Zakka Sac

:: Zakka are small, general products used in everyday life. The term zakka has also come to represent a minimalist style of art and craft – items that are simple, charming and of Japanese aesthetic.

:: There are many alternatives to making a drawstring pouch. For me, this is the quickest method (less than 1 hr - including the knitting) and I like how it uses the lining as a contrast.

:: If the bag is finished neatly (no exposed seams, hanging threads etc), it’s reversible!

You’ll need:

• yarn
  
• fabric and lining
  
• draw cord – ribbon, braid etc
  
• matching thread
  
• knitting needles
  
• tapestry needle
  
• sewing machine or hand held hemmer

:: I used: Rowan Handknit DK cotton in red for the base and linen fabrics for the body.

Method
This will make a 16 cm wide sac:

1. Using 5mm knitting needles CO 30 sts and work in garter st until piece measures 12 cm. Bind off.
Using tapestry needle and matching yarn, fold piece in half and sew both sides. Iron lightly on WS.

2. Measure piece across the top and cut both fabrics in accordance with this size (don't forget your seam allowance - approx 2cm).
My knitted piece was 18cm across the top, therefore I cut 2 x W20cm fabric pieces.

3. Place main fabric and lining with RS facing each other and machine sew all around the square, leaving a 10cm gap at one of the bottom corners.

Tip: Cut fabric with pinking shears to avoid over-locking.

4. Push/flip through the opening so that the RS is now facing you. Use a knitting needle to push the corner out and hand stitch closed.

5. Drawcord section – you can use my method (below) or this alternative
I folded the top part of the pouch over so that it contrasts with the lining. Sew across but do NOT sew the edges as this is where you’ll thread your drawcord.

6. Iron the fabric before attaching to the knitted base.

7. Hand stitch or machine sew the fabric all the way around the knitted base. Join to form a tube and hand stitch closed.
8. Measure and cut drawcord/ribbon. Fasten a safety pin onto one side and push through the tube.

That's it!

Black Dog Knits