The Oberlin is a big step up from your average market tote bag. It features sturdy leather straps, a magnetic snap, an interior zipper pocket, and 4-compartment exterior pockets. In just a few hours, you’ll have yourself a stylish, professional-quality tote, complete with “I made this!” bragging rights. Klum House founder Ellie Lum will guide you through the making process every step of the way. You can make this project entirely on a home sewing machine, with a few extra tools for working with leather and hardware.

This class includes:

• Evergreen access to step-by-step video tutorials
• Oberlin PDF Instructions Booklet
• Large-format PDF pattern, for professional printing
• Tiled, print-at-home PDF pattern
• Detailed Tools + Supplies list, to help you source everything you need
• Ability to ask questions on the class’s discussion board

Course curriculum:

• Introduction (2:08)
• Gather Your Materials (2:23)
• Gather Your Tools (3:17)
• Cut Your Fabric (4:32)
• Prepare Leather (4:16)
• Prepare Exterior Pockets (4:03)
• Attach Exterior Pockets (7:07)
• Prepare + Attach Base Layer (3:00)
• Baste Pockets + Base (3:58)
• Prepare Tote Hem (1:45)
• Install Magnetic Snap (3:32)
• Sew the Tote Hem (5:00)
• Sew the Bag Together (6:12)
• Construct Boxed Corners (9:51)
• Attach Leather Straps (12:28)
• Conclusion (0:34)

In addition to teaching you how to make an amazing bag, this class will also help you develop a solid foundation of bag making skills that you’ll continue to use on all kinds of bag making projects for years to come. Online classes are great for visual learners or anyone who could use an extra boost of confidence!

You will learn how to :

• Trace pattern pieces and cut fabric
• Cut and hole-punch leather straps
• Sew heavy-duty waxed canvas on a home machine
• Sew a zipper
• Create a hanging interior pocket
• Sew French seams
• Create and sew binding fabric
• Construct boxed corners
• Set a magnetic snap
• Attach and reinforce leather straps
• Set metal double-cap rivets

Oberlin Full Maker Kit - This is the most foolproof (and luxurious) way to make. Pre-cut fabric, ready-to-attach leather straps, and all of the hardware you need—all in the colors of your choice. All you have to do is make!

Oberlin Leather + Hardware Kit - Prefer to source your own fabric? This option is for you! It comes with all the leather and hardware bits, minus the fabric.

NOTE: This class is 50% off when added to any Oberlin kit.

Make From Scratch - Alternatively, source and prep all of your supplies yourself! For a detailed list of everything you’ll need, download this TOOLS + SUPPLIES LIST.

Klum House founder and pattern designer Ellie Lum has over twenty years of professional bag making experience. With roots in industrial sewing and small-batch manufacturing, Ellie's superpower is teaching makers to achieve professional-quality results on a home sewing machine—and have a hell of a lot of fun while doing it. She’s passionate about empowering makers through sharing her craft.

With a clear, laid back teaching style, Ellie explains each step of the pattern in easy-to-understand language. Her teaching is peppered with helpful tips and tricks, and she has a real knack for melting away intimidation.