Botanically Dyed and Sewn Komebukuro Bag
Workshop Fee: $576.00
This modern-day project bag is inspired by the traditional Komebukuro style bag. Komebukuro bags are a traditional Japanese bag often used to carry rice as offerings to temples and shrines.
During this 4-day workshop, students will first learn how to mordant and dye cellulose fabric using some botanical dyes, then learn a few Shibori techniques and dye cellulose fabric with indigo. This yardage will be used to create their bag.
Once the fabrics have been dyed, students will be guided through the steps of designing and sewing their unique Komebukuro (project) bag, starting with cutting their dyed yardage into outer and lining pieces and drawstring tabs that will then be constructed using sewing machines. The final drawstring bag measures approximately 8” high x 6” wide.
Students should have at least basic sewing skills. Although not necessary to know the specific skills and techniques that will be taught, for a satisfying experience, students should be comfortable with and have used a sewing machine successfully to construct simple items.
Sanborn Mills Farm has 2 sewing machines to loan out on a first come first served basis. Email marsha@sanbornmills.org to reserve after registering for the workshop.
Skills and Techniques:
- Basic mordanting of cellulose fabric
- Natural dye on cellulose fabric
- Basic Shibori techniques
- Indigo vat dyeing on cellulose fabric
- Measuring and cutting simple pattern pieces
- Sewing exterior and interior sections of the bag (with corners)
- Using fusible interfacing
- Adding drawstring tabs
- Adding cap ends to drawstrings
Materials Fee: $15 paid directly to the instructor.
Special Tools or Equipment to bring: Apron & rubber gloves for the dyeing section (optional to keep clothes & hands clean). Sketchbook or phone for note-taking (optional; full instructions will be provided). Cutting tools such as rotary cutters, mats, and/or fabric scissors, metal or clear acrylic quilter’s ruler, snips for cutting threads, water soluble fabric marker or pencil, iron, sewing machine, sewing machine thread (polyester or cotton) for the sewing/construction section.
Workshop and Cancellation Policies: Please read our 2026 policies before registering for a workshop. https://www.sanbornmills.org/workshop-policies/
