Leather Tote Bag Workshop with Katie Stack of Stitch & Rivet

We will make a hand-stitched leather bag in these three full-day sessions with Katie
from Stitch & Rivet. On day one, we'll focus on making edits and adjustments to our
patterns and layout, cutting out our projects, and prepping the pieces. On the second
day, we will begin construction and hand stitching. On our final day, we will work to
finish the bags and, if time allows, make something with our scrap leather. *If it does
not look like you will finish your project in three days, we will work to set up your pieces
so you can finish them at home.

Please select from the list of “pre-approved” patterns or purchase a pattern and
hardware kit from Stitch & Rivet. If you would like to use a pattern not included on the
“pre-approved” list, please reach out to Katie Stack so she can review it and ensure it
is something you can finish in the allotted time and with the tools available.
This very ambitious schedule is meant to be a fun challenge. If you'd like to complete
your project in the allotted time, come to camp with your bag pattern and instructions
printed and taped together, or use one of the patterns provided by Katie.

Skill Level:
Students should be comfortable swinging a hammer, using a rotary cutter or scissors,
standing and/or bending over for extended periods, and have good hand dexterity and
hand strength. This workshop may not be suitable for people with noise sensitivities
because of the noise created by hammering holes into leather. No sewing machines are
used in this summer camp, and you do not need experience with leather work or hand
stitching.

S&R Patterns and hardware: https://www.shopstitchandrivet.com/3lb-camp
Pre-Approved commercial patterns:
https://leatherbagpattern.com/products/small-messenger-bag-pattern

https://corterleather.com/collections/patterns/products/pattern-kayleenas-baguette-
bag

https://www.lzpattern.com/leather-saddle-bag-patterns-sewing-patterns-bag-pattern-
leather-patterns-stitch-patterns-crochet-patterns-leathercraft-leather-craft-leather-
crafting-patterns

https://districtleathersupply.com/products/dls-pattern-crossbody-leather-purse
https://www.makesupply.co/collections/pdf-leather-templates/products/tote-bag-02-
pdf-template-set

https://www.buckleguy.com/tote-bag-pattern-pdf-template/?
srsltid=AfmBOooiom477juJGQ2-ZkfZx4M3jpQy09lUUQONTfeqvAgDV2gDIQxB
https://districtleathersupply.com/products/dls-pattern-wide-mouth-dopp-kit
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1660458876/diy-leather-saddle-bag-pattern-digital
https://www.sabrina-lee.com/blog/2021/8/9/banana-sling-bag ** will need some
adjustments.

Materials Needed:

Leather for your project
Please see each pattern for specific information and needs.
Thread for your project
• I suggest a 70-yard spool of .030 Maine Thread Company waxed cord, and I will
provide needles that work with this thread.
• If you select a thread of a different size, be sure to purchase needles in a size
compatible with that thread.
A method of cutting leather
• I suggest a 45mm rotary cutter with at least one replacement blade (available for
purchase at 3LB)
• Or a pair of very sharp sewing scissors.
• A heavy-duty quilting ruler used for pattern making and for use with a rotary tool
(available for purchase at 3LB)
A marking tool
• Either a fine line Sharpie marker, a chalk wheel, or a marking awl (all available for
purchase at 3LB)
Hardware
• As indicated by your selected pattern.
Thread Snips
• For sniping your thread.
Excitement to make a bag!

Supplies Provided:
Tools for use
• Hand stitching needles in a size 517-1 (for use with Maine thread co size .030)
• Hole punches for rivets and hardware
• 5mm pricking irons for hand stitching
• Wing dividers for marking seam allowances
• Mallets and pounding mats for making holes
• Edge beveler in a variety of sizes and styles
• Strap skivers for thinning small sections of leather
• Burnishing wheels and cloths
• Lighter for burning thread ends
• Safety pins to hold stitching in alignment
• Rivet and hardware press for setting hardware. If you have a specific hardware you
plan to use, please reach out to Katie so she can advise on tool needs.
Consumables for use
• Water-based adhesive for seams
• Tokonole edge finisher in clear

Optional Supplies you might want to bring
• A cutting mat. We will have some at the workshop for you to use, but some people
prefer their own.
• Tape and pattern-making supplies. For making edits to your pattern
• Binder clips. We will have some at the workshop for you to use, but some people
may prefer bringing their own.
• A stitching pony. This is not necessary, but some people may find it easier to have
this tool to hold their leather for them as they stitch.
• Safety glasses
• Ear protection
• An apron

Traveling from out of town:

Three Little Birds Sewing Co is located in the Arts District of Hyattsville. We are in close proximity to College Park, MD and Northeast DC. If you need suggestions about lodging and transportation, send us an email and we'd be happy to help!

Class policy: Workshop is NON-REFUNDABLE unless your spot can be filled by another student.