Sewing a Japanese rice bag: A great sewing idea that is easy even for beginners. The pattern for the traditional Asian rice bag, also known as a Komebukuro, is available in four sizes!
The most important things at a glance
- The rice bag is sewn using only straight seams and is therefore especially recommended for beginners
- You can easily download the pattern for the rice bag in this post
- The Kyoto pattern is available in four different sizes
- Due to their roominess, Komebukuros are also very popular as gift packaging, as they are sewn quickly and can be sustainably reused after "unpacking"
- You can also excellently sew the rice bag from beautiful fabric scraps
Japanese rice bag: Sewing a Komebukuro is fun!
Komebukuros, Japanese rice bags, are popular storage options for food such as rice, dried beans, or spices. In the larger version, you can store yarn, blankets, or other textiles.
Traditionally, these square organizers with a drawstring are sewn from worn clothing, i.e., reused materials. This gives them a nice used look.
Very beautiful rice bags can also be made from fabric scraps.
As a base for this patchwork version, I really like using cotton batting* or Vilene soy batting*. Both are wonderful to work with and give the rice bag a nice used look without making it too stiff.
With this natural batting interlining, the rice bags also gain a pleasant feel, which I really like. By the way, both types of batting are also excellent as interlining for potholders, placemats, or cosmetic bags. It is worth always having a meter or so at home. :)
Instructions for this are included in the eBook.
The rice bag is sewn using only straight seams and is therefore especially recommended for beginners.
The drawstring with side openings ensures that the pretty bag always returns to its shape.
Due to their roominess, Komebukuros are also very popular as gift packaging: They are sewn quickly and can be sustainably reused after "unpacking". :)
What is special about Japanese-style bags?
Very typical for Japanese-inspired bags is the simple but sophisticated shape, paired with functionality.
The motto: "Form follows function" certainly applies to Japanese bags. Many of the patterns are based on simple squares, crosses, or rectangles, which are then cleverly folded and sewn.
And because the design comes with so much understatement, the fabric is allowed to take center stage in Japanese patterns.
Examples of this are my Japanese shopping bag, the Origami-style market bag, or the cute Oshin bag. And, not to forget, the enchanting Lotus bag!
Japanese bags are particularly suitable for beginners: they are sewn in a flash and still look very impressive.
What does the eBook for the Japanese rice bag contain?
- Patterns in 4 sizes to print out yourself (DIN A4)
- The patterns are included in the base dimensions of 10 cm, 15 cm, 20 cm, and 30 cm.
- Detailed illustrated sewing instructions
- Suitable for beginners
As a little surprise, I have hidden a haiku written specifically for the rice bag on each pattern. ;)
These fabrics are suitable for sewing the rice bag
- Cotton knit fabric* (e.g., Chambray fabrics* or Kokka fabrics*)
- Linen fabrics*
- Corduroy fabrics*
- Denim fabrics*
- Canvas*
- Decorative fabrics*
You can also sew beautiful rice bags out of Tyvek*.
Tyvek* is a sustainable, highly recyclable material that is sometimes also called paper fabric. If you sew the rice bags out of Tyvek, you don't need to reinforce the pattern pieces with interfacing.
If, like me, you love Kokka fabrics, I highly recommend checking out Etsy*. There is a huge selection of the most delicious and rarest Japanese fabrics there!
I hope I've made you want to conjure up one (or a few?) of these adorable rice bags. I think they are also perfect for storing cosmetics, sewing supplies, and odds and ends. And the fact that they are sewn so quickly makes them a perfect project for beginners or even for children.
Happy simple sewing, your Sabine
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