Shakuhachi Cap 尺八キャップ

How to make a protective cap for the top of your shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute). The cap helps protect the fragile blowing edge (utaguchi). This project requires a small amount of hand sewing. If you are not skilled at sewing, go ahead and try it anyway.

leather or leatherette

heavy thread (such as size #6 nylon)

scrap paper

snap (optional)

Trace the top of your shakuhachi onto a scrap piece of paper as shown.

Add a small margin for sewing.

Cut out template. I made the height 4.5cm. The overall width of the "wings/flaps" should be the circumferences of your shakuhachi plus 1 cm on each end. The top edges need to angle down to approximate the back angle of the top of your flute (where it fits your chin).

Trace template onto leather or leatherette and cut out along with two extra pieces. The next step will help show the sizes of the extra pieces.

Glue the extra pieces to the inside. Leave a small space as shown, for where it will fold. Use lots of glue so that this part becomes stiff. This will add extra protection against bumps.

Sew each side "wing/flap" separately too the top circle. Trim the first one vertically to line up approximately with the back of your flute as shown. Overlap the second flap over the first one--see photo on next step.

Finish with an extra stitch or two. You can add a snap for a tighter fit. The snap I had on hand was too big for my liking and I removed it.