New
Fremont - Black Leather + Hardware Kit
- Unit price
- / per
The Fremont is the ultimate cross-body tote for hands-free adventures! This kit includes all of the leather + hardware needed to make this bag, with the option to add the pattern and tools.
With a zipper top closure, interior and exterior pockets, a fully-lined interior, and sturdy leather handles, this bag is ready for anything—just like you. Whether its a daily commute, a day of wandering around a new city, or a night out with friends, the Fremont Tote will be your trusty companion.
- Bag Dimensions: 10.5" H x 11" W (at bottom) x 5" D
- Fully-lined natural canvas interior
- Leather cross body strap
- Leather handles for a second carrying option
- Interior pocket for keeping essentials organized
- 2-compartment exterior pocket
- Metal D-ring to attach keys
- Metal double-cap rivets
This kit includes all the leather + hardware you need to make the Fremont Tote.
- Pre-cut and hole-punched leather straps + reinforcement washers(5-7 oz)
- 14" brass YKK zippers with large hole in slider
- Metal double-cap rivets
- Chicago screws
- Metal O-rings and D-rings
- 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) and 1/2 yard of lining fabric. We recommend a mid-heavy weight waxed canvas, canvas, or denim. Pattern sold separately.
The Fremont 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 a zipper with lining fabric
- Construct boxed corners
- Finish zipper ends with Ellie's simple + clean technique
- Attach leather straps using rivets
- Install Chicago Screws
- 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" (for rivets) & 3/16" (for Chicago Screws) Drives 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 Fremont Crossbody Tote!
Fremont - 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 Fremont is the ultimate cross-body tote for hands-free adventures! This kit includes all of the leather + hardware needed to make this bag, with the option to add the pattern and tools.
With a zipper top closure, interior and exterior pockets, a fully-lined interior, and sturdy leather handles, this bag is ready for anything—just like you. Whether its a daily commute, a day of wandering around a new city, or a night out with friends, the Fremont Tote will be your trusty companion.
- Bag Dimensions: 10.5" H x 11" W (at bottom) x 5" D
- Fully-lined natural canvas interior
- Leather cross body strap
- Leather handles for a second carrying option
- Interior pocket for keeping essentials organized
- 2-compartment exterior pocket
- Metal D-ring to attach keys
- Metal double-cap rivets
This kit includes all the leather + hardware you need to make the Fremont Tote.
- Pre-cut and hole-punched leather straps + reinforcement washers(5-7 oz)
- 14" brass YKK zippers with large hole in slider
- Metal double-cap rivets
- Chicago screws
- Metal O-rings and D-rings
- 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) and 1/2 yard of lining fabric. We recommend a mid-heavy weight waxed canvas, canvas, or denim. Pattern sold separately.
The Fremont 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 a zipper with lining fabric
- Construct boxed corners
- Finish zipper ends with Ellie's simple + clean technique
- Attach leather straps using rivets
- Install Chicago Screws
- 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" (for rivets) & 3/16" (for Chicago Screws) Drives 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 Fremont Crossbody Tote!
New
Size-Inclusive Straps
The Fremont Crossbody Tote pattern and kits have been updated to be inclusive of a wider range of body sizes! We believe no one should have to wear a bag with uncomfortable straps, or forego a fun project because the finished product isn’t functional on their body.
Complete Your Kit
Complete Your Kit
@seam_ingly
"I recently made the Fremont tote bag and learning how to set rivets was so satisfying! ⚒️
@slowtexdk
"Look how much the Fremont Tote can hold!"
@seam_ingly
"This bag was surprisingly simple and the waxed canvas fabric was a DREAM to sew with. 🥰 I could see this being great for beginners as well as advanced sewists like myself."
😍 Maker Stories
"This was so much fun to make and turned out beautiful. I can't wait to make another one. I think this is going to be a wonderful new addiction."
"The bag is absolutely amazing, and I felt like a champion finishing it in 2 short days! My one piece of advice about making this bag: Buy the Leather + Hardware Kit. Seriously this was such a time saver because I didn’t have to source each piece of hardware, and the leather came pre-cut with rivet holes punched!"
“I don’t mind saying that zippers always scare me a little, but I found the instructions great. I used my own weaving for the exterior pocket. I’m utterly chuffed with it."
"I enjoyed making the Fremont from a kit. The video instructions were very helpful. I was impressed with how the bag turned out, as were my husband and friends. It's now my favorite purse, and I have several dozen, so that's saying a lot. It's a great size for carrying everything I might want."
THE FREMONT
Online Class
Learn to make your Fremont 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 Fremont? 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!
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.
I loved being able to select the colors for the different components. The quality of the products is excellent.
This kit is everything you need to make the Fremont tote all in one place and very high quality. Would recommend
Great quality but expensive
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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Inspire Your Next Project
Our waxed canvas is Better Cotton Initiative and organic certified.
Crystal-clear illustrated teaching patterns designed to upskill your bag making.
Durable, premium materials sourced with the highest quality in mind.
Made with care in small batches, by a woman-powered team in Portland.
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