable strap lets you enjoy in many ways as both a crossbody and drawstring bag. The fabric used for this bag is [Cat and Field], the second collaboration textile between Kokka and Paper Message, a Kochi-based paper merchant that introduces the fun of paper and printing. The cat standing in the midst of flowers and grass gently swaying in the wind is very cute. The slightly thin cotton sheeting is suitable not only for drawstring bags and small accessories, but also for one-piece dresses, skirts, and other clothing that takes advantage of the colors and patterns.

We interviewed Yui about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
The lovely design with a gentle touch like a picture book inspired me to make a drawstring bag with a soft and relaxed feel.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?The handles and straps are also made of the same fabric, keeping the world of Paper message intact. The adjustable and detachable strap will give this bag a versatility. It can be used as a drawstring bag, cross body or a shoulder bag. The drawstring flap looks cute when it is loosely turned down.

KF: What are some tips for making this bag?
Please be careful about the orientation of the flowers and the black cat. I don’t want to see the black cat upside down when the top flap is down. Since the drawstring cord is thin, it is best to hold it in place with a stiletto when stitching.

KF: How should we incorporate this bag into one’s styling?
The refreshing colors will go well with spring and summer dresses.

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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This eco-friendly reusable bag is made of evenly spaced pleats with accordion folds. The thinness of the lawn fabric makes it uniquely foldable. The fabric used for this bag is from echino’s [wonder], a 100% cotton lawn material. The design features animals such as foxes and zebras amongst the classical-looking flowers and greens drawn with a delicate touch.

We interviewed Satomi about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
Taking advantage of the eye-catching patterns and colors of wonderful echino fabric combined with its thinness as the lawn material, I came up with a foldable reusable bag.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?What makes this bag unique is the use of accordion folds to create evenly spaced pleats.
Incorporating a flat-felled seam helps make a solid bag even without a lining. It is thin and can be conveniently folded and carried around.

KF: What are some tips for making this bag?
The key is to measure, fold and crease as accurately as possible, from cutting to marking, in order to make evenly spaced accordion folds. I recommend using a thin fabric. If using a thicker fabric, make an adjustment by changing the length of the elastic tape.

KF: How should we use this bag in everyday situations?
Reusable bags are often used as sub-bags. You can broaden your styles by choosing a sub-bag to match your outfit of the day. Please try making your own with your favorite fabrics.

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

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You can enjoy three style variations of this bag by tying the handles in different positions and in different ways. The fabric used for this bag is [Bird] from the “HAyU fabric” series, which is a sheeting textile featuring an embroidery of wire art designs.

We interviewed Mioko about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
The embroidered pattern gives the birds and flowers a three-dimensional feel and depicts a striking and unique look of the wire art! The bright blue threads against the black background are so beautiful that I wanted to make them visible on as large a surface as possible.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
The bag’s long handles through grommets allow you to change the style of the bag by adjusting the position and way of tying the handles. The soft handles with quilt batting inside are thin but gentle to your hands and easy to hold.

KF: What are some tips for making this bag?
When attaching the grommets, keep and hit the hammer straight down. As was the case with me, I was anxious and nervous about this process until I got used to it. But once you try it, it is surprisingly easy.
You can also add a pocket on the inside in the size of your choice.

KF: How should we incorporate this bag into one’s styling?
If you tie the ends of the handles one at a time and keep them longer, you can enjoy a shoulder-type bag. When you tie two handles together, the shape changes depending on the position of the ties, so please try different ways.
Although three styles are shared here, you can enjoy this bag by finding your own silhouette – skip inserting the handle through some grommet or try different positions and length.

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

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