✂️ Komebukuro: Crafting a Cultural Keepsake

A two-day stitch workshop celebrating Japanese tradition and personal expression

The Komebukuro — or “rice bag” — is a traditional Japanese drawstring bag once used to carry offerings of rice or small gifts to temples. Today, it represents both heritage and heartfelt craftsmanship — a perfect project for fiber artists who love meaningful making.

In this two day workshop, you’ll learn to hand-stitch your own Komebukuro using a selection of Japanese-inspired textiles. Instructor Suzanne Connors will guide you through the process of designing, piecing, and constructing your bag while exploring the history and cultural symbolism behind these timeless keepsakes.2-Day Immersive Workshop

In this two-day workshop at Aya Fiber Studio, students will create their own beautifully constructed komebukuro using previously dyed fabrics (indigo, shibori, katazome, botanical prints or other surface design techniques) or thoughtfully selected purchased fabrics.

You will be guided step-by-step through:

Designing your bag layout
Cutting outer fabric, lining, and drawstring tabs
Constructing the bag by machine or by hand
Finishing techniques for a clean, professional interior
Adding simple sashiko stitching for embellishment and structure

The finished bag measures approximately 8” high x 6” wide — the perfect size for a special project, handwork supplies, tea ceremony items, or a treasured personal object.

After construction, we will slow down and add subtle sashiko stitching patterns, exploring how simple geometric designs can transform a functional object into a deeply personal textile expression.

This workshop honors the philosophy of Japanese textile traditions — thoughtful design, careful construction, and stitching as meditation.

Skill Level

Students should have basic sewing skills.
While prior knowledge of the specific techniques taught is not required, participants should be comfortable operating a sewing machine and have successfully constructed simple sewn items.

This is a wonderful workshop for those who have dyed fabric in previous classes and are ready to transform their yardage into something meaningful, functional, and beautifully finished.

Japanese Komebukuro Workshop

Materials & Supply List

Please bring the following items to class:

Fabrics

Outer Fabric

½ yard total (may be one piece or multiple coordinated pieces)
Previously dyed fabric (indigo, shibori, katazome, etc.) is encouraged
Medium-weight cotton or linen works best

Lining Fabric

½ yard lightweight to medium-weight cotton

Tip: If using hand-dyed fabric, press and square your yardage before class.

Thread

Sewing thread to match or coordinate with your outer fabric
Neutral thread for lining (optional)
Sashiko thread (white or contrasting color) for embellishment

Sashiko Supplies

Sashiko needles
Small embroidery scissors
Water-soluble marking pencil or tailor’s chalk
Small ruler (6”–12”)

Sewing Supplies

Sewing machine in good working order
Machine needles (Universal 80/12 or 90/14 recommended)
Basic sewing kit:
- Pins or clips
- Seam ripper

Each bag becomes a reflection of its maker — a small vessel of memory, gratitude, and care.

What You’ll Learn
• Traditional construction and design of the Komebukuro
• Hand-stitching, piecing, and finishing techniques
• How to blend Japanese textiles, color, and pattern for balance and beauty
• The cultural story and symbolism behind this functional art form

Studio Environment
Create in Aya’s spacious, light-filled fiber art studio in Stuart, Florida — designed for comfort and creativity. Each participant enjoys ample workspace (never more than two per 4′×8′ table) with power, USB access, and full use of studio tools.

Begin your day with fresh morning coffee, tea, and pastries, and enjoy personalized lunch pickups from favorite local cafés.

Details
Instructor: Suzanne Connors
Date: May 14-14, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuition: $285
Skill Level: All Levels
Materials Fee: Additional (details provided upon registration)
Class Size: Limited to 10 participants

Spend a day immersed in stitch, story, and tradition — and leave with a beautiful handmade Komebukuro, a keepsake of both culture and craft.