This is a shoulder bag with a lining. The fabric used for this bag is from the “KONiTT” series, a textile brand that was born from listening to firsthand ideas of handicraft artists. The outer fabric is “Marusankaku Shikaku” with three different patterns. The gusset and handle are made from the “Shima Shima” fabric. Both are 100% cotton oxfords. For the lining, “Happa”, 100% cotton sheeting is featured. All of the fabrics are easy to cut and sew, an ideal material for bag making.

We interviewed Yuki about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
KONiTT is a fabric that I was involved with from its inception. The “marusankaku shikaku,” featuring a fresh blue color with a watercolor touch that evokes spring is well complemented by the “Shima Shima” fabric in navy. I was able to match both fabrics in a well-balanced manner to create a sharp look. “Happa” used for the lining fabric pull together a contrasting look of the refreshing white of the outer fabric.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
Since there are three patterns in one fabric, I wanted to make the most of all the patterns. For that reason, I changed the placement of the fabrics in the front and back. Combining it with solid colors is also fun. This time, I used only one kind of fabric “Marusankaku Shikaku”, by incorporating the portions where the design transitions.

KF: What are some tips for making this bag?
I recommend that you choose another fabric for the side that would bring the pattern on the body fabric to life. It is also fun to think about how to match the fabrics. The side tucks have been adjusted so that the three parts (body, lining fabric, and handle) do not overlap and can be sewn easily with a household sewing machine. Please use a No. 14 needle for thick fabrics.

KF: How should we incorporate this bag into one’s styling?
This shoulder bag is a modified version of the bag made from a single fabric. For this bag, the lining is added. With a lot of room, it can be used as a reusable bag! Even when you have a lot to carry, you can still look stylish. The width and length of the shoulder strap as well as the size of the bag can be adjusted to your preference and height. I hope that KONiTT will become everyone’s favorite fabric and people will make these bags for daily use.

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

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This drawstring bag has a lovely round shape. The fabric used for this bag is from the “KONiTT” series, a textile brand that was born from listening to firsthand ideas of handicraft artists. The outer fabric, handles, and cords are made of “Marusankaku Shikaku” with three different patterns. 100% cotton oxford. Easy to cut and sew, this fabric is perfect for making bags.

We interviewed Mioko about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
The delightful, lovely colors are pleasant to look at. The charm of this fabric, three different patterns all in one textile, is that no matter where you choose, the pieces create a charming combination!

Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
The placement of the patterns are well thought out. Of the three patterns, the simpler circle and square designs are used as the body, while the more impactful triangle motif is placed on the handle. To make the most of the patterns, the main body features a single fabric, rather than two pieced fabrics. The drawstring cord is made of the same fabric instead of using a ready-made cord for a uniformed look.

KF: What are some tips for making this bag?
It is also fun to think about which of the three designs to use and in what quantity and in what areas. The stitching on the seam allowance of the lining fabric in step 3-② is to prevent the cord from getting caught on the seam allowance. Sewing together the gussets in step 4-① will secure the bottom of the bag firmly both inside and outside. You can skip these two steps, but it helps with the making process and creates a more beautiful finish.

KF: How should we incorporate this bag into one’s styling?
It will be fun to carry a matching drawstring bag in a smaller size together.

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

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Said to have originated from the tote bags at bookstores, the secret behind the popularity of the book tote is its wide gusset and structured form. The design of the featured bag is inspired from such book totes. It is attractive because it can be used for a variety of occasions and purposes. You can carry not just books but also a laptop or even change of clothes for an overnight trip.

The fabric used for this bag is from the “KONiTT” series, a textile brand that was born from listening to firsthand ideas of handicraft artists. For outer fabrics, “Happa” with sprinkles of leaves, flowers, and berries is used, while “Shima Shima” with loose-looking stripes is featured as the lining fabric and handles. The “Happa” is sheeting and the “Shima” is oxford. These 100% cotton fabrics are both easy to cut and sew, perfect for bag making.

We interviewed Satomi about her creation:。
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
The beige color of both “Happa” and “Shima Shima” gives a soft and gentle impression. By adding the dark beige of No. 9.5 canvas, it sharpens the look and creates a gradation of beige tones.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
For the handle, the light blue lines of “Shima Shima” were specifically selected so that it matches the blue berries of the “Happa” fabric. With vertical stitches on the gusset, it helps to create a stylish square shape.

KF: What are some tips for making this bag?
Heavy weight interfacing attached on a thin fabric changes the look dramatically, so choose the thickness you like for the interfacing.
When stitching the gusset, you may find it difficult depending on the thickness of the fabric. In that case, turn the pulley slowly by hand to advance the needle.
Attaching a magnetic button at the opening or creating a pocket on the lining bag will make this bag even more convenient.

KF: How should we incorporate this bag into one’s styling?
This versatile tote bag can be matched with a casual wardrobe or for a formal look. The size is perfect for the upcoming season when you have more chances for outings. Enjoy working on this project.

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

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This tote bag, with a zipper in the center, allows you to easily change its height. The fabric used for this bag is from the “KONiTT” series, a textile brand that was born from listening to the firsthand ideas of handicraft artists. The top and bottom of the outer fabric and the handles use “Marusankaku Shikaku” with three different patterns, while the middle section features the “Shima Shima.” Both are 100% cotton oxford. They are easy to cut and sew, a perfect material for bag making.

We interviewed Yui about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
The theme of the “Fabric Making Project” was “Ease of use and ease of cutting.” The material and pattern have realized these themes beautifully. I think this fabric is just right for making anything, and complements other fabrics well. Even without the interfacing, it is moderately structured so this time I decided to make a bag.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
“Marusankaku Shikaku” features three patterns in one, so I tried to come up with a bag in which you can enjoy all three patterns. The stripes in “Shima Shima” have relaxed lines, so they convey a natural look, and even if the cuts and seams are a little distorted, they will not stand out. The bag’s design is such that it changes dramatically when the zipper is opened.

KF: What are some tips for making this bag?
Since everything is sewn in a straight line, including attaching the zipper, even beginners will find it easy to try. When using a printed logo on the selvage as a tag, it is recommended to add a 1 cm margin around the logo on all four sides when cutting.

KF: How should we incorporate this bag into one’s styling?
Enjoy opening and closing the zipper depending on the amount of contents or your mood. When closed, the middle section becomes a convenient shallow pocket.

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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