KANTHA JAPANESE KNOT BAG
materials: 3/4 yd each of: *fabric for outside of bag (which may be completely covered with patches or not) *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. * 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
cutting: 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. Using the paper pattern, cut one piece of the lining fabric and another using the reverse paper pattern of the lining fabric. Set it aside
Kantha stitching: Layer patches on the outside of the bag. Remove the safety pins as you go except for the outside edges. You can leave spaces between the patches if you want the outside fabric to show or you can layer patches to completely cover. If you wish to completely cover, be sure to overlap the patches at least 1/8". Overlap the outside edges of the bag. Pin baste or thread baste or use dabs from a glue stick to hold patches in place. Using your preferred needle and thread, make a small knot at the end of the thread and bring needle up through the back. It will not show when the bag is finished. Kantha is a running stitch that is bold and meant to show so don't be dainty with your stitches! Change colors as you wish. Stitch up to about a 1/4" from all outside edges.
When done with a thread, poke the needle into the batting and run it about an inch through the batting and out to the back side. When stitching is completed for the front and back , trim the outside edge. If the stitching has shrunk the pieces a bit, clean up the edges and then cut the lining fabrics to match the size.
assembling the bag: With right sides together, using a 1/4" seam sew from here to here, taking a back stitch at both ends.
Turn right side out and press. Do the same for the lining, only this time leave a 3' -4" opening at the bottom and do not turn right side out. Put the main bag inside the lining. With right sides together, line up and pin. Sew all edges together except the opening at the bottom and within 2" of the top of both handles and across the handle tops. Reach in and pull the outside bag through the opening. Stitch the bottom opening closed. Tuck the bag into the lining so the bag is now lining side out. Trim back the batting 1/4" from the top of both handles. Finger press under 1/4" of the lining on the top of both handles and stitch, being very careful not to catch the batting or front with your needle. Turn raw edges of the bag and lining along the handles and stitch together. Turn bag right side out. Optional: machine top stitch along the handles and on the inside curve.This sketch will give you the dimensions of the pattern. Draw this on paper to make a sewing pattern.