The Portsmith is a minimal, workhorse of a tote that'll quickly become your everyday go-to. Perfect for makers who appreciate practicality and style, it's a cut above your average tote.

This great beginner bag project is ideal if you're learning to sew or looking for a quick win. Whether you're headed to work, the market, or just out and about, the Portsmith is ready to carry whatever you throw its way (or in it).

What are its key features?

• Sturdy leather straps
• Metal rivets for durability
• Reinforced base
• Lining and zipper closure add-on
• Classic, minimalist design
• Strong enough for daily use

What making paths are available?

1. Bag Maker Kit: All materials you need to make this bag
2. Leather + Hardware Kit: All the leather and hardware minus the fabric (Pattern sold separately)
3. Pattern (PDF or Paper): For sourcing your own materials
4. Online Class: Step-by-step video guidance from the pattern's designer
5. Lining and Zipper Add-on: Pattern expansion that elevates the skill level to Confident Beginner

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 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

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 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.

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.