Sewing

Slabtown Rolltop Backpack by Klum House Kit and Pattern Review

I made another backpack!

· 3 min read
Slabtown Rolltop Backpack by Klum House Kit and Pattern Review

Klumhouse owner Ellie and I met years ago when I lived in Portland, and I got to help her at the workshop in exchange for a few classes.

In the past, I made a Pendleton totepack and a dopp kit at her studio, and the cutest leather belt bag at home.

A few months ago, Ellie and I exchanged services once again, and I soon received all the supplies to make the Slabtown Rolltop Backpack at home.

Unsurprisingly, I opted for a color-drenched version, choosing this cobalt blue for the body, front pocket, and zippers. It reminds me of an alpine backpack my grandpa used to bring on our hiking adventures.

Last month, after my mom helped me finish my latest DIY project, I did not have anything on the docket, so I finally decided to work on my backpack.

While I waited to receive a few supplies I was missing, I started cutting the pattern and fabric.

Supplies

Sewing

I forgot to order double-sided leather tape but managed to do without it with my trusty craft clips.

I usually use chalk but realized that I needed more precise fabric pencils to mark the fabric.

Stamping, rivets, and snaps

I could have used a rivet removal tool but made do with the tools in my garage. I'm so thankful that the kit includes 4 extra rivets since I used them all!!

I've had this sewing machine for 10 years now, and I still love it. Ellie uses the same one at her studio!

Then, I simply pressed play on the video tutorial, and my backpack came to life in a weekend!

I've already mentioned this before, but Ellie is the best teacher ever. The attention to detail and the ability to answer all the questions one might have throughout the process are incredible!

What took me the most time was figuring out what to stamp on the inside leather reinforcement piece...

Hacks & Tips

  • I'm considering inverting the placement of one of the side snaps in order to have a male and a female one on either side of the rolltop strap that can be snapped together when the rolltop is halfway full.
  • I used the edgestitch presser for almost all of my stitches to keep an even spacing.
  • I wish I had considered adding patches before finishing the bag so I could have machine-sewn them. How cute is this sardine patch my friend Maren made?

Now that spring is coming, I cannot wait to take this new handmade backpack on fun adventures!

What color combination would you choose?

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