Patchwork & Sashiko: Make a Japanese Drawstring Pouch

From Scraps to Something Beautiful

Do you have a growing collection of fabric scraps that are too beautiful to throw away? This three-session workshop is the perfect way to learn how to put them to use — turning your favorite fabrics into something beautiful you can give as a gift or use everyday. You'll create your own komebukuro — a traditional Japanese drawstring pouch, historically used to carry rice, beans, or seeds to shrines and temples — using a patchwork design that you compose as you go.

In this class series, you will get to select from a selection of vintage and new Japanese fabrics to create a patchwork exterior. You can also bring your own fabric scraps to incorporate in the design as patches — making each pouch truly one of a kind. You will also learn how to add sashiko stitching to the exterior, a traditional Japanese hand-embroidery technique using simple running stitches to create beautiful geometric patterns.

This pouch requires no sewing pattern and has a simple construction. Once you learn the basics you can easily adapt the design — try a round bottom, or scale it up or down to any size you like. It's a wonderful scrap-buster project!

Some sewing machine experience is recommended. All materials are provided, but feel free to bring your own fabric scraps, colors, or designs that inspire you!

Workshop Series - 3 Sessions

Dates: Mondays: June 15, 22 and 29

Time:  6:00pm – 8:00pm

Workshop costs: $125.00 non-members, $114.50 members

Cost breakout: Registration: $105 non-members / $94.50 members (use member promo code at checkout!) Materials Fee: $20 Paid at time of workshop

Location: Main Street Studio, 786 Charlton Road, Charlton NY 12019

About Renee Johnson: 

Renee is constantly exploring ways to repurpose vintage and antique fabrics. While this has been her main focus for the past decade, she has been sewing and creating items from natural or repurposed materials for the majority of her life. Renee is always on the search for unique and beautiful textiles and notions to be used by crafters and makers alike. She also hand dyes fabrics and sashiko threads using natural materials like indigo and black walnut.

If you are interested in mending, sewing, or other traditional Japanese fabric and textile crafts, you can find her supplies online at reneejohnsonstudio.com or stop by the studio during Open Studio times to see what she is working on!