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Simply sophisticated: sewing a Japanese Oshin bag

17.03.2019 by Sabine Schmidt

Einfach raffiniert: Japanischen Oshin Beutel nähen

Sewing a Japanese Oshin pouch: A quick sewing idea that is also great for using up fabric scraps. The cute drawstring pouches are a fantastic project for sewing beginners!

The most important things at a glance

  • In this tutorial, I will show you how to sew such a cute origami pouch yourself
  • The sewing and folding technique I use here is called Oshin
  • The illustrated guide for this beautiful Oshin pouch is also great for sewing beginners
  • You can also use the Oshin pouch wonderfully as a gift wrap

Since my Japanese bag is one of the most popular bag tutorials here on SewSimple, I thought to myself: I'll show you a few more beautiful pouches in the Japanese style.

For example, my dreamy Kyoto rice bag, a traditional Komebukuro:

Sewing a Japanese Oshin pouch

Japanese textile artists really know their stuff: sewing sophisticated little pouches with very simple means and few materials. I especially like the chic origami style!

In this tutorial, I will show you how to sew such a cute origami pouch yourself.

The sewing and folding technique is called Oshin.

Sewing a Japanese Oshin pouch

Supplies needed to sew the Japanese Oshin pouch

For the Oshin pouch, it is best to use fabrics where the direction of the pattern does not matter.

Frequently asked questions

Is the tutorial for the Oshin pouch also suitable for beginners?

Yes, definitely. With my detailed illustrated instructions, even beginners will succeed in making this cute pouch in no time.

What material can be used to sew the Oshin pouch?

Non-stretch woven cotton fabrics are best for sewing the origami-style pouch.

Do I need a sewing pattern to sew the beautiful pouch?

The Oshin pouch is sewn without a paper pattern. You need 40 x 40 cm cuts of cotton fabric, which are folded and sewn in the origami style.

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Step-by-step instructions

Tutorial: sew a Japanese Oshin bag

The Oshin bag is sewn without a pattern from two 40×40 cm fabric squares — a clever origami folding technique. Use fabrics where the direction of the print doesn't matter.

  1. Step

    Iron on the interfacing

    Iron the interfacing onto the back of one of the fabric pieces.

    Iron on the interfacing
  2. Step

    Pin the pieces together and mark the turning gap

    Place the fabric pieces right sides together and pin the edges flush.

    Mark a turning gap of approx. 10 centimetres. This stays open during the following seam.

    Pin the pieces together and mark the turning gap
  3. Step

    Sew all four edges

    Close all four edges with a straight stitch, sewing a presser foot's width from the edge. Leave the turning gap open.

    Trim the seam allowances diagonally at all four corners.

    Sew all four edges
  4. Step

    Turn and shape the edges

    Turn the bag piece right side out through the turning gap.

    Shape the seams and corners well and press the edges.

    Press the seam allowances of the turning gap neatly inwards.

    Turn and shape the edges
  5. Step

    Edgestitch all around

    Then edgestitch all around.

    Edgestitch all around
  6. Step

    Start the folding technique

    Lay the piece with the lining side facing up.

    Fold two sides inwards as shown in the picture. The inner corner sits exactly in the fold of the outer corner lying on top.

    Fold the two side corners inwards as well. All edges should meet precisely but not overlap.

    Start the folding technique
  7. Step

    Draw the casing markings

    Mark the centre of the top corner.

    Then draw a line 2 cm to the right and to the left of the centre marking.

    Draw the casing markings
  8. Step

    Sew the casing lines and fold the bag

    Sew along the two outer lines with a straight stitch.

    Then fold the two short sides towards each other.

    Pin them together flush.

    Sew the casing lines and fold the bag
  9. Step

    Sew the side edges together

    Sew the side edges from the fold to the corner with a straight stitch.

    Because of the many fabric layers, it may help to use the black button on your presser foot to keep the raised presser foot level.

    Sew the side edges together
  10. Step

    Open the corners and box them

    Now open the corners by placing the seam in the middle of the corner.

    Repeat this step for the second corner of the bag.

    Sew across the corner with a straight stitch. The presser foot sits right next to the bulge of the corner. Repeat this on the second side as well.

    Open the corners and box them
  11. Step

    Turn the bag

    Turn the bag right side out and shape the seams nicely.

    Turn the bag
  12. Step

    Sew the drawstring casing

    Mark a line for the casing 2 cm from the bag opening.

    Sew the casing along the line with a straight stitch.

    Repeat this step on the other side of the bag.

    Sew the drawstring casing
  13. Step

    Thread and knot the cords

    Thread a cord in from each side and knot it.

    Done!

    Thread and knot the cords

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About the author

Sabine

I come from Siegen-Wittgenstein, where I spent my childhood breaking in cows, jumping off haystacks and scraping a D- in needlework class.

Today, being creative feels like indescribable happiness to me – and it grows even more when I can share it with others. Since 2016 I have been celebrating my passion for sewing on this blog, and I love that sewing connects so many people.