How to make an azuma bag

1. Materials & tools

Materials (reusable bag)

• Fabric (cotton, linen or tenugui) — a rectangle 3× the base square by 1×
• Tip: a light, soft fabric folds and knots best

Tools

• Sewing machine (or needle and thread)
• Fabric marker or pencil
• Ruler and scissors
• Iron
• Pins or clips

2. Make the pattern (auto-generated in Katagami)

With the Katagami pattern tool, you just enter the finished size and it drafts a seam-allowance-included pattern, tiled to print at actual size on Letter or A4.

1. Open the tool
   Open the pattern tool and choose “Bags” → “Azuma bag” from the tabs at the top.
2. Enter the size
   Enter the base square (the bag scales from it). The fabric is a 1:3 rectangle.
3. Set the seam allowance
   Use the slider at the bottom (beginners: 1.0–1.5 cm / about 3/8–5/8 in).
4. Print
   Press “Print (actual size)”, then in the print dialog set Scale = 100% and turn “Fit to page” OFF. Check the 50 mm calibration box on the first guide sheet with a ruler.

3. Cutting the fabric

1. Cut 1
   Cut one rectangle from the pattern; mind the print direction.
2. Mark the folds
   Mark the 1/3 and 2/3 fold positions at the edges.
3. Finish the edges
   Zigzag or serge the edges.

4. Sewing

4-1. Fold the left third and sew

1. With the fabric right sides together, fold the left third over the center block.
2. Sew the overlapped right edge.

4-2. Fold the right third and sew

1. Now fold the right third over the center.
2. Sew the overlapped left edge.

4-3. Turn and shape

1. Finish the seam allowances, turn right side out and shape.
2. The open triangles at the top become the handles you tie.

5. Tips & variations

• Reversible: french seams or a lining make it neat on both sides.
• Bento wrap: a small one wraps a lunch box; a big one is a shopping bag.
• Packs flat: it folds tiny to keep in a pocket or bag.