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Portland Tote Kit
A handy bag that would make the perfect gift (to yourself or someone else!), December's kit includes everything you need to make the Portland Tote by Sotak Patterns!
A handy bag that would make the perfect gift (to yourself or someone else!), December's kit includes everything you need to make the Portland Tote by Sotak Patterns!
The Portland Tote is set to become your most reached-for handbag; compact in size yet roomy enough to fit all your everyday essentials. It comes with multiple straps and lots of pocket options (we know you love a pocket!).
On the outside the Portland Tote features a roomy slip pocket which closes at the top with a strong magnetic snap. Inside you’ll find a handy slip pocket for quick access items and there’s also an internal zip pocket for keeping your valuables extra secure.
The bag is closed with a recessed zip - which is easier to sew than it sounds - giving a clean look to the bag whilst also protecting the contents. Carry the bag around with either the handles or the removable cross-body strap, which can easily be adjusted using the slider if you’d prefer it to sit on your shoulder.
The outer fabric we’ve sourced for the Portland is a hardwearing cotton canvas with a dry wax finish from outdoor fabric experts British Millerain. The finish on the fabric makes it water resistant, so you don’t need to worry if you and your bag get caught in the rain! To pair with this fabric we’ve sourced all the hardware you need, from perfectly coordinating YKK zips for the main bag closure, to d-rings, snaps and sliders which all match with each other for that really professional finish.
We’ve chosen two different base cloths in three colours for this kit: dry wax Ranger cotton in olive and navy, and dry wax Tin Cloth cotton in tan.
These fabrics are made by British Millerain, who are renowned for making top quality outerwear fabrics. These dense canvases have a very subtle dry wax finish applied to both sides of the fabric, making them water resistant and giving the fabric a stiffer handle, which is perfect for bags! The olive and navy fabrics are heavier in weight than the tan colourway due to the different finish which has been applied. As the tan fabric is drapier we have provided interfacing to give the outside of the bag more structure.
For the lining we've included a classic navy striped cotton from Sevenberry. This fabric is 100% cotton and a nice medium weight, making it an ideal choice for bag lining. The navy stripe also pairs really well with each of the outer fabrics.
To see the fabrics close up check out the video in the main gallery above by swiping left.
This Portland Tote is one size. The finished dimensions are approximately 11" / 28cm (height) x 12" / 30.5cm (width) x 4" / 10cm (depth).
To see other Portland bags sewn up, check out the Instagram hashtag here.
- The PDF digital instruction booklet for the Portland Tote. This will be contained in your order confirmation email and will also be available to access when logged into the g&g website.
- Main fabric - as described above. All kits include 0.6m of outer fabric.
- Lining fabric - as described above. All kits include 0.8m of lining fabric
- Interfacing: white cotton woven interfacing. Navy and olive kits include 0.55m and tan kits include 1.15m
- Thread: 1 reel of matching Gutermann thread, shade 95 (navy), 861 (olive) or 265 (tan)
- Zips: 1 x 14" antique brass zip to match your fabric and 1 x 9" cream zip
- Webbing: 1 x 1.2m piece, 1 x 0.7m piece & 1 x 12cm piece, in taupe (olive and navy kits) or navy (tan kits)
- D-rings: 2 x 25mm d-rings in gunmental (navy kits) or antique brass (olive and tan kits)
- Snap hooks: 2 x 25mm snap hooks in gunmental (navy kits) or antique brass (olive and tan kits)
- Slider: 1 x 25mm strap slider in gunmental (navy kits) or antique brass (olive and tan kits)
- Snap: 1 x 18mm magnetic snap in gunmental (navy kits) or antique brass (olive and tan kits)
- Pattern paper: 1.1m of 90cm wide dot and cross pattern paper for making templates (if desired)
- Sewing Machine Needles: Prym 70-100 Needles
- 'Me Made' Sew in woven label
- Video: Lauren's Top Tips video (see below)
A physical print out of the instruction booklet will NOT be included. You can view the instruction booklet on your device at home, print it out at home, or add the 'printed pattern instructions' product (see link below) to your order and we will print it for you.
Alongside the purchase of this kit you will receive access to Lauren’s exclusive YouTube video to be used alongside the pattern instructions.
She shares her hints and tips on getting a really lovely finish on your bag including how to work with dry wax cotton, how to deal with bulky fabric, how to install magnetic snaps and use hardware, how to sew a zip pocket, how to sew a recessed zip opening and much more!
The video has over 37 minutes of footage, sectioned out with time stamps/chapters for easy reference and navigation.
The link to the video will be contained in your order confirmation email along with the pdf files, please file this safely for future reference.
Sotak Patterns rate the Portland Tote pattern as suitable for an intermediate maker. The construction itself is fairly straightforward (and of course there's no fitting!) but the thick fabric requires extra attention. Lauren provides tips on how to handle this in her accompanying video.
To complete this project successfully you'll need a regular sewing machine along with Lauren's essential recommended sewing tools.
We highly recommend using fabric clips when sewing your bag as the outer fabric is difficult to pin. A clapper or flat tool such as a point turner are also very helpful for flattening seams.
If you would like a printed copy of the instructions sent out with your kit, in addition to the PDF copy that you will receive, please see the related products below and add it to your cart as a separate product.
Your kit will be wrapped in tissue and beautifully presented in recyclable packaging.
These kits are available for immediate dispatch.
As Sewing Society kits are processed and shipped from a different location to the shop, we are unable to group together kit orders with past or subsequent orders or combine orders retrospectively. Please click here for the full g&g Sewing Society shipping terms.
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