Fully-illustrated, easy-to-follow instructions in paper or PDF!
$27.00
2BEGINNER 
MAKE TIME: 1–3 hours
Beginner projects will introduce you to the basics of bag making. You'll learn to sew heavy-duty fabric, punch holes in fabric and leather, set metal rivets, and sew your first zipper!
Confident Beginner projects involve managing more pieces of fabric and leather. They'll teach you to add interior and exterior pockets and install new types of hardware, like snaps.
Intermediate projects involve a more in-depth making process. They'll teach you to work with a wider variety of tools and hardware techniques, like setting extra-strength tubular rivets.
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 professionals results.
The Portsmith is a classic, everyday tote bag that's built to last.
Our teaching patterns are designed to help you build lifelong skills as you make.
Sign up for the Portsmith Tote online class and get the PDF pattern for free!
Learn to make your Portsmith Tote with Ellie, the pattern's designer, from the comfort of your home sewing machine. The online class is great for visual learners and those who could use an extra boost of confidence.
The Portsmith is a classic, everyday tote bag that's built to last.
Our teaching patterns are designed to help you build lifelong skills as you make.
Sign up for the Portsmith Tote online class and get the PDF pattern for free!
Learn to make your Portsmith Tote with Ellie, the pattern's designer, from the comfort of your home sewing machine. The online class is great for visual learners and those who could use an extra boost of confidence.
“A fast and easy project to sew, highly recommended.”
“The perfect tote to get back into sewing.”
“It’s a perfect work bag! If I can do it, you can too!”
Waxed canvas is the original water-resistant fabric. It's a densely-woven cotton fabric that
has been saturated with wax, giving it an extra layer of protection. Waxed canvas shows scuffs, marks
and creases that blend into a weathered patina with age.
Our leather is sourced locally at Oregon Leather, as well as from a tannery in
Pennsylvania, and hand-selected for its quality. Our hides are cut into straps with a
hydraulic press to ensure precision and consistency. NOTE: Our tan leather might feel stiff at
first, but it will soften and darken to a lovely caramel brown with use.
Hardware can take a bag from looking homemade to truly professional—and it's not hard to
do! With a few basic tools, you'll be able to set rivets, snaps, magnetic closures and more. All of
our hardware is real metal and strong enough to hold up to years of wear and tear.
I have nothing but high praises for the Klum House patterns. I am a 63 year old male with zero experience at sewing. I learned to sew watching Elie in her online videos and have made 3 Portsmith bags so far and will be starting on a Fremont for my wife shortly. A few mistakes made but still learning and enjoying it greatly. Her teaching style is relaxed, clear and concise. The only complaint I would have is that I would love to order a bunch of stuff but as a Canadian I can't deal with the ridiculous shipping costs. I realize that this is not their fault but maybe try offering a parcel post price instead of an expedited or priority shipping option. There is a problem when I can order from pretty well anywhere overseas for way less than ordering from just over the border. Other than that I am very satisfied with my purchases and will be ordering more patterns and video classes.
I used it to make a large canvas tote by just making the original pattern bigger and I added a front pocket. But the instructions were very clear which helped me with what I wanted to create.
Awesome, thanks for sharing Tehmina! Your bag is beautiful!
