LEVEL UP
Oberlin - Seasonal Bag Maker Kit
- Unit price
- / per
The Oberlin is a stylish take on the classic market tote. This kit includes all of the leather + hardware needed to make this bag, with the option to add the pattern and tools.
The Oberlin features sturdy leather straps, a magnetic snap closure, an interior zipper pocket, and exterior pocket compartments, and an extra-strong reinforced base.
- Bag Dimensions: 13.5" H x 12" W x 5" D
- Heavy-duty, water-resistant waxed canvas
- Premium leather straps
- 4-compartment exterior pockets
- Hanging interior zipper pocket
- Magnetic snap closure
- Strong metal rivets
- Reinforced base for extra durability
- Metal D-ring to attach keys
- French seams
This kit includes all of the materials you need to make the Oberlin Tote.
- Waxed canvas (10-12 oz)
- Natural canvas lining (10 oz)
- Pre-cut and hole-punched leather straps (5-7 oz)
- Metal double-cap rivets
- Magnetic Snap
- Metal D-ring
- 8" Brass Zipper
- Sew-in "I MADE THIS" label
- Oberlin PDF pattern + instructions booklet
- Oberlin Large Format Pattern Template (physical instructions booklet sold separately)
The Oberlin Tote is a Confident Beginner-level project that takes about 4–6 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
- Sew French seams
- Add a hanging zipper pocket with binding
- Attach leather straps using rivets
- Install a magnetic snap
- 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
For setting rivets:
- Option 1: We like to keep it simple around here, so we generally like to just set rivets by hitting them directly with a household hammer.
- Option 2: A Double-Cap Rivet Setter (with optional Dot Anvil) can be used instead. This preserves the roundness of the rivet, but can be more challenging to use than just a hammer.
Whichever method you choose, you should always set rivets on a hard surface like a Granite Slab on top of a sturdy table, countertop, or concrete floor.
Download the complete supplies list so you have everything you need to start making The Oberlin Tote!
Oberlin - 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 Oberlin is a stylish take on the classic market tote. This kit includes all of the leather + hardware needed to make this bag, with the option to add the pattern and tools.
The Oberlin features sturdy leather straps, a magnetic snap closure, an interior zipper pocket, and exterior pocket compartments, and an extra-strong reinforced base.
- Bag Dimensions: 13.5" H x 12" W x 5" D
- Heavy-duty, water-resistant waxed canvas
- Premium leather straps
- 4-compartment exterior pockets
- Hanging interior zipper pocket
- Magnetic snap closure
- Strong metal rivets
- Reinforced base for extra durability
- Metal D-ring to attach keys
- French seams
This kit includes all of the materials you need to make the Oberlin Tote.
- Waxed canvas (10-12 oz)
- Natural canvas lining (10 oz)
- Pre-cut and hole-punched leather straps (5-7 oz)
- Metal double-cap rivets
- Magnetic Snap
- Metal D-ring
- 8" Brass Zipper
- Sew-in "I MADE THIS" label
- Oberlin PDF pattern + instructions booklet
- Oberlin Large Format Pattern Template (physical instructions booklet sold separately)
The Oberlin Tote is a Confident Beginner-level project that takes about 4–6 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
- Sew French seams
- Add a hanging zipper pocket with binding
- Attach leather straps using rivets
- Install a magnetic snap
- 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
For setting rivets:
- Option 1: We like to keep it simple around here, so we generally like to just set rivets by hitting them directly with a household hammer.
- Option 2: A Double-Cap Rivet Setter (with optional Dot Anvil) can be used instead. This preserves the roundness of the rivet, but can be more challenging to use than just a hammer.
Whichever method you choose, you should always set rivets on a hard surface like a Granite Slab on top of a sturdy table, countertop, or concrete floor.
Download the complete supplies list so you have everything you need to start making The Oberlin Tote!
LEVEL UP
Zipper + Lining Expansions
Level up your Oberlin 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
@thanks.i.made.this
Let me say— I. Love. This. Bag. Spent so much time and love (and swear words) making this Oberlin Tote for my mom's Xmas present."
@nevernotknitting78
"I love this bag so much, I immediately made a second one...Such a great bag for carrying the seven hundred things I take into work"
😍 Maker Stories
"I'm so happy with my tote!!! This is going to become my favorite bag. It was a chance for me to try some things that I have wanted to for a very long time...like magnetic snaps and leather rivets and working with waxed canvas. The video resources are excellent!!! These scary techniques are de-mystified now. THANKS!!"
"I’m very happy with my finished tote and truly enjoyed the process. I felt confident in what I was doing and learned a new skill (the edge stitch presser foot - what a dream!). The pieces came together quickly, and I was impressed with how my interior pocket and zipper expansion turned out!"
"I'm thrilled with how my bag turned out. The process was enjoyable and the pattern is excellent. The time it states is accurate and it's a great project one can finish in a day. Working with waxed canvas can be daunting, but the additional videos, tips, and tricks make it a worry-free project."
"I am super happy with how it turned out!! I really like the clean lining and the fantastic binding method on the inner zipper. Also, the leather straps make it look way super modern and expensive. I have always wanted to make Klum house bags and I think this is just the beginning of many more projects ahead."
"The kit is a game changer- I am not generally a kit buying, preferring to source from my overloaded sewing room. But I am a convert to yours. The professional-level quality products that you provide are top notch. I thought the pattern was very clear, and I referred back to the notes in the beginning regarding the rivets and such."
The Oberlin
Online Class
Learn to make your Oberliin 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 Oberlin? We've got you covered.
Yes, you can totally make this bag on a regular home sewing machine! No industrial machine required, but a heavy duty machine is a plus! 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 Oberlin-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
- Hammer + hard surface (for setting rivets)
Tools:
The Oberlin 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 cutting 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 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 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 Oberlin 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 Oberlin Tote is confident beginner pattern with a lot of features and skill-building already, so it's a great project on its own. But if you're ready for more of a 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.
The Oberlin 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 Oberlin online class, as Ellie's video instructions are super helpful for visual learners and anyone who could use an extra post of confidence
Very exact directions and video!! So fun to see mine come together with a professional look!!
Made this beautiful bag with easy. The kit and the instruction were fabulous.
I have made two of these - one from the full maker kit and one of canvas. Both have turned out beautifully thanks to the excellent videos that give you step by step instructions. I can't believe how quickly they come together!
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.