Fremont - Custom Bag Maker Kit

Yes, you can totally make this bag on a regular home sewing machine! No heavy-duty or industrial machine required. For best results, we highly recommend working on a machine that has been well-maintained and using a new, sharp needle. Denim needles or nonstick needles (if working with waxed canvas) are our favorite!

These are the tools and sewing supplies we recommend having on hand for the optimal Fremont-making experience.

Sewing Supplies:

• Size 100 denim needle or nonstick needle (our favorites for sewing heavy-duty fabric & waxed canvas)
• Craft clips (for securing multiple layers of waxed canvas)
• 5" x 5" Quilting ruler (comes in handy for marking boxed corners)
• Hammer + hard surface (for setting rivets)

Tools:

The Fremont Crossbody Tote has double-cap rivets, which can be set with just a regular hammer. Optionally, you can use a double-cap rivet setter and a (non-rubber!) mallet on a hard surface, such as a slab of stone, metal anvil, or concrete floor. To make holes in fabric you’ll need two drive punches: a 3/32” drive punch for rivets and a 3/16" drive punch for Chicago Screws, which are used with a mallet on a cutting board.

For Chicago Screws, it is possible to set them with just a flathead screwdriver. However, for the strongest set, we recommend using a Chicago Screw Tool, which helps you grip the screw while you tighten it.

You can add these tools to your kit, or combined in The Drive Punch Toolkit for a discounted price!

Download the FULL TOOLS + SUPPLIES LIST

The Fremont Crossbody Tote is a Confident Beginner-level bag making project. The finished bag may look hella professional, but don't let that intimidate you! Even if you're newish to sewing bags, you'll do great. Be sure you have all of the correct tools on hand, and we also highly recommend signing up for the Fremont online class, as Ellie's video instructions are super helpful for visual learners and anyone who could use an extra post of confidence.

The making time for confident beginner projects is estimated at 4-6 hours. Having said that, each maker has their own pace and process.

We recommend using a 100 denim needle or a non-stick needle, and three spools of all-purpose thread to match the main, accent, and lining fabrics.

The Fremont Crossbody Tote is a Confident Beginner-level bag making project. 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 Chicago Screws.