Feeling inspired by the international-themes you've spied on Great British Sewing Bee? The fabrics! The peplums! The wax prints! The harem pants! If, like us, you're in the mood for a spot of sewing with an international twist, learn how to make a bento bag with this free tutorial.
This Japanese-style bento bag sewing pattern is one of our favourite easy sewing projects from Simply Sewing magazine, designed by Jennie Jones. It's easy to make by piecing together and folding three fabric squares.
New to sewing? Take a look at our sewing for beginners, how to use a sewing machine and best sewing machines for beginners guides. We've also put together some great sewing kits for beginners for you to try. Looking for more summer sewing ideas? Explore our pick of the best swimsuit patterns.
Complete the look with matching hair accessories! Learn how to make a scrunchie.
Read on to learn how to make a bento bag with our step by step guide.
Fabric to use to make your bento bag
Unfortunately the fabrics used to make this pattern are no longer available, but we've found some beautiful fabrics that you could use instead…
Owls Prickly Pear fabric designed by Emily Taylor
Use this blue cactus-patterned fabric to replace the one used on the original bento bag. This one features some cute little blue owls perching on the cacti! It's available in fat quarters, half yards and yards.
Cactus on Black Pima Cotton Lawn fabric
Looking for a more luxurious look for your bag? We love this dark and chic cactus print from MoreSewingShop on Etsy. It's sold by the half metre, so you'll have fabric leftover to make some matching accessories!
Visage Textiles Kyoto Crane fabric
Bring a Japanese-inspired look to your bento bag with this beautiful Kyoto Crane fabric from John Lewis. For this fabric, there is a minimum order of two metres, so it would be worth buying this one to make a garment or bigger project and saving a bit to make your bento bag and other accessories.
