You won’t believe the exquisite textiles and handicrafts that come from Japan! Did you know that I recently adventured on a quilting and textiles tour in Japan? I visited with amazing sewists and makers in Japan and experienced the trip of a lifetime.
- See 5 Highlights from A Sewing and Quilting Tour of Japan!
- and A Quilter’s Art: 14 Enchanting Pieces of Japanese Handcraft
Inspired by what I saw on my tour, I put together this list of free sewing patterns inspired by Japanese handiwork. Learn how to make bags, pouches, and home items of your own that are inspired by beautiful items from Japan.
Easy Japanese Knot Style Bag Pattern
Learn to sew a simple version of the traditional Japanese knot-style bag. This lovely bag shown has patchwork, but the pattern can be made with a single fabric as well.
Easy Fold-Over Messenger Bag from 1 Yard of Fabric
Lecien Fabrics allowed me to create a detailed tutorial using their diagram for this messenger tote bag. This bag has no interfacing, making it perfect for heavier fabrics like canvas, sateen, and other home decor-weight fabrics.
2 Smaller Messenger Bags from 1 Yard of Fabric
Sometimes smaller bags are better! Take a yard of fabric and make two messenger bags with another awesome One Yard Magic sewing tutorial.
Shibori Dyed Fabric Napkins
Shibori is a traditional dying technique from Japan. Learn how to do simple Shibori dying in a free tutorial from Alice and Lois.
Pillbox Pouch Pattern
The boxy Pillbox Pouch Sewing Pattern is perfect for holding a small hand-sewing kit, some first aid supplies, or a few cosmetics.
One Yard Magic Hobo Bag
All you need to make this bag is 1 yard and 1 hour, and you’ll be done. I promise! Perfect for beginners, this bag also has no interfacing and works beautifully for thicker fabrics like canvas, sateen, and other home decor-weight fabrics. Make sure you check out the1 Yard Magic Hobo Bag, which is another tutorial that I wrote in collaboration with Lecien.
Pretty Drawstring Pouch Pattern
These sweet pouches are so handy and pretty—the essence of ‘Zakka’, a Japanese design aesthetic that combines usefulness with beauty. I love the style!
Boxy Zipper Pouch Pattern
I can’t get enough of this boxy bag shape! Learn how I made these pouches in the free Boxy Zipper Pouch Pattern. It’s fat quarter friendly too.
Japanese Style Square Bag with Quilting Cotton
This Japanese-inspired design is perfect for a beginner – the shape is made with some easy darts sewn into the side of the bag. Thisfree sewing patternincludes instructions for making two different sizes so you’ll have the perfect size bags for yourself or to give as a gift.
Zola Pen Case
My version of this Japanese pen case is so much fun. I gave myself the chance to use a bunch of different fabrics by adding a bound zipper that makes a cute snappy handle – it’s the cutest little case in the house. Well, they all are – and they are great for lots more than pens!
Japanese Style Fabric Gift Wrapping
Once you prepare a few squares and learn a few easy furoshiki wrapping techniques, you can wrap gifts that are truly beautiful with minimal effort. Learn to make Furoshiki: Japanese reusable fabric gift wrap.
Ninja Stars Quilt
Here’s the bold and modern star quilt pattern you’ve been looking for! It’s perfect for that hard-to-sew-for person on your list.The Ninja Stars Quilt Pattern has 2 different sizes: full and twin XL.
The Pochi Zippered Pouch
Pochi means ‘pouch’ in Japanese. Learn how to make a simple zipper pouch with a sweet clamshell shape with this free pouch pattern.
Patchwork Style Pochi Pouch
Another cute variation is using a leftover quilt block to make a patchwork Pochi Pouch.
Japanese Style Square Drawstring Bag
These bags have a lovely fat shape and can be decorated any way you like. The free tutorial shares a simple Boro style that uses small pieces of scrap fabric and just a couple of very easy hand stitches. You can, of course, skip the embellishment step and just make a sweetsquare komebukuro bagfrom a beautiful fabric you’d like to showcase.
Origami-Inspired Fold Up Baskets
Sew clever storage baskets to organize every thing in your home! These fold up baskets were inspired by Origami!
1 Yard Magic Apron Pattern
The One Yard Magic Apron Pattern is another tutorial that I developed in collaboration with the Japanese fabric company Lecien. It is so easy!
Snappy Coin Purse
Small Japanese purses and pouches often use hardware at the top. That hardware might require a special trip to the store, but not the closure on this snappy coin purse pattern. All you need to do is cut up (your husband’s) tape measure. Who said that? Try this free pattern for Father’s Day, hahaha!
DIY Jewelry Bag
Whether you are new to sewing or just getting back into it after a long break, this easy-to-make drawstring bag is the perfect project. Thesimple bag tutorialrequires no special pattern or rulers and can be made with your favorite fat quarters.
Japanese-Style Drawstring Bag with a Handle
ThisJapanese-style toteis another fabulous drawstring bag. Patchwork and pockets make each side stylish and functional. It might be even cuter uncinched than when it’s cinched. You decide.
Sashiko Stitched Patches
Sashiko is a traditional Japanese sewing technique that has been used for utilitarian purposes as well as decorative embroidery. With fabric scraps, a needle, and thread, you can make adorable fabric patches to mend holes in jeans or just for decoration! Learn how to make Sashiko patches from Swoodson Says.
One Yard Bag and Apron Pattern
Or learn how to make a half-apron and a sweet tote bag from a yard of fabric. It’s another fabulous idea from our friends at Lecien!
Pleated Lampshade
Learn how to make a gorgeous origami-inspired pleated lampshade out of your favorite fabric.
Japanese Style Bag Handles
Let me show you how to sew easy Japanese inspired bag handles for any bag. This includes the one in the picture above (made from a yard of fabric) or my pretty boxy zipper bag pattern.
Fat Quarter Tea Towels
Add some pretty sashiko-inspired hand stitching to tea towels made from fat quarters! This easy project makes a lovely gift for yourself or a special friend.
Appliqued Bug Cushion
Don’t you love the precise Japanese applique and hand stitching? Well, you can complete this adorable Applique Bug Cushion on your sewing machine. You’re welcome!
Origami Pouch
This clever pouch design lets you chose to have the pocket on the outside, or the inside of the pouch. The bonus here is that you can use cloth napkins to make this for an upcycle or quick project.
Odell Top
Anne W creates this beautiful top, and then breaks down the details for you in her excellent review. Check out her blog and sew it for yourself!
Linen Drop Waist Dress
The classic drop waist, originally a 1920s look, provides a convenient and sophisticated style by combining both simplicity and versatility. Pair it with heels or tennis shoes depending on the occasion!
Bento Bag with Handles
Last, but not least, is this cool bento bag pattern! It’s versatile and simple, plus it’s better than plastic for durability and style!!
More from SewCanShe:
- 30 Free Sewing Patterns for Gift Baskets, Bins, and More
The 30 Best Fast and Easy Bag Patterns From 2024: All Free!
- The 30 Best Fast and Easy Bag Patterns From 2024: All Free!
Feeling Quilty? 30+ Free Fat Quarter Friendly Quilt Patterns!
- Feeling Quilty? 30+ Free Fat Quarter Friendly Quilt Patterns!
30 Free Patchwork Patterns Perfect for Holiday Decorating and Gift-Giving!
- 30 Free Patchwork Patterns Perfect for Holiday Decorating and Gift-Giving!
Disclosure: some of my posts contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of those links I may receive a small commission, so thank you for supporting SewCanShe when you shop! All of the opinions are my own and I only suggest products that I actually use. 🙂
