This simple bag has been used for centuries to carry rice from the market to the table.  You can learn to make one.  We will trace some traditional Sashiko patterns and embellish them with Sashiko stitching.  Then we will sew together the outside of the bag, the lining and the tabs to thread with rope handles. 

Materials

•  Quilting cotton or Japanese cotton 2 squares 8 ½” x 8 ½” for Sashiko stitching plus 3 squares 8” x 8” for the outside of the bag.

• Five 8” squares of fabric for lining, 4 3 ½” x  5” fabric pieces for the top tabs to hold the cording

• 5 pieces cut to 7 ½” x 7 ½” light fusible interfacing.  Pellon SF101 Shape-Flex Iron On woven cotton interfacing is recommended.

• Sashiko thread in a color that will contrast to your fabrics

• Sashiko needles in assorted sizes.  I highly recommend the Tulip Sashiko Needles Big Eye Straight Thin Size brand available.

• Regular old no. 2 pencil, chalk pencil, or silver pencil to mark on fabric.  Make sure the pencil will be visible on your fabric.  I recommend a Clover White Marking Pen for dark fabrics.  

• I recommend an 8 ½” x 8 ½” quilters ruler but a larger one will work.

• 2 yards of ¼” thick cording cut in half

• This bag can be finished either by hand or by machine.  If you chose machine, please bring your machine and bobbins ready to use for this session.  If you are sewing by hand you will need a sewing needle and sewing thread in a neutral color along with pins and pincushion. 

  Recommended but not required:

• Clover Embroidery Needle Threader (if you need help threading a needle)

• Thread Magic thread conditioner

• Sashiko palm thimble (I will teach you how to use it)