Zakka Handmades

Learn how to sew simple, clever things that organize your home and help with daily tasks with Zakka Handmades! These incredibly useful projects include pouches and bags, small toys and baby items, and handy kitchen accessories. Some of the author’s sewn items also incorporate simple crochet. In Japanese, zakka means “household goods,” referring to items for domestic use—tableware, kitchenware, containers of various kinds, even simple clothing. What all the items have in common is a simple, fresh, handmade aesthetic; a subtle, clever wit; and absolute usefulness and practicality.

Zakka is a Japanese term for the many small household goods that organize our homes and help us with daily tasks. Making these items yourself gives them a personal, meaningful touch that can't be bought.

Create charming fabric crafts inspired by the Japanese design movement that you can use to brighten up your home or give as gifts to friends. Discover the hottest new trend in fabric crafting—Zakka! These clever, modern projects are a cinch to sew using basic patchwork, appliqué, and embroidery. It’s scrap-friendly and fun for all sewing skill levels. Rashida Coleman-Hale has gathered talented designers from around the world to bring you 24 delightful Zakka projects. Zakka, a Japanese term meaning “many things,” is all about all the little things that improve your home and appearance. Create a one-of-a-kind picture frame, a stylish bread bag, a whimsical bookmark, a chic tote, and so much more. You’ll love these bright, imaginative designs-make them for yourself and everyone you know! Featuring contributions by Amanda Jennings, Amy Sinibaldi, Ayumi Takahashi, Christie Fowler, Holly Keller, Julia Bravo, Karyn Valino, Kat Mew, Katrien Van Deuren, Kim Kruzich, Larissa Holland, Laurraine Yuyama, Leslie Good, Lisa Billings, Masko Jefferson, Meg Spaeth, Melody Miller, Mette Robl, Nova Flitter, Pascal Mestdagh, Rachel Roxburgh, Shannon Dreval, Sonia Cantie, and Theresia Cookson. Award-Winner in the Crafts/Hobbies/How-To category of the 2012 International Book Awards Praise for Zakka Style “The term “zakka” . . . has become synonymous with a kind of simple charm and uniqueness—something handmade that is useful and pleasing. . . . This book is another wonderful source for gift ideas and sweet little knick-knacks to make ‘just because.’” —Australian Homespun Magazine

Today's coolest crafters use beautiful COSMO embroidery thread to bring a fresh perspective to the centuries-old technique of embroidery. This charming collection features embroidery patterns for 22 contemporary projects including an iPad sleeve, e-reader holder, pillow, tote, baby bib, softies, and so much more. Each project is fully explained with simple instructions, helpful hints, colour photographs, and plenty of creative inspiration.

Zakka is a Japanese design aesthetic that combines usefulness with beauty and style. in this book, Sedef Imer has created a collection of simple, pretty, and handy projects inspired by the art of zakka to help organize and beautify your home. Suitable for all level of sewists, you will be inspired by these fun and easy-to-sew projects that will brighten and adorn your home.

Get fresh inspiration with 19 quick and colorful projects! In Patchwork, Please!, Stitch magazine contributor Ayumi Takahashi has created playful and practical patchwork projects for the home and the people who live in it. Sewing should be fun, and Ayumi Takahashi's patchwork projects embody that happy, playful approach. Known for both her distinctive combination of patterned fabrics and her quirky interpretations of vintage style, Ayumi brings this signature approach to 19 sewing projects. The book begins with basic techniques in patchwork, paper piecing, raw-edged applique, and machine and hand embroidery. Then it's straight into an appealing assortment of projects for the kitchen, home, family, and friends.

Embrace a simpler approach to stitching with bold one- and two-color embroidery motifs Zakka Embroidery presents designs that are an elegant blend of Japanese and Scandinavian style. The motifs and patterns are spare and graphic, yet softened with organic shapes and imagery drawn from nature. The result is embroidery that evokes a personal feel and conjures a sense of nostalgia. The task of picking just the right palette for an embroidery project can be overwhelming to beginners and experienced stitchers alike. But when you take away that challenge, a whole world of texture and style becomes available. Here Japanese designer Yumiko Higuchi presents embroidery motifs to be stitched using just one or two colors—creating patterns and designs that are more evocative for their form than for a play of colors. Each embroidery design is paired with a simple craft project, transforming the stitched fabric into a functional object, including pouches, pillows, aprons, and more. With beautiful photographs, clear step-by-step instructions, and detailed diagrams, Zakka Embroidery will be an inspiring guide for those new to embroidery and a delightful experience for those experienced with needle and thread.

Make your own cute and fashionable clothes for girls with this easy-to-use sewing book. Author, Yuki Araki is one of the most recognized names in the growing sewing-for-children movement. The mother of two daughters, Araki has become a DIY sewing favorite because she knows what young girls want. They like to wear stylish clothes that also let them play with ease. Moms adore the relaxed aesthetic of Araki's simple mix-and-match play clothes and accessories, and young girls are happy wearing them because they're both cute and comfortable. Best suited for girls from two to five years old, the sewing patterns in this Japanese sewing book are simple, casual, and look good on any girl. Araki provides westernized patterns in four sizes, plus diagrams and instructions for twenty-two pieces. Simple lines give kids room to move, and the classic styles look good on any frame. Sewing designs include: Shoulder-tie camisole top and dress Classic smock shirt and dress Four variations of a basic elastic-waist skirt Shorts and easy-breezy kid-style leggings to pair with any top Button-front and pullover tops Adorable bucket hat Moms will love dressing their girls in these economical and easy-to-make clothes. Nothing could be simpler—or sweeter!