This pouch is inspired by the Kinchaku bags of Japan. I had a grand idea for a vest, which turned out to be impractical, but I was able to upcycle the fabric I’d made into the pouch. Pieces of cotton had been stitched together by machine and then decorated with hand stitched sashiko (running) stitch and some decorative stitches. The hand-stitching uses dyed cotton, varying from light green to light mauve along its length. A fine iron-on interfacing layer inside holds the stitches in place, as the stitches were cut to make the pouch.

The drawstring is threaded through ‘koki’ – traditional Japanese metal loops which hold the cord. The cord is dark blue cotton. The lining is fabric from the same failed vest, without the hand stitching.

I use a pouch to hold my embroidery when I go out, but it can be used in many ways, such as holding cables and air buds, makeup, wrapped sweets, medicines, driving glasses and wipes or pens and sketching tools.

The fabric and threads are all cotton. The only non-natural fabric is the interfacing to keep the stitching stable. The koki are metal. I suggest gentle, cold hand washing and then drying in the shade. It can be ironed on a cotton setting.

The pouch has 4 sides 19.5 x 15.5 cm, with a square base 15.5 x 15.5 cm.