The Case of the Vanishing Seam: Nuno Felting a Japanese Knot Bag 2026

Class Time: Sunday, April 26, 2026, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM with 1 hour break

Location: St. Louis Community College - Meramec Campus, 11333 Big Bend Road, Kirkwood, MO 63122. Check in at Registration 15 minutes prior to class starting at PE Building for location.

Room: Science South, Room 107

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Instructor: Mariya Gerhardt

In this beginner-friendly workshop, we turn our investigative lens toward the creation of a nuno felted Japanese knot bag—a clever and stylish project bag favored by crafters on the move. Its construction is as intriguing as any mystery: one strap long, one strap short, the longer slipped neatly through the shorter to form both closure and handle. Simple and delightfully ingenious.

Throughout the workshop, students will construct their own one-of-a-kind knot bag using a template (resist) and an artful blend of merino wool, silk fabric, recycled sari silk, sari silk yarn, viscose fibers, and wool nepps. As we proceed with our inquiry, we will explore:

• How to use a resist to create seamless, three-dimensional felted forms
• The essentials of nuno felting, bonding wool fibers into delicate fabrics like silk gauze
• The effects of different silks and embellishments on texture, drape, and design
• Techniques for crafting rich surface textures and personalized artistic details

“Nuno”—the Japanese word for cloth—gives its name to this expressive technique, which allows artists to merge softness, structure, and surface detail into truly unique wearable works.

By the conclusion of our investigation, each student will leave with a completed Japanese knot bag, handcrafted, seamless, and entirely original.

Skill Prerequisite: No prior felting experience is required—only curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to follow the clues hidden within the fibers.

Ages: Adult

Supplies: Included in Class Cost

• Fine merino wool
• Hand-dyed pieces of silk gauze rarefied fabric
• Pieces of sari silk fabric
• Sari silk yarn
• Viscose fiber
• Wool nepps
• Resist
• Plastic gloves
• Thin plastic cover
• Printed handouts

Additional Supplies Needed

• One old towel
• Scissors
• A plastic bag to carry home the wet scarf and towel

Homework: None.

Class Policies

• The class minimum is 5 students. If we are unable to fill these spots, we will cancel the class and provide a full refund.
• By signing up for this class, you have admission to Friday Night Vendor Marketplace Preview.
• If a class is sold out, click here to be placed on the Wait List.
• No refunds will be issued after April 1, 2026.
  
• For any cancellations prior to April 1, 2026, a $25 administrative fee will be assessed.