Modern Japanese Rice Pouch Pattern

DESIGNER: kzstevens
TYPE: Printed Pattern
FINISHED SIZE: Approximately 6" square x 7" tall [15.25 x 17.75 cm] (Measurements given for sizing up to 8” square.)
SKU: MJRP

KZStevens designed this modern take on the Japanese Komebukuro, a traditional pouch used in Japan to carry rice offerings to the temple during religious ceremonies, or to hold gifts destined for a close friend or relative. Komebukuro bags were hand sewn in a patchwork style (boro) using a mix of whatever fabrics were on hand, and usually closed with a cotton drawstring cord. This bag is a perfect project to use up all those extra scraps of fabric and add your own unique style. You can make it as simple or complex as you’d like., and it is fully reversible! This bag is the perfect size to carry around a knitting or small hand sewing project, or use it as a lunch tote!

Note: Jean's maker notes for this pattern can be found here: http://shop.stitchinpost.com/images/RicePouchMakerNotesFromJean.pdf

SUPPLIES: Requirements based on 44" wide fabric.
Recommended fabrics: medium weight linen or linen blend, quilting cotton or lightweight canvas.
• 1/4 yd [23 cm] Exterior fabric OR various scraps/remnants, enough to make up a 25” x 8” rectangle [63.5 cm x 20.3 cm]
• 1/4 yd [23 cm] Lining fabric
• (6) 3" x 4" [7.6 cm to 10 cm] fabric pieces for drawstring tabs
• Additional fabric for appliqué pieces
• 2 yds [2 m] cotton drawstring, or 1/4" [7 mm] cotton twill tape, or similar lightweight cording
• 1/2 yd [46 cm] fusible woven interfacing; Pellon SF101- 20" [50 cm] wide (*optional: this will make the pouch a bit more sturdy if you would like the bag to sit upright when open.

Additional supplies and tools: Rotary cutter and mat, acrylic quilting ruler, scissors, iron, sewing thread, removable marking tool, 6 strand DMC embroidery floss (or sashiko thread) in assorted colors, embroidery needle, pins, large safety pin