Tradition Meets Modern Quilting

Are you looking for a project that combines timeless tradition with today’s quilting techniques? My new pattern, Sashiko Quilted Rice Bag, is inspired by the Japanese komebukuro — small drawstring bags originally used for offering rice at temples. These little treasures are not only steeped in history but also endlessly practical for modern life.

The 8” x 8” x 8” size bag can be used for many different purposes

🌸 Everyday Use

• Project bag for knitting, crochet, embroidery, or hand-sewing supplies

• Lunch bag for work or school

• Reusable gift bag (eco-friendly and beautiful!)

🏡 Around the Home

• Storage for sewing notions like thread, rotary cutters, or fabric scraps

• Organizer for kids’ toys or building blocks

• Bathroom storage for cosmetics, hairbrushes, or skincare items

• Guest room welcome bag filled with snacks and toiletries

🎁 Gifting & Special Occasions

• Holiday gift bag instead of wrapping paper

• Birthday treat bag for small surprises

• Wedding favor bag with goodies for guests

• Memory bag to keep letters, photos, or keepsakes safe

🌿 Lifestyle & Travel

• Picnic bag for napkins, cutlery, and snacks

• Travel organizer for underwear, socks, or accessories

• Craft fair or market bag for displaying handmade items

• Meditation or wellness bag to store incense, candles, or yoga accessories

  
  

What’s Inside the Pattern?

Along with complete sewing instructions, the pattern includes 5 sashiko designs ready to transfer onto your fabric. You can transfer the motifs using carbon paper or a light panel.

You can choose to hand-stitch the sashiko motifs for a traditional look, or machine quilt them for a modern, textured finish.

If you have access to a longarm quilting machine, you can make the process even more efficient. Instead of working square by square, simply load a larger piece of fabric, quilt several blocks with your chosen designs, and then cut them apart.

From there, just follow the pattern instructions to assemble the quilted squares into bags — just as I did. It’s a wonderful way to create multiple rice bags in one session while enjoying the precision and texture that longarm quilting provides.

Either way, the results are beautiful quilted bags that celebrate Japanese heritage while making use of modern tools and techniques.

Why You’ll Love Making These Bags

• Perfect for gifting 🎁

• A unique way to store keepsakes or sewing notions ✂️

• Adds a handmade accent to your home 🏡

• Flexible for both confident beginners and experienced stitchers

The Sashiko Quilted Rice Bag is more than just a sewing project — it’s a creative journey that honors tradition while giving you the freedom to express your own modern quilting style.

✨ Ready to start stitching?

👉 Get your copy of the Sashiko Quilted Rice Bag pattern here and bring a touch of Japanese tradition into your quilting!