Bum bag making
in Tokyo

Sew your very own Mikan bag from scratch!

Person sewing decorative fabric with a needle and colorful thread.

This event is finished but you can see the beautiful bags that have been made during the class HERE.

 

Class content

You will choose your favourite fabric from a selection of antique Japanese kimonos and obis that I will bring with me from Kyoto. I will show you how to turn them into a brand new bum bag, guiding you step by step.

Suitable for all levels

If you have no sewing experience, don't panic, I will teach you the basics and be assured to leave with a beautiful completed bag, just like the 82 other participants who joined this workshop before you. In facts, many beginners joined this workshop in the past and they always leave with a beautifully made bag. Have a look at the archive photos at the bottom of this page. People with more sewing experience, on the other hand, have appreciated the ingeniousity of the pattern and the way that the bag comes into shape throughout the class.

 
 
 
 
 

Bag description

If you already know my bumbags from the ones available in my store, this design is slightly different. I adapted the pattern to make it more suitable for this class. The bag can stay flat against your body if you don’t put much inside it, but it can also expand easily if you need more room. It opens with a zip, it has two pockets at the front, two pleats on the top, and it has a lining.

 

Fabrics & customization

Even if we all use the same pattern during the class, each bag will be unique.

I provide everything you need for this workshop so you can just come with empty hands! I will bring about 25-30 different kimono and obi materials for you to choose from. You can see the type of colours or motifs available by looking at the previous workshops below. I might not bring the exact same fabrics but it shows the variety of style you can make.

You will also choose the zip colour between gold, silver and matt black. I only use waterproof zips for their beautiful metallic finish which blends with the Japanese fabrics so well.

If you would like to use a kimono or obi that you have already, feel free to bring it with you on the day and I can advise if it is suitable or not for this workshop.

You will also be able to bring the patterns home with you so you can make more bags in the future.

Previously made in this workshop

Get inspired by looking at the bags other participants made in the previous classes.

Three people standing together, each wearing a bag. One wears a blue dress, another wears a black cardigan and jeans, and the third wears a black t-shirt and jeans. They stand in front of a wooden screen with tropical plants nearby.
Textured zippered bag with camouflage pattern against a dark background.
Elegant brocade fanny pack with floral pattern on gray background.
Two people wearing face masks and casual clothing stand in front of a wooden lattice wall, each with a black crossbody bag.
Two black fanny packs with cloud patterns on a stone surface.
Two smiling women standing in front of a wooden lattice wall, wearing casual t-shirts and crossbody bags, with a plant nearby.
Japanese-inspired patterned fanny pack on a rocky surface
Beige fanny pack with green pine tree print on a rock surface
Three women standing and smiling, wearing casual outfits with patterned fanny packs, against a wooden lattice background and tropical plants.
Orange and white floral fanny pack with silver zipper on a rocky surface.
Beige patterned fanny pack on a rock surface.
Two children in casual clothing stand in front of a wooden slatted wall. One child is wearing a red baseball cap, a black t-shirt, and a crossbody bag. The other child is wearing a blue top, a pleated skirt, and a crossbody bag. They are both facing
Nintendo Switch with a red and blue controller inside an open black bag on a wooden surface with sunlight streaming across.
Three women standing in front of a wooden door smiling, each wearing a crossbody bag. The woman on the left is in a white sweater, the middle woman in a red turtleneck, and the woman on the right in a black vest.
Colorful waist bag with floral pattern on rock surface
A black patterned waist bag with white dots, next to three pieces of dark fabric with blue floral and abstract patterns, displayed on a wooden railing.
Blue polka dot fanny pack with black strap on stone background
Person wearing blue patterned fanny pack with zipper
Colorful fanny pack with floral pattern on rock surface
Person in coat with bag standing at traditional Japanese gate, garden view
A fabric waist bag with floral design and gold zipper, resting on a rock surface.
Three people standing in front of a traditional wooden building with a sliding door, wearing casual clothing and shoulder bags. Japanese script is visible on a sign beside the doorway. Potted plants are in the foreground.
White and gray geometric pattern fanny pack with zipper on wooden background.
Belt bag with geometric pattern on wooden background
Black and white patterned waist bag with zipper on wooden surface.
 

Schedule

10:00 to 15:00~16:00 (including a lunch break around 12:30)

Since everyone will sew at their own pace, the workshop end between 15:00 and 16:00 depending on your own speed, level etc.

 

How to join

One session can only welcome up to 4 participants. Please book your ticket early as the places are very limited.

It will take place in Studio Biku in Shimokitaza. The exact location will be shared once your booking is confirmed.

Please book in advance as much as possible since the places are very limited.

Conditions

Payment & Cancellation

  • The price for one participant is 120 USD or 16,500 ¥. It is the price for a Mikan bum bag that you can find in my store, but this one will be entirely made by you!

  • It includes everything you will need to create your bag, including the patterns that you can bring home. *If you wish to use your own kimono or obi fabric, you are welcome to bring it on the day so we can discuss whether it is a suitable material for this design. In this case, please understand that I cannot give a discount.

  • Sweets and drinks will be served.

  • Lunch is not provided, please bring your bento or feel free to pop out during the class if you wish to take a break outside.

  • The payment is required to confirm your booking. A full refund can be done if you cancel more than 10 days prior to the workshop. After that, I am happy to refund you if I have a waitlist and someone can join instead of you. Otherwise, please understand that travelling to Tokyo for this class requires logistic and expenses on my side and it will be difficult to refund the class at the last moment.