Frilled Drawstring Bag – Free Sewing Tutorial

This drawstring bag is made of a reversible jacquard fabric, with three pieces alternately combined. Depending on how you tie the string, it can be used as a tote bag or a shoulder bag. The fabric used for this bag is “Anpan,” a representative pattern of the “MUDDY WORKS” series. The jacquard woven in Nishiwaki, Hyogo Prefecture, the birthplace of Banshu weaving, is soft and has a unique sheen. With the small Anpan (Japanese sweet bean bun) pattern, it can be used in a variety of ways, such as for clothing and scarves.

Design & Work: Satomi Takei

Fabric shown for this sample: EKX-139-1A

Materials:

Fabric: 34cm x 66cm
Fusible Interfacing (medium weight) (RakuHari Presion Interfacing): 28cm x 40cm
Artificial Leather Tape: 2.5cm wide x 37cm
Waxed Cord: 0.3cm diameter x 1.8m

Size:25.5cm (l) 28cm (w)

We interviewed Satomi about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
This jacquard fabric is very soft and relatively thin, so I made a ruffled drawstring bag with beautiful gathering. The bag is designed in a simple form without a gusset so that the Anpan pattern will stand out.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
Taking advantage of the reversible fabric design, three pieces are sewn together alternately on the front and back sides to play with the fabric. The lining side is a single piece of fabric applied with a convenient interfacing (Presion). It is a very easy process, making the back side beautiful. By attaching the tape on the sides from the front, the shape of the bag becomes more solid and it changes its look into a structured bag.

KF: What are some tips for making this bag?
Adjust the opening for the string according to the size of the string.

KF: How should we incorporate this bag into one’s styling?
It is even easier to use if you add a pocket inside. By tying the string in a different way, you can carry it easily like a tote bag. In addition, if you pull only one string, it becomes a shoulder strap, which is very convenient. It will make me happy if you can make many bags in various colors and patterns and use them to accessorize your styling.

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

Continue reading →

Tool Roll – Free Sewing Tutorial

The Tool Roll allows you to organize your utensils for both work and hobby its numerous pockets for easy storage.
Introducing the Bloom series by the talented Canadian artist, bookhou. This collection showcases charming botanical prints on soft cotton-linen canvas, adding a touch of natural beauty to your creations. Perfect for crafting bags and small accessories, the cotton-linen canvas is not just practical but also brings a delightful, earthy vibe to your projects.

design & making: Arounna Khounnoraj of bookhou

Fabric shown for the sample：EKX-1400-1A, EKX-1400-2D, EKX-1400-3A

Materials：

A – Tool roll body: 1 interior and 1 exterior (10.5” H x 17” W)
B – Pocket B: 1 exterior (8” H x 17” W)
C – Pocket C: 1 exterior (8” H x 17” W)
Note: One side is 8” and the other is 5” to create a slant.
D – Tool guard flap: 1 interior and 1 exterior (4” H x 17” W)
Tool roll tie (0.5” H x 48” L)

Size：9.5″(I) 16″（W)(when opened)

◎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.

Bag with Tucked Pockets – Free Sewing Tutorial

This is a round-bottomed bag surrounded with pockets. The fabric used for this bag is a floral pattern from the “KNAP” series. The cotton linen canvas is easy to sew and suitable for bag making.

Design & Work:Mioko Sugino

Fabric shown for this sample: YGA-69030-1B

Materials:

Fabric: 110cm wide x 60cm
D Ring, Swivel Hook: One piece each (1.5cm inner diameter)

Size: 20cm (l) Bottom Diameter 15cm

We interviewed Mioko about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
The floral border with a slightly retro Scandinavian touch is lovely. The subdued color against the background in a natural tone creates a mature feel, making it easy to use for projects.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
Looking at the pattern, I wanted a round shape. After much thought, I decided on a round bottom design, with tucked pockets all the way around, giving it a circular and three-dimensional look.

KF: What are some tips for making this bag?
For pockets, after finish sewing the vertical lines for partitions, fold and sew the bottom as marked, and it naturally creates a puffiness. The process may look tedious but it is surprisingly easy!　Make sure to cut a slit in the bottom of the body and the bottom fabric, and then sew slowly. Match the curves as you slightly open the slit so that the edges of the bottom and body are aligned as you sew to create a clean finish.

KF: How should we incorporate this bag into one’s styling?
I think it would be cute as an accent to match it with a solid color piece of clothing. It has plenty of pockets, so it would also work as a compact organizer for small items in your home.

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

Continue reading →

Gaucho Pants – Free Sewing Tutorial

These gaucho pants have a loose-fitting silhouette. The fabric used for these pants is from the “NUNO TO MONO” series. It is a slightly lightweight, soft, brushed Viyella fabric with warm feel. It is very soft to the touch, making it suitable for pants, but also dresses, shirts, skirts, and other clothing.

Design & Work:加藤容子

Fabric shown for this sample: YKA-660-1A

Materials:

Fabric: 110cm wide x 1.9m
Elastic Tape: 3cm wide – Size S: 61cm, Size M: 64cm, Size L: 69cm, Size LL: 73cm

Size:Length about 88cm

We interviewed Yoko about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): This time we selected a Viyella fabric. Please tell us about the ease of cutting and tailoring when using this material.
When I hear the words “brushed fabric,” I get an impression that it is difficult to handle, but this fabric has only a slightly fluffy raised surface, so it can be treated in the same way as regular cotton fabric. When sewing with a machine, there is no need to change the presser, and you can use a regular #11 needle and #60 machine sewing thread. However, if you iron the fabric with some pressure, the surface may become shiny, so please do not press it more than necessary.

KF: What are some tips and tricks to keep in mind when creating the pattern and cutting?
When drafting the pattern, first draw a square (84 cm (l) x 82 cm (w)), and then start with the lines from wherever you can draw. You don’t have to worry about the order. After all straight lines are drawn, trace the front and back rise of the PDF instructions to match the respective positions. Since there are many straight lines in the pattern, it should be easy to cut. These particular gaucho pants has the inseam line that is parallel to the fabric line (↕ in the drawing), so place the pattern so that the front and back rise lines are parallel to the edge of the fabric.

KF: How do you feel about the comfort and texture of this fabric when made into clothes?
It has a brushed texture, but the fabric itself is thin and soft. It doesn’t have a heaviness, but rather a delicate and fluffy feel to it. It is thin, so if you are concerned about seeing the underside through, it is best to choose a darker color. When washing, put the garment in a net and use the gentle setting, spinning only a little. When drying, be sure to straighten the stitches and seams.

KF: What is the appeal of gaucho pants?
Gaucho pants have the volume of a skirt, but also the ease of walking in pants. The loose-fitting design helps create a stylish look without accentuating body lines.

KF: What are some of the design features and creative accents?
The inseam line and hem line are designed to be perpendicular to each other, so the length can be easily adjusted by simply shifting the hem line parallel to each other. This way you can make them a little shorter like culottes, or longer like wide pants, so that even beginners can easily arrange them.

KF: Do you have any coordinating advice?
Try a fitted top to accentuate the fluffy feel of gaucho pants, or a loose-fitting sweatshirt or knit for a more casual look. A brushed material may cause static when layered with tights or leggings. If this is a concern, wearing a smooth pant liner underneath can help.

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

One-Shoulder Bag – Free Sewing Tutorial

This is a casual one-shoulder bag. The fabric used for this piece is “patch” by “echino,” a design that looks like a combination of various shapes. Inorganic motifs mainly in cool colors make this fabric versatile for use by any gender. This firm cotton linen canvas fabric with tension can be widely used for bags, aprons, throw pillowcases, and small miscellaneous accessories.

Design & Work:Kokka Fabric

Fabric shown for this sample:EKX-98060-61C

Materials:

Outer Fabric: 110cm wide x 125cm
Lining Fabric: 110cm wide x 80cm
50cm Zipper: one piece

Size:22cm (l) 38cm (w) 22cm (gusset)

◎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