echino 2019/07 sheeting collection

Introduced in June, the new echino collection
features 110cm-wide sheeting prints for the first time.

Different from the usual cotton canvas,
this thinner fabric allows you to enjoy
making garments like dresses and skirts.

●sprout
sprout showcases fox and leopards that are hiding among little buds and plants.
This fabric is perfect for apparel pieces like a dress and blouse
or interior décor items.

sprout, also popular as a canvas fabric,
presents smaller designs in a sheeting material.
It creates just the right see-through feel for a blouse.

A light coat-style dress wraps around you with a breeze in a monochrome tone.
Slightly different impression from echino’s usual look is also stylish.

●bubble
In the bubble, when you look at it closely,
you will notice little birds poking through the foam
in a sea of frothy bubbles.
It is a great fabric for a coat and long dresses.

With lots of drapes.

Small birds create an accent in the field of small dots.

●trail
trail’s simple and lovely border design reminds you
of a winding little path.
It is a versatile fabric perfect for small goods, bags and apparel pieces.

Whether you use it horizontally or vertically as a transition,
the lovely trail is a perfect fit for dressmaking.

This thin sheeting fabric makes a cute and stylish reusable bag.
It is light enough so that it won’t be bulky when carrying it in a purse.

A perfect fabric for the upcoming season,
why not enjoy making clothing with echino’s sheeting collection!

Click here for entire product lineup

Tiered Skirt with plenty of gathering – Sewing Instructions

Size: Length87.5cm

This time we are introducing how to make this summer’s trend, a tiered skirt.　As the word tiered represents, this skirt is designed with horizontally layered fabric transitions. The beautiful cotton lawn 60 fabric haze is from the yui series and comes with selvage on both ends. Depending on where you cut the fabric, you can appreciate different expression of this beautiful fabric where the sky and trees are blended into a scenery in a gradation of colors.

A tiered skirt will allow you to enjoy a stylish look with a simple white t-shirt, or you can create a mature set up by combining it with muted colors. Why not add a chic hand-made tiered skirt to your summer wardrobe? Comfortable to your skin, the cotton lawn is airy and cool, and better yet dries fast. It is a very practical skirt for the summer season!

Design & Work:Anriko

Fabric shown for this sample:　yui haze (EGXA-6106-1A)

Fabric shown for this sample:
□ Fabric: 84cm x 3m
□ Elastic tape: waist measurement (2.5cm wide)

Pictured below: The item on the upper left is a ribbon. It was made by roughly wrapping the remnants. Enjoy this additional element for your styling, like tying it around the waist.

We interviewed Anriko about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
The print fabric with selvage on both sides gives you the freedom to use the fabric fully. So I took advantage of it by making it into a full 3m circular tiered skirt.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
To utilize the darker tones on the ends, I undid the gradation effect somewhat and applied a border design. The darker tones are placed right around the waist. In addition to the petticoat, these darker colors allow you to wear the skirt without worrying about the underwear or inner wear from showing through.

KF: What are some tips for making this skirt?
The fun of using this fabric is that it creates a completely different look depending on which parts of the fabric you use. As for the shape, remember to use matchmarks for a simpler sewing of long gatherings.

KF: How should we incorporate this skirt into one’s styling?
Even with a cutesy looking tiered skirt, you could create a cool and trendy look of this season by combining it with items like a T-shirt, sports sandals and flip flops. Cotton lawn’s smooth texture will let you spend your summer refreshed and comfortable.

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

Continue reading →

Perfect for Everyday Use – Sewing Instructions for Shoulder Bag Frills

Size: 19cm (l) 40cm (w-opening side)

This mature yet cutesy casual shoulder bag is like a body bag, and it is accented with frills on the front. The toned combination of white and navy color generates a cool look despite the frills. echino’s new design field features an aligned sparkly small dot design that creates an interesting pattern like a cross between stripes or checks.

Design & Work:Yui Tamaki

Fabric shown for this sample:
(Outer fabric, Pocket, Frill, Shoulder Strap)
　　echino field（EKX-97030-32E）
(Lining fabric, Zipper tab fabric)
　　echino solid（JG-95410-10K）

Materials:
□ Fabric (Outer fabric, Pocket, Frill, Shoulder strap): 110cm wide×70cm
(Lining fabric, Zipper tab fabric): 110cm×30cm
□ Fusible interfacing (heavy weight) 90cmx25cm
□ Double slide zipper: One piece (length 40cm)
□ Tag: One piece

We interviewed Yui about her creation:

KF Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
I thought that the sparkly random dot pattern is cool yet cute!
The plaid is suitable for an everyday item, so I came up with a shoulder bag
with some similarities to the body bag.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
As the pattern and color tones are not too cutesy, it does not become sweet looking even with frills, making it perfect for everyday use.
The back side has a pocket instead of frills.
It is easy enough to add these elements as both fabrics can be sewn together
at the same time with the rest of the pieces.

KF: What are some tips for making this bag?
When attaching the zipper, baste it either on the front or
reverse side first to avoid any mistakes when you do the final sewing.

KF: How should we incorporate this bag into one’s styling?
With a wide shoulder strap and ample room to carry things,
it is convenient when you want your arms to be free
like a crossbody bag. Enjoy it casually.

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

Continue reading →

Furoshiki Tote

Have you ever noticed the　“MOST POPULAR POSTS“ ranking shown on the sidebar of this blog?

Ranked as the most visited item, the Furoshiki Tote is a very popular article that stays in the top ranking since its introduction of July 2016.

Designed by the tayutou artist, Ayumi Toda (fabricca uka), this uniquely shaped bag comes in a fantastic combination of solid and patterned fabrics.

Now in its fifth season with a brand-new design, we asked Toda to share her original creation of tayutou.

The combination of new patterns and solids,how stylish!

In addition to its cute shape,the most important element of this bag is the mixture of pattern and solid! Toda came up with a variety of combination ideas.
How lovely to just line up the designs!

With these ideas, why not try your own creation!
Click here for previous articles and sewing instructions.

Bucket Shaped Bag

Size: about 28cm (l) x 36cm (w) x 18cm (d)　　

A bucket shaped tote with a zipper top is a useful item for a quick outing and running errands. The Powerful Glitter series fabric features cheerful little birds in line. Incorporating different colors for the bag’s opening transition fabric and handle tape will definitely create a different look.

Design & Work: Kokka Fabric

Fabric shown for this sample:
LO-46000-2C

Materials:
□ A Fabric: 110cm wide x 40cm
□ B Fabric: 110cm wide x 50cm
□ Fusible interfacing: 100cm wide x 50cm
□ Zipper: 30cm x one piece
□ 4.5cm wide Flat tape x 60cm