by Jacqui Miyabayashi of Mee A Bee
My youngest started kindergarten here in Japan two months ago. It was a flurry of activity to prepare all the things he needed including seven bags of very specific dimensions. They could only be handmade.
Even though I sew a lot I still needed to consult a pattern for the many kinds of bags required. Luckily at this time of year easy-to-follow instruction leaflets can be picked up free.
I found a pattern on the Clover website for a shoe bag which I think would be perfect for little girls’ tap or ballet shoes. Obviously the pattern is all in Japanese, which even I struggle with but since it’s illustrated it just takes a little patience and some sewing know-how to work out what to do. The pattern recommends using quilted fabric as it is quite rigid, making it easy for even the youngest child to put their shoes away after class.
Here is a step by step photo tutorial for making your own little bag:
I followed the illustrated instructions from the Clover website, here. Scroll down to page 11.
What you need:
25mm wide acrylic strapping, 1 x 10cm long, 1 x 30cm long; 1x 25mm wide D-loop; quilted fabric 65cm x 25cm.
Seam allowance = 1cm. Use a large needle suitable for denim or heavyweight fabric.
Happy crafting!
