Zakka Sewing: 25 Japanese Projects for the Household

by Therese Laskey, Chika Mori, Yoko Inoue (Photographer)

The phrase “Made in Japan” once conjured images of assembly-line production, but now it connotes well-made products that are unique and ingeniously designed—sometimes elegant, sometimes cute, always charming. And none are more charming than the graceful, functional, sewn objects called zakka.

 

In Japanese, zakka means “household goods,” referring specifically to hand-sewn items for domestic use—tableware, kitchenware, containers of various kinds, even simple clothing. Therese Laskey and Chika Mori were enchanted by the many clever pieces they saw online but disappointed that directions and patterns were solely in Japanese. They knew they had to put together an authentic zakka book for English-speaking crafters.

 

To do so, the authors enlisted the help of some of the best zakka makers in Japan to create 25 projects ranging from utterly simple (an appliquéd pot holder, flower-shaped coasters) to ambitious (a house-shaped camera cozy, an adorable pair of comfy padded slippers). Each project includes easy-to-follow instructions and how-to illustrations. The lovely photos of finished pieces were taken by New York–based Japanese photographer Yoko Inoue.

Genres: Sewing, Crafts, Nonfiction, Japan, How To

152 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2008

Reviews

[Carissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

ack! so. many. cute. projects! i love to browse through the eye candy that is japanese craft books and here is one, presented in english, in a more familiar american layout, but with the same design characteristics that i love about japanese crafts. i'm especially fond of the bunny wallet and the sashiko tea towel (actually, i love all of the sashiko work. i never knew what it was called, but it's beautiful and i'm going to have to try it now for myself.) Also liked the linen basket, the bunko-bon book cover and the cross tote bag. hmmmmm..... this one may have to go on my christmas wish list.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off, I appreciate books that include a level of difficulty with each project. Many sewing books do not, and, when you are a beginner like me, it is truly helpful.

I also prefer sewing books that have general notes & techniques in the front as opposed to the back because, for some reason, my mind finds it more easy to flip back to a reference point in the front than the back of the book.

Another thing that is neat about this book is that it is a collective and the name and website of each designer is given at the end of each project. I really liked that feature, too.

By far, my favorite project is the House Camera Cozy - so cute, so very Japanese! However, a very involved project and one that this mom of 2 young children will probably not have time to start (let alone finish) any time soon - the list of materials needed is at least 20 itesm long!!!

This is another book that, for me, is more eye candy than practical project book.

Projects I might make from it in the future include:
- Flower Coasters
- Camera House Cozy
- House Mug Mat
- Sahsiko place mats (note: maybe best to get a book on sashiko)
- Bunny Wallet
- Room Shoes
Books like these are great for their Resources page(s) and this book is no exception. How else can I find out where to find cute little Japanese notions?

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Zakka" is a Japanese word that means "household goods". Beautiful, functional, artistic household goods like baskets, tea cozies, pencil cases, etc. that add cuteness, individuality and warmth to a home. This book has 25 "authentic zakka" sewing projects. Meaning they were designed and made in Japan by Japanese crafters.

And what cute projects they are! Let me confess that I while I can hand sew, I haven't a clue how to machine sew, which is a really necessary skill to make most (but not all) of these projects. This book's projects are so charming and useful that I found myself standing in stores salivating over sewing machines and trying to justify purchasing one. Now that's the hallmark of an inspirational book!

The directions for the projects are clear and easy to follow with good diagrams and complete materials lists. Each one also has a fun "zakka fact", a little cultural note related to the project. Projects I thought were especially unique and noteworthy were the "bunko-bon book cover", the "house mug mat", the "bunny pencil case" and the project pictured on the front cover the "squirrel tea cozy".

[Antonia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A how-to-book on making Zakka household craft items. Some techniques are for experts: perfect hand stitching, applique of small motifs, the perfect corner. Mastering your patience is the core of Zakka crafting. I like the humble, unique look of this esthetic. But if it took you more than 5 hours to craft that pot holder, you may not want to use it for greasy dishes. Some of the projects are useless (tape measure cozy), but all look oh-so-cute.

[Nancy Greely · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book contains whimsical projects for home/and gifts, with simple illustrations and
clear directions. Recommend for hand sewers of all ages.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ideas galore. And I can't wait to start.

[Mckinley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I think I prefer this to zakka sewing books that have more westernized projects in them. There are several projects in here that I want to make, namely the little basket and the bunny pouch. But I'm inspired by many of the other projects (mug rugs!), and I find this to be the book's main strength. I made the book cover project in the books, and while most of the instructions are spot on, especially for adapting the pattern to differently-sized books, I couldn't find the instruction to sew on the decorative strip. I ended up winging this, since I was making a cover for a larger book than the instructions originally dictated and scaled the size of the decorative strip up to compensate.

[Erika Mulvenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sewing book of little, simple projects. Most of the projects have very nice, different details, which make them stand out against all the same ol', same ol' stuff. Some of the details are very tiny, and may be too hard for a beginner to tackle. This is also another one of those books where all of the patterns need to be blown up on a photocopier, which some people don't have access to and don't want to pay for - in the good old days, actual sized patterns were included for all projects, and I miss that.

[Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually bought a copy of this one and I don't regret it at all! You do have to enlarge most of the patterns before using them, which is always annoying, but I just used my scanner/printer to do it. So far I have made the bunny wallet, which has since become my main wallet (I changed it to an applique of a dog though) and the bunny pencil case (adorable! have gotten many compliments).

I also like the book cover pattern, which turned out great and is particularly nice because they give you detailed instructions for resizing the template to fit any book.

[reading is my hustle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm always on the lookout for simple sewing crafts because my oldest daughter loves to sew. This sweet book has some really unique and charming projects.

Each project has a "Zakka Fact":

The felt flower coasters resemble wagashi- traditional Japanese sweets that are often created with seasonal themes. Flower-shaped wagashi appear in stores in Japan each spring.

[Meagan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this one. It had some cute ideas, but since I'm only JUST getting into the whole sewing game I found some of them a bit challenging. I DID make the squirrel tea cozy which attracted me to the book in the first place and if I'd actually gotten sewed the correct sides together it would be pretty great.

[Tina W]

I've made several projects from this book. My favorite is the cover project--the squirrel tea cozy. Very easy to make, and so sweet. Projects range from very simple to insanely detailed. I enjoy the Japanese asthetic--the use of linen, simple embroidery, and interesting trims.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are many beautiful things in the book. But the only reason I bought the book was for the squirrel tea cozy on the cover. I am giving it a three because I may just make the squirrel. The craft ideas are cute but I don't know if I would spend time making them.

[Jennifer B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cute projects of differing difficultly levels, although most are not very suited for complete beginners. Nice step by step instructions, and even some interesting background information on what is Zakka.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautiful, the instructions are clear and I want to make everything in it! Definitely something I need to own.

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to make everything in this book, especially the viking key ring.

[Slynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The crafts are lovely but I think the sashiko placemats are the only things I would do for myself out of this book. I loved the zakka facts included and the photography is fantastic.

[Gwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet projects that would be fun to make as small, functional gifts. Too busy to try any right now, but the directions & patterns seem clear. Also refers you to each designers web page.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would never make or use many of the projects in this book, but look at that adorable squirrel tea cozy! You better believe I copied that pattern out of the book. :-)

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I suppose I should wait to rate it until I actually make one of the projects... but they're so cute!

[Laureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

i can't wait to make some of these for me and my friends!

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

really, truly, completely adorable.

[Zombie Karin]

Some cute projects, but nothing I had to make immediately. It might be worth checking out again for the sewing machine cover and coat hanger cover designs.

[Stephanie Denison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the ideas and projects in this book. It makes me wish I had more time to sew.

[Kat Rodenberger · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a lot of new and original ideas. One slightly interesting embroidery technique and a ton of things that are stupidly easy to make, or in every single other sewing book/magazine on earth.

[Jocelynne Broderick]

Cute projects! I might try some before I return it to the library. I like that print & linen look but every project in here has that combo, maybe that's part of the Zakka experience?

[Chandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute stuff, but nothing I fell in love with.

[Clover · Rating 3 out of 5]

really cute and mostly practical projects. I sewed the book cozy with some modifications, and while it was terribly time-consuming, it wasn't very difficult.

[Cheri]

78 flower coasters
118 room shoes
142 squirrel tea cozy