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Portsmith - Black Leather + Hardware Kit
- Unit price
- / per
The Portsmith is a minimal, workhorse of a tote that features sturdy leather straps, metal rivets, and a reinforced base. A classic everyday bag that's strong enough to carry anything you throw its way!
This kit includes waxed canvas, pre-cut leather, hardware. You have the option to add the online class, tools, and pattern.
- Bag Dimensions: 13" H x 11" W x 5.5" D
- Heavy-duty, water-resistant waxed canvas
- Sturdy leather straps
- Strong metal rivets
- Reinforced base for extra durability
- Unique envelope base construction
- Metal D-ring to attach keys
This kit includes all the leather + hardware you need to make the Portsmith Tote.
- Pre-cut and hole-punched leather straps (5-7 oz)
- Metal double-cap rivets
- Metal D-ring
- Sew-in "I MADE THIS" label
NOTE: To complete this project, you’ll need 1 yard of exterior fabric (1/2 yard main, 1/2 yard accent). We recommend a mid-heavy weight waxed canvas, canvas, or denim. Pattern sold separately.
The Portsmith Tote is a Beginner-level project that takes about 1–3 hours to complete. In addition to teaching you how to make an amazing bag, this project will also help you develop a solid foundation of bag making skills that you’ll continue to use on all kinds of bag projects for years to come. We’ve got you every step of the way.
You will learn how to:
- Sew multiple layers of heavy-duty waxed canvas on a home machine
- Construct an envelope fold boxed corner
- Attach leather straps using rivets
- Finish raw seams
- Set metal double-cap rivets
In addition to a sewing machine and some basic supplies, there are a few tools that we highly recommend for making your bag. It’s easy to add tools onto your kit.
For punching holes in fabric:
- Option 1: 3/32" Drive Punch with a Mallet on a Poly Punching + Cutting Board
- Option 2: A Tapered Tailors Awl
Download the complete supplies list so you have everything you need to start making The Portsmith Tote!
Portsmith - Black Leather + Hardware 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. |
Our Materials
Waxed Canvas
A densely-woven cotton fabric that's saturated with wax, giving it protection against the elements. It shows scuffs and creases that blend into a weathered patina. *fabric colors vary in weight from 10-12oz
Leather
Sourced from Oregon and a Pennsylvania tannery, and hand-selected for quality. Our hides are cut into straps with a hydraulic press to ensure precision and consistency.
Hardware
Hardware takes a bag from looking homemade to professional—and it's not hard to do! Using basic tools, you can set rivets & more. All our hardware is real metal and built to last.
FREQUENTLY PAIRED WITH
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Complete Your Kit
The Portsmith is a minimal, workhorse of a tote that features sturdy leather straps, metal rivets, and a reinforced base. A classic everyday bag that's strong enough to carry anything you throw its way!
This kit includes waxed canvas, pre-cut leather, hardware. You have the option to add the online class, tools, and pattern.
- Bag Dimensions: 13" H x 11" W x 5.5" D
- Heavy-duty, water-resistant waxed canvas
- Sturdy leather straps
- Strong metal rivets
- Reinforced base for extra durability
- Unique envelope base construction
- Metal D-ring to attach keys
This kit includes all the leather + hardware you need to make the Portsmith Tote.
- Pre-cut and hole-punched leather straps (5-7 oz)
- Metal double-cap rivets
- Metal D-ring
- Sew-in "I MADE THIS" label
NOTE: To complete this project, you’ll need 1 yard of exterior fabric (1/2 yard main, 1/2 yard accent). We recommend a mid-heavy weight waxed canvas, canvas, or denim. Pattern sold separately.
The Portsmith Tote is a Beginner-level project that takes about 1–3 hours to complete. In addition to teaching you how to make an amazing bag, this project will also help you develop a solid foundation of bag making skills that you’ll continue to use on all kinds of bag projects for years to come. We’ve got you every step of the way.
You will learn how to:
- Sew multiple layers of heavy-duty waxed canvas on a home machine
- Construct an envelope fold boxed corner
- Attach leather straps using rivets
- Finish raw seams
- Set metal double-cap rivets
In addition to a sewing machine and some basic supplies, there are a few tools that we highly recommend for making your bag. It’s easy to add tools onto your kit.
For punching holes in fabric:
- Option 1: 3/32" Drive Punch with a Mallet on a Poly Punching + Cutting Board
- Option 2: A Tapered Tailors Awl
Download the complete supplies list so you have everything you need to start making The Portsmith Tote!
LEVEL UP
Zipper + Lining Expansions
Level up your Portsmith Tote by adding a zipper closure and/or lining! The zipper closure will help keep all of your things securely tucked away throughout the day. The lining adds structure and is an opportunity to add a fun print or pop of color to your bag's interior.
Complete Your Kit
Complete Your Kit
@kristensews
"Says it’ll only take 1-3 hours, and that advertising is not false!! ⚡️Had the best brain break golden hour post-work sewing session 🌞"
😍 Maker Stories
"Finished up another heavy duty canvas bag! I learned a lot of new sewing techniques while making the Portsmith Tote. Definitely recommend! 😄"
"I absolutely love The Porsmith Tote! It fits so much, including my big ol’ laptop, and it was a blast to work with waxed canvas for the first time."
"Oh my gosh the Portsmith Tote really is a beginner-friendly pattern! It only took me a couple of hours to make and I'll definitely be making more. It would make the perfect gift!"
"First waxed canvas and envelope corner experience -anyone who thinks they can't do this— you totally can (it's only two pieces of fabric plus hardware)! Brilliant, beautiful, highly functional, and in my case, burgundy. What's not to love? ❤️🧵✂️👜👍"
"Highly enjoyed making this for mi madre. Waxed cotton on top, with a navy canvas base and leather straps. I'm learning that I really like hammering hardware/rivets. Maybe I should take up kickboxing?!"
"As you’ve surely seen by the piles of totes I’ve been churning out this summer, I am quite a fan of this bag design... The envelope fold at the bottom is my absolute favorite method for boxing corners. It’s simple yet sturdy and just the cutest."
The Portsmith
Online Class
Learn to make your Portsmith 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 Portsmith? We've got you covered.
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!
The Portsmith Tote is a Beginner-level bag making project. The finished bag may look hella professional, but don't let that intimidate you! Even if you've never sewn before, you'll do great. Be sure you have all of the correct tools on hand, and we also highly recommend signing up for the Portsmith online class, as Ellie's video instructions are super helpful for visual learners and anyone who could use an extra post of confidence.
These are the tools and sewing supplies we recommend having on hand for the optimal Portsmith-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 20" Quilting ruler (comes in handy for marking boxed corners)
- Hammer + hard surface (for setting rivets)
Tools:
The Portsmith 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 a 3/32” drive punch, which is used with a mallet on a punching board. Or you can use a tapered tailor's awl to make holes in your fabric.
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 making time for beginner projects is estimated at 1-3 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.
We recommend using a 100 denim needle or a non-stick needle, and 2 spools of all-purpose thread to match the exterior fabrics.
The zipper closure and lining expansions are an awesome way to level up your Portsmith Tote. The zipper keeps your stuff secure, while the lining adds structure and a fun pop of color or print to the inside of your bag.
The Portsmith Tote is the ultimate teaching pattern for beginner bag makers, so it's a great project on its own. But if you're ready for a confident beginner challenge, the expansions are a perfect way to up your game.
The expansions do mean juggling two sets of instructions and tackling more advanced techniques, like installing a zipper. But with the included video-guided instructions, you've got what you need to make a tote that's 100% you.
I bought the Portsmith pattern and leather and hardware kit. Really loved how the bag turned out. Everything from Klum House is well packaged and the instructions are easy to follow....well, I did use my seam ripper a few times, and that is because I am still learning. But I love the kits and different items to help make great gifts! Ellie does a great job in explaining how to do certain tasks. A great teacher!
I've been a sewist for 50+ years. Klum House pattern instruction are, by far, the best I've ever used. Very clear, well written, and the images are excellent. The Tips are pretty darn great too ;)
These handles are so lovely, and with the holes pre punched I had my bag finished about 10 minutes after the mailman dropped off my order!
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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