This small Origami Bag is inspired by the Japanese azuma bukuro bags, also known as bento bags, Japanese market bags, triangle bags, and origami bags. They are commonly used as shopping bags (when made a little larger) or for carrying lunches.  Azuma bukuro, which translates to "east bag," refers to bags developed in the eastern part of Japan during the Edo Period (1603-1868), a region that corresponds to modern-day Tokyo.  We at Folkwear appreciate the ingenuity of this Japanese design, its simplicity, and the small amount of fabric needed to make this bag.

Once you get the technique, you can make bags in lots of sizes and fabrics.  

Fabric Suggestions

This bag takes good advantage of fabric bias for stretch and pliability.  It can be made in any lightweight fabric, but is especially nice in silk, rayon, or other fabric with good drape.  For a bag to hold, or wrap, gifts, a fabric with more body is great.

Yardage Requirements

⅜ yard or .34m of fabric in any width fabric 34” or wider.  If you make a larger bag, you will need more fabric (basically the length of the short end of the pattern piece). 

This a FREE PDF Pattern.   The PDF pattern can be downloaded after checkout (total will be $0.00). Included are sewing instructions and files for copy shops (36" wide and A0), print at home, and projector file.