petite ecole (for girls)

Featuring little girls’ favorite motifs, strawberry and cat design fabric is here!

It is now time to start creating items in preparation for the new school year in Japan. For the upcoming season, Kokka Fabric is introducing a fabric line called petite ecole, the name that means “small school” in French. For sewing beginner moms who are making school items for the first time, Kokka focused on delivering a fabric panel. With pre-designed patterns, the fabric panel is easy for sewing beginners to make such school items as a lesson bag, a bag for shoes and a drawstring bag.
petite ecole is for both boys and girls. The girls’ petite ecole, featuring little girls’ favorite motifs, strawberry and cats, is presented this time. The boys’ petite ecole is here!

Strawberry Panel P33400-400 Oxford (Ox)
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Using one whole panel (about 97cm), you can make five different bags – a lesson bag, large and small drawstring bags, a lunch bag and a bag for shoes. Incorporating the green scallop design on one side like the top part of a strawberry, a lovely strawberry drawstring bag can be created.

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Folkloric Style Dress

Size: 92.6cm (chest), 92.5cm (dress length), 45cm (sleeve length)

Today’s project is a dress made from a flower and border print fabric, Kwiat druk, which was inspired by Eastern European tableware. The border portion is used not only for the hem but also for the sleeve, neckline and even for the center of the front skirt, creating a folkloric look. Anri, who is our regular contributor and known for her creativity and cool style is introducing her work.

Design & work : Anri


Fabric shown for this sample : P34700-700 (D)


Materials :
□ Fabric : 110cm wide x 3m
□ Fusible Interfacing : 50cm×50cm

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We interviewed Anri about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
It is moderately thick, and this thickness makes it easy to handle. I thought a dress would be perfect with this tasteful sheen cotton sateen fabric.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
The lines on both sides are full of impact with very stylish color tones, which made me want to make it stand out. Using a vertical line, I tried to make it look like a pair of panels.

KF: What are some tips for making this dress?
Selecting the right direction of the patterns determines how you cut the fabric. You should think first how you will use the overall fabric before cutting. The small flower design also has a direction and the patterns are not repeated. It would be difficult to fix once you cut it incorrectly.

KF: How should we wear this dress in everyday situations? Any tips for styling?
Of course, you can wear it as a simple dress. To enjoy it for a longer season, you may add a turtle neck and a pair of boots as the design allows for a layered look.

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

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Kwiat druk

Flower motif fabric inspired by the tableware from Eastern Europe

Simple, warm and somewhat nostalgic tableware and everyday goods from Eastern Europe are quickly gaining popularity among Japanese people who adore lovely things. The series featured today is created with an inspiration from Eastern European tableware. The name of the series, Kwiat druk, means floral print in Polish.

scatter P34700-700 60 Sateen
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scatter features floral borders in different sizes and designs. You could turn a simple straight-line dress or tunic into something lovely with the border as an accent for the hem.

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Pocket Bag

Size: 15cm (w), 34cm (l)

Today’s project is a movable pocket bag made with a fabric tightly filled with small designs of rabbits, cats and dogs. The bag, with large and small pockets, can be hooked by using the clips attached on top. Hooking it on the belt, it can be used like a pochette, or as convenient supplies storage for your sewing time.

Design & work : Kokka Fabric


Fabric shown for this sample :
Bag in yellow fabric: P33700-701 (C)
Bag in blue fabric: P33700-701 (B)


Materials :
□ Fabric: 30cm (108cm wide)
□ Clip (two pieces): One pair

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Click here for Sewing Instructions (PDF format / A4 size)
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Kokka-san’s rabbit cat dog

Healing and relaxing animals

Many types of Yuruchara* are getting popular all over Japan. Now Kokka has its own lovely Yuruchara, called Kokka-san’s rabbit cat dog! Top-heavy and with short arms and legs, this character has a very loose look. The loving animal motifs give you a chuckle and a sense of healing.
Rumor has it that these animals live freely and easily at Kokka-san’s…. Is it really true? We wonder….

*Yuruchara are anime-style cartoon mascots that represent the various prefectures of Japan. Each yuruchara character can be seen on posters, brochures, and websites that treat visitors to a fun and inviting symbol of the area. (from Japan National Tourism Organization website)

Rabbit Cat Dog (All over patterns)  P33700-700 Double Gauze
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This is a soft double gauze fabric with patterns on the entire fabric. The base comes in four different colors – gray, pink, blue and orange. The animals with polka dots, stripes and gingham bodies create an interesting feel on a background of simple solid base colors. Combining it with the other fabric with tightly fit animals, a soft and intricate looking bag will make a great project. A little kid’s dress will also look very lovely in this fabric.

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