A Simple Drawstring Bag Pattern - Inspired by Japanese Rice Bags (Komebukuro)
- Kanitta
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
If you love small sewing projects that are both practical and meaningful, this one might become your new favorite.
Recently, I made this little drawstring bag using patchwork panels—and it instantly reminded me of a traditional Japanese bag called a Komebukuro
(米袋), or rice bag.
What is a Komebukuro?
Komebukuro are traditional Japanese drawstring bags that were used to carry rice offerings to temples and shrines. Over time, they’ve become popular as everyday bags—used for lunch, gifts, or storing small items.
What I love most about them is their simplicity of this simple bag pattern:
A boxy shape
A drawstring closure
And often made from scraps or mixed fabrics
It’s simple… but it has a quiet beauty to it.
Why I Love This Style
As a quilter, this design feels very natural. It uses small pieces, just like patchwork. You can mix prints, play with color, and still end up with something that looks intentional and balanced.
It’s also:
Beginner-friendly
Quick to make
Perfect for gifts
And honestly… it’s one of those projects that looks more complicated than it actually is.
My Version (Beginner-Friendly)
For my version, I kept things simple and practical:
Patchwork panels for the front
A structured shape using interfacing
Clean seams (with a French seam finish)
Small ring tabs for the drawstring
You can absolutely quilt it if you like—or keep it soft and natural.
This version is designed so beginners can follow along easily, while still learning useful techniques like:
Working with layers
Creating neat seams
Building dimension in small projects
A Little Story in Every Bag
Traditionally, Komebukuro were sometimes made from old kimono fabrics, often hand-stitched and passed down over time.
I love that idea—giving fabric a second life.
Even when we use modern cotton prints, there’s still something special about combining small pieces together. Each fabric tells a tiny story.
Perfect for Gifts
This type of bag is one of my favorite things to make as a gift.
You can use it for:
Gift wrapping (reusable and beautiful)
Holding small handmade items
A mini project bag
Or even just as a decorative piece
It feels thoughtful… without taking days to make.
Want to Make One?
I’ve created a simple, beginner-friendly pattern for this bag, with step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process.
You can download it here:
If you enjoy my free patterns and tutorials,
you can also support my work here:☕ https://ko-fi.com/fabricstacks
(And yes—your support helps me keep creating more tutorials like this 💛)
If you’re ready to try something a little different (but still beginner-friendly), this is a great project to start with.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes the simplest projects are the ones we return to again and again.
This little bag is one of those for me. It’s quick, useful, and just beautiful enough to make you smile every time you see it. If you make one, I’d love to see it 💛Tag me or share it—I always enjoy seeing your creations.