How to Use a Patchin or ToteBar to Turn a Furoshiki Into a Beautiful Tote Bag

At Keiko Furoshiki, we believe your accessories should be as versatile and sustainable as they are beautiful. That’s why we created the ToteBar—our modern take on the traditional Japanese patchin, a wooden handle that transforms a simple cloth into a stylish and functional tote bag.

Whether you're already using furoshiki or just discovering this eco-friendly fabric wrap, learning how to use a patchin or ToteBar will open up an entirely new world of possibilities. In this post, we’ll show you exactly how to use a ToteBar, tips for best results, and why it’s a brilliant alternative to traditional tote bags.

What You’ll Need

To create a bag with a ToteBar, you’ll need just two things:

1. A furoshiki — We recommend a square wrap that’s at least 25x25 inches (65x65 cm). Larger wraps work well too.

2. A ToteBar — This is a set of two wooden handles with teardrop-shaped cutouts. Our ToteBars come in walnut or matte black and are designed to pair perfectly with our furoshiki collection.

Step-by-Step: How to Use the ToteBar

Creating your furoshiki bag is easy, intuitive, and doesn’t require any sewing or special tools. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Lay Out Your Furoshiki

Spread your furoshiki on a flat surface with the design side down. 

Step 2: Thread Through the ToteBar

Take two corner and gently pull them through the holes in one side of a ToteBar handle. Tie the two pieces of fabric in a knot. 

Repeat with the other knot and the second handle.

Step 3: Adjust and Go

Once both handles are threaded, lift the bag by the ToteBars and adjust the knots or fabric to balance the shape. Just like that, you’ve got a chic, reusable, and totally unique tote bag—ready for anything.

Pro Tips for Using a ToteBar

• Go bigger for heavier loads: If you plan to carry something bulkier (like a small laptop or stack of books), use a larger furoshiki (30” or more) to give yourself more fabric to work with.

• Secure your knots: A square knot is ideal, but if you’re carrying something heavy or slippery, you can double-knot for extra security.

• Style your wrap: Choose contrasting or matching colors between your furoshiki and ToteBar for different looks—elegant, playful, minimalist, or bold.

• Keep it handy: Because the ToteBar is flat and lightweight, it’s easy to keep in your purse or backpack. Paired with a folded wrap, it becomes your always-ready backup bag.

Why Use a Patchin or ToteBar?

Here’s why people love using ToteBars and patchin-style handles with their furoshiki:

• No sewing or hardware needed

• Endlessly reusable — swap out the wrap to match your outfit, season, or purpose

• Eco-friendly — made from upcycled wood and designed to reduce plastic use

• Stylish and minimal — the sleek silhouette looks great with any look

• Compact — folds down flat when not in use

Traditional totes and handbags can be bulky or quickly go out of style. The ToteBar and furoshiki system adapts to your life—growing, shrinking, and evolving with your needs.

Ideas for Everyday Use

Not sure where to start? Here are some everyday ways to use your furoshiki and ToteBar:

• As a lunch bag: Wrap up your bento box or lunch container and carry it with ease.

• Farmer’s market trips: Tote your produce without disposable plastic.

• As a travel day bag: Bring your furoshiki in your suitcase and use it on-the-go.

• Gift presentation: Wrap a present in fabric and add the ToteBar to turn the wrapping into a reusable gift.

• Everyday errands: Carry small purchases or essentials when you’re out and about.

One Product, Endless Possibilities

Using a patchin or ToteBar gives you the power to create a bag that fits your life—without buying another tote or adding to the waste stream. It’s a blend of traditional Japanese design and modern sustainable living.

If you’ve never tried using a furoshiki as a bag, the ToteBar is your gateway accessory. Elegant, compact, and easy to use, it brings new functionality to any square wrap you own.

Ready to Try It?

Our ToteBars are available in walnut wood and matte black, and pair perfectly with any Keiko Furoshiki wrap. Start with a tutorial, experiment with your own combinations, and tag us on Instagram @keikofuroshiki so we can see how you carry it your way.

You’ll never look at a square of fabric the same way again.