Sew the Fremont Bag
Ellie Lum
Class Preview
1:19
- In-depth Instruction; over 114 mins
- On-demand video access anytime
- Bonus downloadable PDF resources
- Access to class Q&A
Materials & Supplies
8:44
Meet Ellie and explore the features of the Fremont tote. Then learn about the waxed canvas, lining fabric, tools and notions you'll need to make the bag.
Drafting & Cutting Fabric
19:25
Follow along as Ellie shows you how to draft and mark the pattern pieces accurately onto your fabric, and then cut them out.
Preparing & Attaching Pockets
15:24
Attach an interior pocket to your lining fabric and create an exterior divided pocket in waxed canvas for the outside of your bag.
Installing the Zipper
15:05
A metal zipper adds style and security to your bag. In this lesson, discover Ellie's techniques to confidently stitch the zipper in place with zipper tape that's neatly turned in for a professional look.
Sewing the Bag Together
14:52
Now join the outer fabric and the bag lining together with simple (but accurate) sewing. Then, box the corners and turn the bag right side out to reveal the tote bag shape.
Punching the Leather Trim
15:07
Find out how to cut the leather straps, zipper pull, and washers to the correct measurements. Ellie helps you accurately punch rivet holes where needed.
Completing the Bag With Leather & Hardware
25:11
Your Fremont bag is ready for its hardware! Learn how to securely attach metal rivets and leather washers to the bag handles, front-pocket rivet and zipper tab. Finally, add Chicago screws to attach leather side-tabs and O-rings for the cross-body strap.
Construct a gorgeous waxed canvas tote with leather trim, all on your home sewing machine! Professional bagmaker Ellie Lum shows you how, step by step — from pattern drafting to securing hardware such as metal zippers, adding interior lining pockets and more. By the end of class, you’ll not only walk away with a stylish handcrafted Freemont Bag, you’ll also have a repertoire of bag-making skills that will carry you to your next project.
Ellie Lum
Ellie Lum is a sewing designer and teacher in Portland, Oregon, who specializes in waxed canvas bags and leather goods. With a background in both adult education and bag production, Ellie has built a business combining her talents in Klum House, a workshop space and purveyor of high-end sewing kits. She feels strongly that making items by hand, and the act of learning to do so, are vital to human creativity, confidence and our ability to value the items we use every day.
Bonus materials available after purchase