LEVEL UP
Portsmith - Seasonal Bag Maker Kit
- Unit price
- / per
The Portsmith is a minimal, workhorse of a tote that will quickly become your everyday go-to. This kit includes all of the ingredients you need to make this bag.
With sturdy leather straps, metal rivets, and a reinforced base, the Portsmith is a cut above your average tote. It's 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. The Portsmith also has the option to add-on lining and zipper.
- 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 of the materials you need to make the Portsmith Tote.
- Waxed canvas (10-12 oz)
- Pre-cut and hole-punched leather straps (5-7 oz)
- Metal double-cap rivets
- Metal D-ring
- Sew-in "I MADE THIS" label
- Portsmith PDF pattern + instructions booklet
- Portsmith Large Format Pattern Template (physical instructions booklet 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 - 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. |
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 will quickly become your everyday go-to. This kit includes all of the ingredients you need to make this bag.
With sturdy leather straps, metal rivets, and a reinforced base, the Portsmith is a cut above your average tote. It's 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. The Portsmith also has the option to add-on lining and zipper.
- 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 of the materials you need to make the Portsmith Tote.
- Waxed canvas (10-12 oz)
- Pre-cut and hole-punched leather straps (5-7 oz)
- Metal double-cap rivets
- Metal D-ring
- Sew-in "I MADE THIS" label
- Portsmith PDF pattern + instructions booklet
- Portsmith Large Format Pattern Template (physical instructions booklet 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 🌞"
@sewingmystyle
"Get your sewjo busy with a Portsmith tote bag from Klum House"
Kasey
"I was nervous that I wouldn't be able to make this, but the online class made it so easy!"
😍 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.