New
Slabtown - Seasonal Bag Maker Kit
- Unit price
- / per
The Slabtown is a heavy-duty rolltop backpack, built for adventurous makers. It features a spacious main compartment with quick-access zipper, front zipper pocket, adjustable leather backpack straps, and side pockets for water bottles.
The Slabtown combines function and style in equal parts. Whether it's a day on the trails, your daily cycling commute, or a weekend getaway, this bag will keep up with your active lifestyle and hold up to years of wear and tear. Pack your gear— there are adventures ahead!
This kit includes waxed canvas fabric, natural canvas lining, pre-cut leather, hardware, a full-size paper pattern template, PDF instructions booklet, and full PDF pattern. You have the option to add the online class, tools, and paper instructions booklet.
- Bag Dimensions: 17 1/2" H (rolled down) / 24 1/2" H (extended) x 11" W x 5.5" D
- 24.3 liters max capacity
- Heavy-duty, water-resistant waxed canvas exterior
- Fully-lined with natural army duck canvas
- Spacious main compartment with quick-access zipper
- Front zipper pocket
- Side pocket for water bottles
- Snap closures
- Adjustable leather backpack straps
- Additional 6" of capacity with rolltop extended
This kit includes all of the materials you need to make the Slabtown Backpack.
- Waxed canvas (10-12 oz)
- Natural canvas lining (10 oz)
- Pre-cut and hole-punched leather (8-10 oz)
- Industrial-strength tubular rivets
- Line 24 Snaps
- Metal Buckles(2)
- 12" Brass YKK zippers
- Twill Tape Binding
- Sew-in "I MADE THIS" label
- Slabtown paper template + PDF pattern
This project won't just help you make a badass, professional quality bag. It's also designed to teach you new heavy-duty sewing techniques that you can apply to all kinds of future bag making projects. In particular, the Slabtown will push the limits of what you thought was possible on a home sewing machine and turn you into a leather and hardware boss. You'll discover that you and your home machine are capable of more than you ever thought possible!
By the end, you'll be a pro at techniques like:
- Trace pattern pieces and cut fabric
- Sew layers of heavy-duty waxed canvas on a home machine
- Sew a zipper with lining fabric
- How to set line 24 snaps
- How to set extra strong tubular rivets
- Construct boxed corners
- How to finish seams with binding
- How to create adjustable leather backpack straps
- How to sew a hidden zipper compartment
- How to install buckles for adjustable straps
While you can sew the Slabtown Backpack on a home sewing machine (heavy-duty recommended), constructing the bag does require some specific tools for working with rivets and hardware:
- A tubular rivet peening tool and mallet to set the tubular rivets into the leather straps. Set rivets on a hard surface like concrete or stone for best results. Do not substitute for double-cap rivets or your bag will fall apart!
- To set the Line 24 snaps, you’ll need a Line 24 snap setter and a dot anvil.
- A 1/8" drive punch and mallet to punch clean holes in the fabrics. Use on a punching board.
You can add these tools to your kit individually or combined in the Slabtown Essential Tools Bundle for a discounted price! And don't forget to download the complete supplies list so you have everything you need to make your Slabtown Backpack!
Slabtown - Seasonal Bag Maker Kit
- Unit price
- / per
Skill Levels
BEGINNER |
CONFIDENT BEGINNER |
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 |
ADVANCED |
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 professional results. |
FREQUENTLY PAIRED WITH
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Complete Your Kit
The Slabtown is a heavy-duty rolltop backpack, built for adventurous makers. It features a spacious main compartment with quick-access zipper, front zipper pocket, adjustable leather backpack straps, and side pockets for water bottles.
The Slabtown combines function and style in equal parts. Whether it's a day on the trails, your daily cycling commute, or a weekend getaway, this bag will keep up with your active lifestyle and hold up to years of wear and tear. Pack your gear— there are adventures ahead!
This kit includes waxed canvas fabric, natural canvas lining, pre-cut leather, hardware, a full-size paper pattern template, PDF instructions booklet, and full PDF pattern. You have the option to add the online class, tools, and paper instructions booklet.
- Bag Dimensions: 17 1/2" H (rolled down) / 24 1/2" H (extended) x 11" W x 5.5" D
- 24.3 liters max capacity
- Heavy-duty, water-resistant waxed canvas exterior
- Fully-lined with natural army duck canvas
- Spacious main compartment with quick-access zipper
- Front zipper pocket
- Side pocket for water bottles
- Snap closures
- Adjustable leather backpack straps
- Additional 6" of capacity with rolltop extended
This kit includes all of the materials you need to make the Slabtown Backpack.
- Waxed canvas (10-12 oz)
- Natural canvas lining (10 oz)
- Pre-cut and hole-punched leather (8-10 oz)
- Industrial-strength tubular rivets
- Line 24 Snaps
- Metal Buckles(2)
- 12" Brass YKK zippers
- Twill Tape Binding
- Sew-in "I MADE THIS" label
- Slabtown paper template + PDF pattern
This project won't just help you make a badass, professional quality bag. It's also designed to teach you new heavy-duty sewing techniques that you can apply to all kinds of future bag making projects. In particular, the Slabtown will push the limits of what you thought was possible on a home sewing machine and turn you into a leather and hardware boss. You'll discover that you and your home machine are capable of more than you ever thought possible!
By the end, you'll be a pro at techniques like:
- Trace pattern pieces and cut fabric
- Sew layers of heavy-duty waxed canvas on a home machine
- Sew a zipper with lining fabric
- How to set line 24 snaps
- How to set extra strong tubular rivets
- Construct boxed corners
- How to finish seams with binding
- How to create adjustable leather backpack straps
- How to sew a hidden zipper compartment
- How to install buckles for adjustable straps
While you can sew the Slabtown Backpack on a home sewing machine (heavy-duty recommended), constructing the bag does require some specific tools for working with rivets and hardware:
- A tubular rivet peening tool and mallet to set the tubular rivets into the leather straps. Set rivets on a hard surface like concrete or stone for best results. Do not substitute for double-cap rivets or your bag will fall apart!
- To set the Line 24 snaps, you’ll need a Line 24 snap setter and a dot anvil.
- A 1/8" drive punch and mallet to punch clean holes in the fabrics. Use on a punching board.
You can add these tools to your kit individually or combined in the Slabtown Essential Tools Bundle for a discounted price! And don't forget to download the complete supplies list so you have everything you need to make your Slabtown Backpack!
New
Size-Inclusive Straps
The Slabtown pattern & kits are updated to accommodate a wider range of body sizes! We believe no one should wear uncomfortable straps or forego a fun project due to fit.
Complete Your Kit
Complete Your Kit
@gyasti
"This was my first time making a bag and I was nervously excited to tackle this backpack, but it turned out great!"
@maggies.crochet.chaos_
I made this backpack with the Slabtown kit. It’s the most complex and interesting project i’ve ever made and i can’t believe i did it!!!
@sewnorth
"The Slabtown is a full-on, comprehensive, beautifully curated making experience. I learned lots of great tips from the instructions & course. I recommend the Bag Maker Kit if you want to spoil yourself with a ‘win. I’m proud as hell of this one!”
😍 Maker Stories
"There’s nothing quite as cathartic as beating the crap…out of leather & metal with a heavy mallet. 10/10, do recommend."
"This full maker kit takes it to the top floor penthouse suite. It's a comprehensive, beautifully curated making experience. Recommended if you’re looking to spoil yourself with a ‘win."
“My sewing plans include lots of hammering. It’s a fun and pretty empowering experience…making a whole hardcore bag from scratch.”
“I really love this backpack! Not only the way it looks but how functional it is. This was also so fun to make and easier than I thought it would be!”
THE SLABTOWN
Online Class
Learn to make your Slabtown 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.
FAQS
Questions about The Slabtown? We've got you covered.
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.
I love how quickly this showed up and how well it was packaged. Great way to get a surprise project full of everything you need to get sewing.
I purchased 3 Slabtown kits to make for my 3 adult(ish) children for Christmas (it's our family tradition--they tell me what style, and I make 3 bags). What an amazing pattern (and kit). All the pieces fit together so nicely. The instructions were comprehensive and easy to follow. I have 3 amazing bags and I think my kids will love them.
This is the most complex sewing project I’ve ever done on my home sewing machine. I bought the gray Pendleton version and love the way the fabric is off center, but looks intentional. I followed the video and everything went smoothly, though some of my rivets probably could have been set a little straighter. I purchased the backpack strap felt pads and think they add a nice aesthetic touch as well as a bit of extra comfort. I customized many of the leather parts with hand stamps. There is just so much specialness about this project. Everyone at work was impressed. You can do it! Don’t hesitate.
OUR PROMISE
You've got this.
Making things takes courage! For every little victory and moment of triumph, there are frustrating seam rips and cooked rivets, but there is magic to be found in showing up and trusting the process. Sometimes you have to take the leap to discover how much you're truly capable of!
OUR PROMISE
We've got you.
From sourcing the very best tools and materials to crafting crystal-clear instructions, we're committed to setting you up for success (and enjoyment!) at every step of your bag making journey. No matter your skill level, we'll meet you where you are and help you reach your bag making goals.
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Inspire Your Next Project
Our waxed canvas is Better Cotton Initiative and organic certified.
Crystal-clear illustrated teaching patterns designed to upskill your bag making.
Durable, premium materials sourced with the highest quality in mind.
Made with care in small batches, by a woman-powered team in Portland.