How to sew a Japanese Knot Bag #learntosew, by Baylin DIY on YouTube. 1 min 28 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 28 s
- Time to do it
- 1 hour
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Draw a rounded U shape on paper, about 10 inches wide and 12 inches tall, with a handle on each side. Make one handle 2 inches wide and 8 inches long, the other 4 inches long.
Fold the paper in half and cut along the line so both sides match. Pin the template to doubled fabric and cut two outer pieces and two lining pieces.
Place the two outer pieces right sides together. Pin all the way around and sew the whole edge with a 3/8 inch seam, backstitching at the handle ends.
Clip the curves and trim the corners so the bag turns cleanly. Press the seams open with a warm iron.
Sew the two lining pieces the same way, but leave a 3 inch gap in the bottom curve. Do not clip into the stitching.
Turn the outer bag right side out and drop it inside the lining, right sides facing. Match the handle seams and pin the two handle openings together.
Sew around both handle openings, joining the outer bag to the lining. Go slowly around the curves and pull the pins as you reach them.
Turn the bag through the gap in the lining, push the lining inside and press the handle edges flat.
Hand sew or machine sew the gap closed. Topstitch around both handles for a neat finish, then pull the long handle through the short one to close the bag.
Tips and common mistakes
Clip the seam allowance every half inch on tight curves so the fabric lies flat after turning.
Press after every sewing step, as a crisp seam makes the finished bag look shop bought.
Use a longer stitch length on thick fabrics and a fresh needle so the machine does not skip.
Keep your fingers back from the needle and cut fabric on a mat with sharp scissors.
Questions
How much fabric do I need for one bag?
Half a yard each of outer fabric and lining is plenty, and two fat quarters work too. Wash and press the fabric before cutting so the bag does not shrink later.
How long should the long handle be?
Long enough to pass through the short handle loop and hang comfortably on your wrist. Test with a scrap of fabric before you cut the real pieces.
Can I make the bag without a lining?
Yes, but the lining hides the seams and makes the bag sturdier. If you skip it, use French seams so the inside looks clean.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
