Here’s a small pojagi bag – great for gifts or storing special things. The finished size is about 4 1/2″ x 6 1/2″, so it will hold larger things than the round bag.
This bag isn’t difficult, but it does involve a special folding technique, so be sure to follow the instructions closely.
For more small pojagi projects, check out this collection of tutorials.
Materials
Fabric
Traditionally hand-stitched pojagi is made with silk or ramie fabric. These fabrics are beautiful but can be difficult to find. Other fabrics can be used, but look for a natural fibre that can hold a crease easily.
The sample is stitched with lightweight linen fabric and lined with a matching quilting cotton.
Thread
Choose the thread to match the fabric you are using. The sample uses size 8 Perle cotton.
A contrasting colour is used. The stitching is visible and is part of the design.
Other supplies and tools
- needle
- Hera marker
- lightweight cardboard for templates
- 30″ piece of 1/4″ wide ribbon
Preparing the pieces
Make cardboard templates 7″ x 9-1/2″, 2-1/2″ x 4-1/2″ and 1-1/2″ square. Be sure to label the templates so that you can use them again in another project.
Trace the templates on the fabric with the hera marker and cut out 1/4″ away from the marked line. You will need one each of the large rectangles in the main fabric colour and nine small squares. You can copy the layout of the sample or make your own design.
Join the small squares into three rows using the lined pojagi seam method. Then join these rows to make a nine-patch piece.
Join the nine patch piece to the small rectangle.
Join this piece to the large rectangle.
Place this piece right sides together with quilting cotton. Pin the edges to keep from shifting, then sew around the edge, leaving a 3″ opening.
This can be stitched either by hand with a running stitch or by sewing machine.
Trim the seam allowance to 1/4″, then turn right side out and press.
Fold in half lengthwise, and sew the bottom edge with a pojagi seam.
Place right side down and press the bottom down so that the seam is in the centre.
Fold the right side down so that the edge lines up with the bottom piece. Make sure that the nine patch is on the side away from the bottom. It doesn’t matter if you fold right or left, just have the nine patch to the top.
Pin to hold in place, and then stitch with an overcast stitch.
When you get to the end of the bottom piece, continue along up the side of the bag.
At the end, knot the thread. It should look like the picture below.
Fold the top down to make a flap.
Using an awl or sharp needle, pierce a hole just to one side of the centre of the nine patch piece. Go through all layers.
Cut a length of ribbon about 20″ and thread it through the hole. Make another hole on the other side of the centre of the nine patch piece.
Thread the ribbon through the other hole and tie off. Trim the ends to length.
It’s done!
Be sure to #epidastudio when you share your projects on social media!
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Elizabeth DeCroos
Elizabeth DeCroos is the designer and teacher at Epida Studio. She loves to work in quilting, pojagi and embroidery and teach these techniques to others.
Learn more and get her to speak to your group.