When going out, a small bag with a zipper top becomes handy for simply storing a wallet and smart phone or for carrying something extra when needed. Using echino’s light and soft cotton linen seething embroidery fabric, this bag can be easily folded and taken as a sub bag. Also featured for the handle is echino’s solid gray with stitches applied in the same color of the embroidery.
Design & Work: Yoko Kubodera
Fabric shown for this sample:
- (Outer fabric)echino EKX-91010-10c
- (Lining fabric, Handle, Inner Pocket, Zipper end fabric) echino JG-95410-10K
Materials:
- Fabric (Outer fabric): 97cm wide×70cm
(Lining fabric, Handle, Inner pocket, Zipper end fabric): 105cm×90cm - Fusible interfacing (medium weight): 95cm x 60cm
- Flat knit zipper: One piece (32cm long)
- O Ring: One piece (1.0cm diameter)
- Grosgrain ribbon: 45cm (0.7cm wide)
Size: about 33cm (l) 30cm (bottom length) 20cm (bottom width)
We interviewed Yoko about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
The design looks as if the birds are carrying the flags. It has an airy feel, making it also suitable for clothing. In order to maintain the texture of the fabric, a medium weight interfacing is applied.
KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
It is a lightweight bag with a flat knit zipper, so it can be folded as a sub bag. The wider handle is intentional. Even with many items in the bag, the wide handle will not hurt your hands.
KF: What are some tips for making this bag?
Please be mindful of the directions of the patterns and cut the fabric in the same direction. When turning over the end fabrics on the zipper through the opening, use a stiletto for a clean finish. The length of the handle can be adjusted to your taste. If you want to carry this like a shoulder bag, please cut longer pieces for the handle.
KF: How should we incorporate this bag into one’s styling?
This bag will be useful as a secondary accompaniment, rather than as a statement piece. With a zipper top, contents can stay inside even when placed on the luggage shelf in a train. I highly recommend making this bag. You will definitely find it handy.
KF: Thank you very much, Yoko! Here are sewing instructions along with step by step photos from her. Enjoy crafting!
Instructions
1. Cut outer fabrics, lining fabrics and interfacing. Adjust the length of the zipper to 32cm.
2. Attach the small fabric on both ends of the zipper.
3. Fold and baste the tuck of outer fabric and lining fabric.
4. Attach a handle.
5. Piece together the opening fabric and bag panel.
6. Press the seam down to the bag panel side and apply stitches.
7. Make the inner pocket.
8. Baste the inner pocket to the opening fabric.
9. Piece together the opening lining fabric and bag panel lining fabric.
10. Baste the zipper to the outer fabric.
11. With the front sides facing each other, sew together the lining fabrics with the zipper opening.
12. The zipper is attached.
13. Sew the sides (leave an opening for turning on one side)
14. Sew the bottom on both outer and lining fabrics.
15. The bottom is attached. Put the grosgrain ribbon on the zipper pull to finish the process.
