Upcycled Japanese Silk Obi Hand Purse ~ Handmade Bag with Vintage Japanese Kimono Textiles
🧵 The Process
See how this bag was made by watching the video on Madly Kimono Youtube Channel!
👉 https://youtu.be/n1g36a2Cng4
📖 The Story
This adorable hand purse is a bright and festive celebration of vintage Japanese textiles. The star of this project is a formal fukuro obi featuring large, vibrant embroidered flower motifs in shades of pink, white, and shimmering silver.
In Japan, a fukuro obi is traditionally reserved for formal occasions like weddings and tea ceremonies. This particular obi caught my eye because of its youthful energy and beautiful brocade. I wanted to transform it into a dressy handbag that captures that same sense of occasion but is practical enough for modern use.
🌸 Design Details
The Fabric: I utilized the elaborate embroidery of the fukuro obi for the body. To ensure durability, I kept the original obi shin (the traditional internal stiffening fabric) inside the bag, giving it a lovely, sturdy structure.
The Lining: For the interior, I upcycled a soft pink and white yukata (summer kimono) fabric. It adds a pop of color every time you open the bag and provides a soft home for your belongings.
The Handles: The bag features elegant silver-toned handles that perfectly echo the metallic silver threads woven throughout the floral embroidery.
Storage & Closure: I’ve included integrated pockets made from the yukata fabric for easy organization and finished the bag with secure silver snaps to keep your items safe.
👜 Specifications
Dimensions: Roughly 12" length x 10" width x 1" depth (bag portion)
Body: Vintage Silk Fukuro Obi (Pink/Silver/White floral motifs)
Lining: Upcycled Cotton Yukata fabric
Hardware: Silver-toned metal handbag handles and snap closure
Origin: Hand-constructed in my studio using authentic materials sourced from Japan
🌸 Sustainable & Authentic
This bag is a Madly Kimono "remake" project. By upcycling these vintage textiles, I am preserving the artistry of the original Japanese weaver while creating a functional, one-of-a-kind accessory. My sewing process is organic and intuitive—ensuring that no two pieces are ever exactly alike.
For care and maintenance of these products, please read the instructions in the FAQ section.
