How to Make a Fabric Knot Bag
Once you’ve created your pattern and cut your fabrics, this handmade fabric pouch comes together in a snap!
Supplies Needed
Paper (to create the template)PencilScissorsQuilter’s pins½ yard print A (bag)¾ yard print B (lining)18 x 44-inch thin quilt batting or crafts fleeceSewing machineThreadIronIroning board
Finished Reusable Bag Tips
To make a template of our Japanese knot bag pattern, trace it onto a large sheet of paper and cut it out. Transfer the clips and dots onto the pattern, then to the fabric pieces. Yardages and cutting instructions are based on 42 inches of usable fabric width. Bag measurements include ¼-inch seam allowances. When making your bag, sew with right sides together unless otherwise stated. The finished knot bag will be approximately 13 x 18 inches.
Step-by-Step Directions
With just a few materials and these how-to instructions, you can create your own Japanese knot bag. You should be able to complete this easy sewing project in about an hour.
Step 1: Cut Your Fabrics
Cut the following fabric pieces to create your reusable tote bag.
From print A, cut: 1 each of Bag Pattern and Bag Pattern reversedFrom print B, cut: 1 each of Bag Pattern and Bag Pattern reversed 2 6½ x 15-inch rectanglesFrom batting, cut: 2 of Bag Pattern
Step 2: Layer Fabrics
Layer a batting bag piece on the wrong side of each A print bag piece. Machine-baste a scant ¼-inch from the edges to make the bag’s front and back (Diagram 1).
Step 3: Form Inner Pockets
Fold a B print 6½ x 15-inch rectangle in half lengthwise to make a 3¼ x 15-inch rectangle. Sew together along three open edges, leaving a 3 inch opening for turning in the bottom edge (Diagram 2). Turn right side out through the opening. Use an iron to press, turning under raw edges of the opening, to make a pocket. Repeat to make a second pocket.
Step 4: Stitch Pockets
Position a pocket on the right side of each B print bag piece at the widest part and pin it in place. Referring to Diagram 3, topstitch the bottom edge of each pocket, then stitch two lines 5 inches apart to divide each pocket into compartments. Use scissors ($10, Walmart) to trim pocket side edges along the curve of the bag piece; baste a scant ¼-inch from edges to make lining front and back.
Step 5: Stitch Bag Seams
With right sides together, sew together the bag front and back from clip to clip along the side and bottom edges (Diagram 4). Clip into seam allowance where marked. Turn bag right side out and press flat.
Step 6: Sew Lining
Repeat step five to sew together lining front and back, leaving an opening for turning between the dots in the bottom seam (Diagram 5). Do not turn right side out.
Step 7: Sew Body and Lining Together
Insert bag body into the lining (they will be right sides together). Sew together bag body and lining along inside and outside edges, beginning and ending 2 inches from top edges (Diagram 6). Pull bag and lining through the opening in lining bottom. Hand-stitch opening closed. Push bag into the lining so the bag is wrong side out.
Step 8: Sew Handles
On the lining, carefully press under ¼-inch on the handle upper edges. Keeping the lining out of the way, pin together the long handle ends of the bag body; stitch with ½-inch seam allowance (Diagram 7). Repeat to join the bag body short handle ends.
Step 9: Sew Handles
Turn in remaining raw edges of handles on bag body and lining handle (the lining handle ends should overlap each other); pin in place. Turn right side out. Topstitch around all edges to secure the handle ends and complete the bag.
