Making a Japanese Knot Handbag: A Great Beginner Sewing Project and Pattern

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Seriously, this pattern is SO EASY, this is an incredible beginner sewing project!

It's been too long since I've written to you all but I wanted to provide a brief update.

My family moved to Virginia about three months ago and I've been feeling in a bit of a blog funk. It always takes me a little while to find my groove after a move (we've a military family, the moves are not infrequent).

Adding to that blog funk, truth be told, I used to get a lot of visitors and make a pretty nice income from the blog, but Google does what Google does (changes things) and that's not the case anymore. lol. Pivot, pivot, pivot.

So, I'm going to get back to my blogging roots and talk about things that I like (cooking, all things homemaking, functional mocktails). No more keyword research, or trying to please Google. I may talk more about this in the future, but for now, let's talk about this adorable Japanese Knot Bag, that I sewed. As a TOTAL beginner.

Japanese Knot Handbag photo without a background.

How to sew a Japanese Knot Handbag + where to get the pattern

First things first, I'm a beginner when it comes to sewing. If I can sew this, then so can you. There aren't any complicated zippers or handles. It's simply fabric - sewn together.

The only real prerequisite for learning to sew this bag would be some basic sewing machine skills and this pattern that I got off of ETSY (you can get it right here).

The process

Japanese Knot Bag Pattern on a table with cutouts.

The process was super simple, I downloaded the pattern from Etsy, again that pattern is right here, you can go buy it for only $1 and download it.

I simply print out the pattern, taped it together, and followed the instructions. Again, as a beginner, they were easy to follow and simple to read.

I've found that unlike some of the big brand patterns (like Simplicity, Vogue, McCall's), the independent pattern makers provide better instructions to follow. They don't assume you already know how to sew, the big names assume you already have a pretty extensive knowledge of sewing.

The finished Japanese Knot Handbag

Start to finish, this bag took roughly an hour to make. It'll take less for you if you have experience sewing and reading patterns.

Finished japanese knot handbag on a leather sofa.

My bag is floral on the outside and I chose a basic navy blue for the lining.

Almost forgot to mention, that yes, this bag is reversible!

What is a Japanese Knot Handbag good for?

Well, I'll be making another one in black velvet to go with my evening gown for the upcoming Marine Corps Birthday Ball.

But this one shown in the photos is going to be my knitting project bag. It's the perfect size to hold a ball (or a few balls) of yarn and knitting needles. I like to keep my yarn and knitting needles inside my purse so I'm thinking I'll just throw this into my larger tote to have and keep separate.

Japanese Knot Handbag with Knitting needles and supplies.

I could also see these bags being a great (not to mention economical) gift bag for girls - fill it with nail polish and hair things! Who wouldn't appreciate a handmade bag full of cute beauty items?

This also makes a nice makeup overflow bag.

The sky is the limit.

Let's get social

Be sure to Pin this post (click on the image below) and follow me on Pinterest! I LOVE PINNING! And Pinterest is where you'll most likely find me and be able to connect. See you over there!