Japanese Knot bag Instructions « Show Your Workings

Japanese Knot bag Instructions

Tutorial One: Japanese Knot bag

(fully reversible) The Pdf files for the pattern pieces are below the images. To folks who cannot open the pdfs – you need to have acrobat reader or similar to open the files, even if I emailed them to you you still wouldn’t be able open them. you can download acrobat reader for free here: http://www.pdf-deluxe.com/The bag is designed to be cut out of 2 Fat Quarters, you may want to use interfacing between the layers but I have made lots of bags without. The instructions are below the first image, images for each step will be posted the next time I make a bag. This is my first tut, so I hope you can follow it happy sewing! Not for commercial use, thanks.

knotbaginstructions1

Instructions:

Step 1

Print out the pdf files, Tape together Piece 1 and Piece 2. This creates your main pattern piece. Cut around the main pattern piece and the base pattern piece. You now have 2 pattern pieces ready to go.

Step two

Choose the fabric for the outside of the bag, pin on the pattern and cut. Repeat for the inner fabric/lining and interfacing (interfacing is not necessary if you don’t want to use it).
You need to cut 2 pieces of outer fabric and two pieces of lining from the main pattern piece. You need 1 piece of each fabric for the base. If you want a very firm base you can either put in interfacing or cardboard.

Step three

Take the 2 main pattern pieces of outer fabric and place them together right sides facing. Mark with chalk or pencil on the fabric at the point of the join in the paper pattern. This is the point you will sew to on the side seams, sew from the bottom up to the marked point on each side. Repeat for the lining.

Step four

Take your base pieces, you may want to contrast the base by swapping around the lining and outer fabric. Pin the base to main body and sew around, repeat for lining. You should now have two pieces that look like bags without the handles joined.

Step five

Slip the outer fabric bag into the lining with the right sides facing, sew the outer fabric and the lining together along the sides of the handles, leave the tops of the handles unsewn. Turn the bag right-side out through the top of one handle.

Step six

right sides together, sew the tops of the handle together for the lining only on each handle. Press the bag and the tops of handle of the outer fabric ready to finish. Hand stitch to close.

Enjoy!

79 Comments »

79 Responses

on June 1, 2008 at 7:28 pm | Reply crazypatch

So cute this little bag.
on June 11, 2008 at 9:09 pm | Reply Dora Zora

hey, that is really lovely, thank you.
I will make one soon. I wish I could get such nice fabrics, but it is difficult to get japanese fabrics in germany.
on June 12, 2008 at 1:07 am | Reply me

wonderful little bag – I think I found me a weekend diversion
on June 12, 2008 at 1:49 am | Reply A Crafty Lawyer

Thanks for the tutorial — I’m thinking that these would make great little project bags for my knitting (and great gifts for my knitting friends). I’m looking forward to making one.
on June 12, 2008 at 5:37 am | Reply Nancy

Helen–this is beautiful! It would make a lovely evening bag–I can’t wait to make this one. Beautiful blog, too!
on June 12, 2008 at 10:45 am | Reply Cathy Lichtman

I can’t find the pdf files. I’d love to try this. thanks, cathy
on June 12, 2008 at 10:54 am | Reply littlegemsession

Hi Cathy
Directly under the picture of the knot bag on the main tutorial page there are three links saying:

Knot Bag pdf 1

knotbag2.pdf

knotbag3.pdf

Happy sewing,
Best wishes
Helen
on June 12, 2008 at 11:02 am | Reply littlegemsession

PS A friend has revised the pdfs so they are now all in one above the first picture of this post Thanks Meghan!
on June 15, 2008 at 5:34 pm | Reply Japanese Knot Bag « my half of the brain

[...] Post: Japanese Knot Bag [...]
on June 19, 2008 at 1:43 am | Reply melissa

I bought a sunny yellow leather skirt at a thrift store this spring for $1. Now I know what I’m going to do with it. LOVE this. Thanks so much for posting it!
on July 9, 2008 at 7:48 am | Reply veryclovery

Hi I would like to try making this bag but I can’t seem to open the file. Would it be possible for you to mail the pdf to me?
on July 24, 2008 at 4:21 am | Reply Kristi

Hi,
I would love to make one of these little bags. Could you send the files through an email. I can’t get the pdfs on the blog to open.
Thank you,
Kristi
on July 27, 2008 at 4:07 am | Reply Judy

This bag is wonderful! I’m going to try it. Love your fabric! HUGS
on August 5, 2008 at 6:02 am | Reply Catherine

I have made one of these bags and it is great. Thank you. The only question I have is about the interfacing. I have never worked with it before, but with the cotton material I am using, I need it to give the bag some structure. When do I sew in the interfacing. Does it just sit inside the bag or do I sew it onto the fabric??? So many questions!!

Thanks again for the pattern and for your help.

Catherine
on August 5, 2008 at 8:31 am | Reply littlegemsession

Hi Catherine I usually use iron on interfacing. You can iron it onto the fabric before you cut it then carry on as usual. Happy sewing
on August 21, 2008 at 10:29 am | Reply quiltingcindy

I made this bag for the first time today and I know I will be making lots more for gifts. Thanks for sharing
on August 21, 2008 at 11:13 pm | Reply Fabric and a new bag « Quiltingcindy’s Weblog

[...] tutorial for the Japanese Knot bag has real easy instructions. Of course, DD snatched this bag up before I had all the threads clipped [...]
on August 28, 2008 at 6:12 am | Reply Amy

I am in the midst of making this bag right now, and like Katie on the previous page, I am wondering what seam allowance you use (I use 3/8″ and the handles are awfully small). Or are you supposed to cut out the bag with the pieces being the finished size, and cut extra around the outside for the seam allowance?

Otherwise, I really like this bag and plan on finishing it tonight, and I anticipate I will make many more! Thanks!
on August 28, 2008 at 10:11 am | Reply littlegemsession

Hi Amy, the seam allowance is about 5mm. The pattern includes this. Have fun
on August 31, 2008 at 4:44 am | Reply Art56

Lovely looking bag, I’m also having trouble opening the pdfs (shown as unavaliable), is it possible for you to e-mail them to me?
Thank you so much! A
on September 1, 2008 at 9:06 am | Reply ninifee

Hi – what a wonderful idea to make – I would like to try making this bag but I can’t seem to open the file. Would it be possible for you to mail the pdf to me?

Greetings from Bavaria – Germany
ninifee
on September 3, 2008 at 9:37 am | Reply sewalot

Fantastic! Can’t believe my luck finding you! You are a real inspiration and that bag is really cute – gotta make me one of them! Thanks so much. xxx
on September 8, 2008 at 11:59 am | Reply lilybrown

hi, i would like to make this lovely bag but it seems there´s a problem with the link of de pdf…could you please send me the files to my mail. thanks
on September 9, 2008 at 6:25 pm | Reply Ruth Tarragano

Hi, these are great bags! makes me want to have one…

I cannot see the pdf, how can I get it?

Great day!
on September 12, 2008 at 11:13 am | Reply Marti

I can’t seem to get the pcfs to work either!
on September 17, 2008 at 5:53 pm | Reply Anonymous

Japanese Knot Bag…

Anleitung hier …
on September 18, 2008 at 8:47 am | Reply Laura

me gusto mucho!!!
Lau
on September 20, 2008 at 3:06 am | Reply Vicki

I would love to have a copy of this pattern for some gifts for my quilting friends. We have a quilt show next weekend and we always bring each other gifts and this would be perfect! Thank you soooooooo much, Vicki
on September 22, 2008 at 10:56 am | Reply Tony

I would like to make this great bad, but………. the pdf link
is not working. Please send me the pdf file
Thank you
on September 22, 2008 at 10:57 am | Reply Tony

I would like to make this great bag, but………. the pdf link
is not working. Please send me the pdf file
Thank you
on September 22, 2008 at 6:20 pm | Reply Random Monday « Knitting in Pink

[...] tried a new free pattern I found over at Show Your Workings. It is a pattern for the Japanese knot bag. I ended up sewing up two bags because I wasn’t [...]
on September 24, 2008 at 5:49 am | Reply noakeane

Thank you for tutorial. I insert your site on my blog. See you soon.
on September 28, 2008 at 8:58 pm | Reply Philippa Elvy

This is exactly what I need for four bridesmaids’ bags. I had an evening bag like it made from rabbit skin in the 1960’s in Christchurch NZ but no longer have it. Could you email me the pattern as, like all the above fans, I find the pdf won’t open.
Philippa
on September 29, 2008 at 7:49 am | Reply littlegemsession

To folks who cannot open the pdfs – you need to have acrobat reader or similar to open the files, even if I emailed them to you you still wouldn’t be able open them. you can download acrobat reader for free here: http://www.pdf-deluxe.com/
on October 6, 2008 at 12:02 pm | Reply Tunie Moreno

Many thanks for your terrific pattern. I’m going to make some as gifts for my sock-knitting friends after I make a few for myself.
on October 18, 2008 at 12:11 am | Reply Patchwork-Taschen | Kostenlose-Schnittmuster.de

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on October 18, 2008 at 2:08 am | Reply Henkel-Taschen - Linkliste | Kostenlose-Schnittmuster.de

[...] Japanische Knotentasche [...]
on October 30, 2008 at 2:37 am | Reply ~denise

THANK YOU for sharing… gonna be making some of these for christmas this year! thank you
on October 30, 2008 at 10:42 pm | Reply Debbie

What a gorgeous little bag! I’ve been trying to locate the pdfs for ages now and they just don’t seem to be there. When I click on the link it just sends me to the instructions. I know it’s a pain but please would you email them to me?
on October 31, 2008 at 1:06 pm | Reply littlegemsession

Debbie, they are in the same pdf, have you tried scrolling to the bottom?
on December 5, 2008 at 6:50 pm | Reply melanie

wow i just found this. I am definately giving a go. Would make a great bag for when walking the dogs
on January 5, 2009 at 7:28 pm | Reply thelongthread.com · Top 100 Tutorials of 2008

[...] Headband, Blue Bird Studio Felted Wool Bag, JCasa Handmade Reversible Shoulder Bag, Lula Louise Japanese Knot Bag, Show Your Workings Camera Case, Pink Penguin Tea Towel Apron, My Spare Time Doily Produce Bag, [...]
on January 7, 2009 at 1:10 am | Reply Os 100 melhores tutoriais de 2008 « vidabuscavida

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on January 7, 2009 at 8:08 pm | Reply Tutorial Tuesday — Baby Crafts | Mommy Misadventures

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on January 21, 2009 at 2:29 am | Reply Elaborarte: TOP 100 DO ARTESANATO « captain’s chairs for 1998 ford ranger

[...] Headband, Blue Bird StudioFelted Wool Bag, JCasa HandmadeReversible Shoulder Bag, Lula LouiseJapanese Knot Bag, Show Your WorkingsCamera Case, Pink PenguinTea Towel Apron, My Spare TimeDoily Produce Bag, [...]
on February 3, 2009 at 12:46 pm | Reply julie

i’ve got that same necklace! i usually wear it as a headband, and now it’s starting to get loose.
on February 4, 2009 at 3:11 am | Reply paige

My neighbor is Japanese, and I’m always looking for things to give her. This is perfect!
P~
on February 20, 2009 at 12:24 pm | Reply Kesha Thomas » Time well spent.

[...] have spent most of Cohen’s nap time creating this ADORABLE japanese knot bag from this tutorial. I like to browse online for sewing tutorials and I couldn’t resisit this. It screamed the [...]
on March 17, 2009 at 12:58 pm | Reply marie in florida

i got here from a group on the Ravelry website; Sew Obsessed. someone mentioned how cute the japanese knot bag is and it Really is. thanks. when i’ve made one, probably later tonight, i’ll post pix

thanks

marie in florida
on March 18, 2009 at 2:47 am | Reply marie in florida

it took an hour and 40 minutes start to finish; keep in mind some of that time was choosing fabric, i.e. the hardest part….LOL
on March 19, 2009 at 10:28 am | Reply Chi

hi helen,

love the tutorial – i attempted it as my first bag!

http://chidesigns.blogspot.com/2009/03/my-first-bag.html
on March 20, 2009 at 9:01 pm | Reply knittering » Handmade Favor Bag Factory Crafty Artist with a Bookworm infested Garden

[...] recipe soon. ^_^ And I still have quite a lot of this fabric for stash. I might try and make some Japanese knot bags with it. Stay [...]
on April 1, 2009 at 12:39 am | Reply Charmaine

Wonderful pattern, and thanks so much for sharing! Now my sister is pestering me to make her one…an excuse to go fabric shopping and also to make one for myself? ;p Love it!
on April 5, 2009 at 2:34 pm | Reply Cheryl

The bag looks great, I am about to make one of my own.
I’m sitting at the machine with it all cut out and realise that the instructions don’t include what seam allowance is allowed for. When I scrolled through the comments I noticed a reply made to a comment where you said about 5 mm. I think that you should add this measurement into the main instructions for ease of use.
on April 5, 2009 at 8:05 pm | Reply Tingting

Hello,

thank you so much for this pattern. I shall sew it as a birthday present and put a nice soap and scented candles inside.

Should seem allowences be added to your pattern, or are they already added ?

Tingting
on April 10, 2009 at 1:51 am | Reply Cheryl

I made up the bag a few days ago and immediately took it over to show off to my Mother. She asked if I could make her one too. As has my 17 year old daughter. They want them for next Tuesday. Everyone else I’ve shown love the bag. I’m adding a shot to my blog if you would like to take a look.

One absolutely fantastic feature of the bag is the fact that they seem to be very pickpocket proof when the handles are knotted and it’s on the wrist.

My one has been used every day since making it to hold my sock knitting, the ball of yarn fits in nicely but the needles are a fraction too long, I’ll be adding an extra couple of cm length to the next bag.
Thank you for the pattern.
on April 20, 2009 at 3:10 am | Reply jennifer13

Thanks for the tutorial for this lovely bag. I have made one for my mom and am just about finished with a second one for a friend. Love the idea to make one as a needlework bag.
on April 26, 2009 at 6:08 pm | Reply Chelsea

I love this bag but I don’t understand step 5. could you add a picture I’m terrible with written instructions
on May 1, 2009 at 9:47 am | Reply Manasi

Love the pattern & colors! So nifty!
on May 1, 2009 at 12:13 pm | Reply littlegemsession

Sorry Chelsea I don’t have time to do that this year but some of the people in this comments list have links to pictures you might like to have a look at those.
on May 4, 2009 at 2:57 am | Reply devotedabbler

I am using this as a small diaper bag for my toddler. Works great and very fuctional since it is hand and shoulder free just straped to my wrist. I did up the size about 1 inch all around and add a small pocket due to my needs. THANKS!!
on May 9, 2009 at 12:30 am | Reply One Crafty Place » Your Favorite Tutorials

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on May 9, 2009 at 5:50 pm | Reply Jonah Lisa

I’m making one (or two) of these immediately! And once I’ve got it down, I also plan to make a bigger version as a beach tote. Perfect style for that, I think!
on May 10, 2009 at 1:01 pm | Reply Gloria

I would love to do the bag but my browser is showing me 2 red “X”’s which it does once in awhile. Could someone please send me the pdf files. I have acrobat reader so that isn’t my problem – I can’t see the pdf files.

Thank you,
Gloria
- on September 22, 2009 at 8:40 pm | Reply Christine
  
  http://showyourworkings.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/knotbaginstructions1.pdf
on May 13, 2009 at 12:17 pm | Reply Jenny

Thank you for your tutorial. Made one for a mother’s day gift. Plan to make many more. Can’t afford to buy patterns at this point, so especially thrilled to find this free wonderful design.

Jenny
on May 31, 2009 at 8:02 am | Reply Cyseel

Me encanto! muy original. En mi caso particular lo voy hacer mas grande y lo voy a usar como bolso para las compras de todos los dias!! Gracias!
on June 19, 2009 at 4:04 am | Reply DIYBagLover

Hi there!

i have link ur tutorial in http://diybaglover.blogspot.com/.

Hope u dont mind =)
on June 25, 2009 at 12:12 am | Reply Kijk?? sokken ~ Look??? socks…. « handige handen

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on June 26, 2009 at 6:25 am | Reply becky

Darn… I now wish I took home Ec in High school!
I see wonderful ideas…and I cannot sew a stitch!
on July 20, 2009 at 11:23 pm | Reply Marianne

How cute! Thanks for taking the time to share this!
Marianne
on August 16, 2009 at 2:58 pm | Reply Sally

I made this and it is lovely. I found round, 6 inch, plactic canvas that fits into the bottom of the bag perfect at Joann’s Fabric. This really makes the bottom stiff. My granddaughter will love this bag. I’m making myself one next.
on August 28, 2009 at 7:37 pm | Reply Katarina

Tack så mycket för ett genialt mönster.
Helt underbart!
on September 6, 2009 at 8:23 am | Reply Maria

Thank’s for sharing the pattern. I’ve made 3 bags now.

I think they look better if i fold the shorter handle and then pull the longer through. It’s a little bit more safe also.

Thank you so much.
Maria
on September 10, 2009 at 4:33 am | Reply amyloux

Thanks for the tutorial. I made one of these for a Christmas present….yes, I’m starting early so I can get all my gifts finished!
You can check out the finished item here if you like:
http://amyloux.wordpress.com/2009/09/08/cads-japanese-knot-bag/
on September 20, 2009 at 3:02 pm | Reply Rebecca

Thanks for your gorgeous pattern, I love that you have written on it instead of typing it out, makes it even more homemade! I can’t wait to try it out.
on November 9, 2009 at 1:36 pm | Reply Very Terry

This looks fantastic – can’t wait to try it. I think I’ll try using a junk CD for a sturdy base. Thanks! )
on November 11, 2009 at 6:50 pm | Reply Kevin

just finished my fist sewing project ever! it turned out pretty well. I was thinking I needed practice anyways, so not to waste good material on my first attempt I just cut up a pair of my old army fatigues. I also thought that if I was going to be making this for my girl that it needed an exterior cellphone pocket, so I just used part of the pant leg with the cargo pocket which meant I had to make the bag longer. Basically I have a tactical purse now…unfortunately the cargo pocket on the side doesn’t function well with the bag closed. For my first try I learned a lot!