Slabtown - Leather + Hardware Kit (Seconds)

Although a heavy-duty sewing machine is recommended, it is not necessary. Most home sewing machines that have been well taken care of will do just fine. A walking foot attachment and/or Jean-a-ma-jig can help you power through bulky seams. You do not need an industrial sewing machine to make the Slabtown.

We recommend a size 100 topstitching needle or a nonstick needle (great for waxed canvas) and all-purpose thread. The Slabtown calls for topstitching on several steps. Our preferred topstitching method involves adding a second spool of all-purpose top thread to the machine’s second spool holder. To topstitch Klum House style, you’ll need five total spools of thread: two to match the main fabric, two to match the accent fabric, and one to match the lining.

The Slabtown has tubular rivets, which must be set with a tubular rivet peening tool and a (non-rubber!) mallet on a hard surface, such as a slab of stone, metal anvil, or concrete floor. To set the Line 24 snaps, you’ll need a Line 24 snap setter and a dot anvil. Finally, you’ll need a 1/8” drive punch, which is used with a mallet on a cutting board.

You can add these tools to your kit individually or combined in the Slabtown Essential Tools Bundle for a discounted price!

Download the FULL TOOLS + SUPPLIES LIST

The making time for advanced projects is estimated at 8-12 hours. Having said that, each maker has their own pace and process. We recommend adding the online class for extra support and to ensure a seamless (no pun intended 😉) making experience.

The Slabtown is an advanced level project. Advanced projects are for experienced stitchers ready to invest a significant amount of time and energy into becoming a bag maker. Complex construction and seriously professional results.

Tubular rivets are much stronger than double-cap rivets. Since The Slabtown is a backpack, the straps pull away from the bag at the attachment points, which makes double-cap rivets unreliable, since they can pop-apart when pulled with opposing force. On the other hand, tubular rivets are made to withstand this force, and will stay in place (especially when reinforced with leather on the backside of the fabric). So, in a nutshell, The Slabtown is designed to stand the test of time! Please don't substitute double-cap rivets for the tubular ones when making The Slabtown. Also note: tubular rivets need to be set with a Tubular Rivet Peening Tool.