KANTHA JAPANESE KNOT BAG
materials: 3/4 yd each of: *fabric for outside of bag (which may be completely covered with patches or not) Shot Cotton, Woven Stripes or Printed fabric. Your choice. *inner bag fabric which should be a loose weave like Shot Cotton. It will not be visible when the bag is completed so this can be any color *bag lining fabric which will be visible when completed. A printed fabric works well. * scraps of fabrics to stitch to the outside plus *light weight cotton batting that is at least 30" x 30" assorted 12 or 8 weight threads #7 darner or Sashiko or chenille needle handful of safety pins fabric glue stick fabric scissors
how to: Make a paper pattern of the bag. Layer the outside fabric, the batting, and the inner fabric together. Using the paper pattern rotary cut through the three layers for one side of the bag and REVERSE the pattern to cut out the other side of the bag. Pin or thread baste throughout.
This sketch will give you the dimensions of the pattern. Draw this on paper to make a sewing pattern.
Part 2 Corona Stitchalong Japanese Knot Bag
Here are the threads and needles I prefer. They are Aurifil 12 weight Kantha thread, Eleganza 12 or 8 weight thread, DMC Embroidery Floss, and Valdani 12 or 8 weight. My favorite for the 12 weight threads is the Bohin #7 darning needle. My favorite for thicker thread is Clover #24 Chenille. Of course you can use any thread and needle combo you prefer. As long as you can push and pull the needle and thread through the three layers easily, you will do fine.
You can layer on patches, finished or raw edge (your choice) and you can leave space between the patches so your background will show or you can overlap the patches. The choice is yours. If you decide to cover the whole base, go beyond the outside edge a bit. I use a dab of fabric glue to hold the patches as I stitch but pins work fine, too. If this is too vague, it is because there are so many ways to go. There really are no rules. Once you have placed your patches, you will be ready to stitch. That will be Part 3
Here are needles and threads I prefer. I like to use the Bohin #7 Darners with the 12 weight Aurifil, 12 weight Eleganza and 12 weight Valdani threads. For the 8 weigh threads, pearl cottons and embroidery thread, the #24 chenille needle works well.
Starting to make a Dotty Bag