History and Tradition of Japanese Kinchaku Bags | DIY Drawstring Pouches

The History and Tradition of Kinchaku Bags

Kinchaku bags have a long and storied history in Japanese culture. The word "kinchaku" translates to "money bag" or "coin purse" in Japanese. These versatile drawstring bags have been used to carry coins, clothing, food, and more for centuries.

Some historians believe kinchaku bags originated as a way for Japanese pilgrims traveling to temples and shrines to carry offerings and personal items. The lightweight cotton or silk drawstring design allowed for easy transportation on foot. As the bags increased in popularity, Japanese peasants and merchants began using them as coin purses and to transport goods.

By the Edo period (1603-1868), kinchaku bags featuring beautiful hand-dyed fabrics became both functional and fashionable accessories. Wealthy Japanese women would have multiple kinchaku bags in coordinated fabrics to accompany their ornate kimonos. The bags continue to be a key accessory in traditional Japanese dress today.

Making Traditional Kinchaku Bags

The typical fabrication process for a kinchaku bag has gone largely unchanged from ancient times. Most historical kinchaku were sewn from a single rectangular piece of fabric that was then folded and stitched to create a drawstring pouch.

To make a kinchaku bag, the first step is to cut the fabric to size. Historically, silk, cotton, linens and hemp were common fabric choices. Fold the rectangle of fabric in half to make a pouch shape then and sew it together up both sides, leaving the top open. Attach a drawstring made from ribbon or rope to the top open edge. That's all there is to the basic construction!

Modern Kinchaku Bag Patterns and Uses

While traditional Japanese kinchaku coins bags remain popular today as collectibles and commemoratives, the versatile drawstring pouch also serves as inspiration for all kinds of modern sewing projects.

Using the basic kinchaku construction, sewists can easily adapt bag shapes, sizes, fabrics and closures to suit countless purposes. For example, large kinchaku bags make great project or gift bags. Mini kinchaku pouches are perfect for holding small accessories or makeup. By adding interior dividers and pockets, they also make convenient toiletries bags, gadget cases or notions organizers.

Modern kinchaku bag sewing patterns incorporate interesting fabrics like faux leathers, cotton blends and laminates for more durability and structure. Some patterns may modify the traditional shape to include flat bottoms so items can stand upright inside the bag.

Tips for Sewing Your Own Kinchaku Bag

Ready to make your own DIY kinchaku bag? Here are some helpful sewing tips to ensure bag sewing success:

• Wash, dry and press your fabric before cutting to avoid shrinkage issues.
• Use pinking shears when cutting out fabric to help raw edges keep from unraveling.
• Pin pieces together and sew slowly for maximum control.
• Grade seam allowances to reduce bulk inside the bag.
• Topstitch final seams for a professionally finished look.

Choosing lightweight, tightly woven cottons or cotton blends is always a smart fabric choice for bags that need to stand up to daily use. Pre-wash any fabrics prone to excessive shrinkage before cutting. For extra sturdiness, look for fabric options like canvas, denim or laminates.

Sew the bag completely inside-out then turn right side out once finished for the cleanest construction. Don't forget to backstitch over ends of stitches for added reinforcement. Inserting grommets into the corners of the bag openings helps maintain bag shape over time.

Adding Drawstrings & Closures

The most quintessential detail of a kinchaku bag is the drawstring closure. While simple rope drawstrings are classic, elasticized toggles and cording make cinching the bag quick and easy. For extra security, add clasps or tie ends when bag is closed.

Other creative closures like snap tapes, hook & eye sets, buttons or zippers can update the look of kinchaku bags too. Just make sure the top edges are reinforced to handle extra weight without tearing.

Kinchaku Bags: A Sewing Pattern for All Skill Levels

The basic functionality and simplicity of traditional kinchaku bags makes them wonderful beginner sewing projects. More advanced sewers will also appreciate how the classic Japanese pattern can be restyled in unlimited ways.

Historically crafted from humble fabrics, kinchaku drawstring pouches reveal an elegant beauty in their practicality and purpose. Understanding their rich cultural heritage gives deeper meaning to reinterpreting and personalizing them through modern DIY kinchaku bag sewing projects.

FAQs

What size fabric do I need to make a kinchaku bag?

The size of fabric needed depends on how big you want your finished kinchaku bag to be. For a medium-sized bag around 5" x 7", cut fabric rectangles about 15" x 22". Mini bags may only require 8" x 8" fabric squares while larger gift bag sizes could be 20"x 30" prior to sewing.

Can I make a kinchaku bag without a sewing machine?

Definitely! The basic kinchaku construction of two sewn side seams is very straightforward to stitch by hand using a basic running stitch and matching thread color. Hand-sewing also allows more control when working with delicate fabrics.

What is the best fabric type for sewing kinchaku bags?

Lightweight and tightly woven cottons or cotton/linen blends have enough structure for kinchaku bags while still being easy to gather and cinch closed. More durable options like canvas work well for heavy-duty use. Avoid extremely lightweight silks or satins that may rip easily under heavier contents.

How do I keep the edges from fraying on my DIY drawstring bag?

Pinking the fabric edges before sewing prevents fraying over time. You can also look for fabric types like felt or fleece that resist unraveling. Adding edge banding trims or overcasting the inner seams also helps bind edges.