A stuff sack is a bag used for grouping your luggage into smaller portions and organizing them according to purposes when going mountain climbing or camping. It is also a handy bag to have for your everyday outing as it can be used for neatly storing your stuff.
The featured fabric is designed by Paper Message, a popular store for original paper items. It is made of 100% cotton sheeting, an easy to sew fabric that is recommended for sewing beginners.
Design & Work: Satomi Takei
Fabric shown for this sample:
- (A・Panel) EGXA-8000-6A
- (B・Panel) EGXA-8000-8A
Materials:
- Fabric (Panel): A 48cm×27.5cm B 33cmx27.5cm (Bottom): A diameter 15cm B diameter 10cm
- Cord: 114cm (0.3cm diameter)
- Cord stopper(Two holes): Tow pieces
Size: 24cm (l) A 13cm B 8cm (Bottom diameter)
Purchase the Fabric
We interviewed Satomi about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
The pattern was so cheerful that it makes you want to go out with a piece made with this fabric. So I made it into a stuff sack that can help neatly organize items for your going out.
KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
The round bottom makes it possible to store things securely and gives it a clean form. Adding a cord stopper creates a design that looks even cleaner. The 15cm bottom diameter is large enough to hold a large stole, and the 10cm bottom diameter is large enough to hold a scarf, 500ml plastic bottle drinks or water bottle. Please make it in any size you like.
KF: What are some tips for making this bag?
Circular bottoms are often thought to be more difficult than sewing square bottoms, but don’t be too concerned about creating additional tucks and give it a try. You will get the hang of it after sewing it a few times. It is also a good idea to make the bottom of the bag with the same fabric as the main body, or use a different fabric as an accent.
KF: How should we incorporate this bag into everyday situations?
It is very convenient to have a bag to store your belongings in small portions, such as stoles, gloves, children’s clothes and toys that you take off when you are out and about. One of the best things about handmade bags is that you can make them according to the size of your items. Why not make your original stuff sack with various fabrics and sizes and enjoy your time out?!
KF: Thank you very much, Satomi! Here are sewing instructions along with step by step photos from her. Enjoy crafting!
Instructions
1. Cut the fabrics and prepare materials. Apply zigzag stitches on right and left sides of the body panel fabric.
2. With the front sides facing each other, fold the body panel in half and sew together, leaving 7cm unsewn at the top for a cord opening.
3. Press the seam open and iron the piece.
4. Mark the bottom fabric in four locations evenly. It is easier to do so if you fold the piece to crease as shown.
5. Also mark the body in four locations evenly and align with the bottom fabric. As with the bottom fabric, it is easier to fold the body piece first and crease for an easier process.
6. The seam allowance should be 7mm to 1cm. Please don’t be too concerned about creating tucks here and there. Align the fabric little by little as you sew. Apply zigzag stitches on the fabric edge.
7. Apply U-shaped stitches around the cord opening on the body.
8. Fold the top end by 1cm first, then by 1.5cm. Iron the fabric and sew at 1.3cm from the top edge.
9. All sewing is done.
10. Insert the cord and attach the cord stopper to finish! ※Skinnier bag has a bottom diameter of 10cm.
