Kora Bag
A roomy beginner-friendly shoulder bag with sculptural pleats, gentle side gathers, an inner pocket and magnetic closure.
Project preview
This video is for members
Join Lulu Ferris to watch the complete class and sew along at your own pace.
What you’ll make
Kora is a roomy, lined shoulder bag with a softly rectangular shape. Deep inverted pleats define the front and back, while optional hand gathering adds volume and texture at the sides.
Inside, a slip pocket and a short strap with a swivel clasp organize small items and keys. A magnetic fastener closes the opening, and two webbing handles complete the bag.
What you’ll learn in this class
- Sew and reinforce a lining pocket.
- Add a key strap with a swivel clasp.
- Install a supported magnetic fastener.
- Box the lower corners to create depth.
- Join, turn, and finish the outer bag and lining.
- Form inverted pleats and attach the handles.
Fabric and structure
The class shows one version in canvas and another in checked denim, both with a poplin lining. Corduroy is another suggested option, while soft faux leather can give the pattern a dressier character.
Interfacing is optional. Omit it for a softer, lighter bag, or choose light or medium interfacing for more body. Keep bulk manageable around the pleats and handle attachments.
Make it your own
The lining pocket is optional, and you can add another if useful. The gentle side gathers can also be omitted, giving the bag either a cleaner outline or a more sculptural shape.
Use backpack webbing for the handles and test the length before cutting. If your machine cannot manage the layers at the pleats, attach the webbing at the sides instead.
For another strap treatment, add eyelets near the sides and thread through chain, webbing, or covered cord. A clip-on magnetic closure can replace the concealed style.
Finished size
The finished Kora Bag measures approximately 47 cm wide, 29 cm high, and 12 cm deep.
This beginner-friendly video class includes a downloadable A4 pattern and material guidance for the project.
Pattern & materials
Patterns are included with membership
Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.
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