How I Designed & Made The Knot Bags

Every design begins with a spark of inspiration, and for me, that spark came from a traditional Japanese style.

I came across a photo of the traditional Japanese Musō (or knot) bag, and I couldn't stop looking at it. It was beautifully simple—a clever piece of fabric folded and stitched together with a unique knot-style closure that was unlike anything I'd seen before. I loved how something so minimal could be so elegant.

I admired it, but I couldn't help thinking, It could be more!

To me, the original design was missing two things that I personally look for in an everyday bag: structure and practicality. I wanted a bag that kept the charm of the knot closure but felt substantial enough to carry every day. Something that held its shape, protected your belongings, and was versatile enough to suit modern life.

Fortunately, my lovely mother kept all her scrap fabrics so I had the perfect excuse to experiment and that's where my passion grew from - those pieces of fabric being my testing ground.

One of the very first bags I've ever made, Lita Knot Bag.

 

Looking back, some were too soft. Others were too bulky. Some looked beautiful but weren't comfortable to carry. But I got support and buyers so I knew I was onto something.

I experimented with reinforced bottoms to give the bags more structure. I added leather bases and leather handles to create a balance between softness and durability. I designed interior pockets. Later, I introduced removable crossbody straps so the bag could be worn in more than one way, making it practical for busy days while still maintaining its distinctive silhouette.

More than once I found myself convinced that I had finally created the perfect bag. I'd admire it, photograph it, and tell myself, This is it, post it, and someone who say "wow beautiful".

Then a new idea would appear.

I'm grateful I never settled too early, because every revision made the design stronger than the last.

One thing stayed the same though - I wanted to it to reflect Africa.

Rather than simply recreating the design, I wanted to create something that tied back to what I loved the most. African fabrics, rich textures, and details that reflected my own Zimbabwean heritage and the broader beauty of African craftsmanship. Somehow, it just keeps getting better.