Welcome!

Thank you for enrolling in the Klum House Bag Lab! I'm so excited to learn and make with you all over the next four weeks. This page serves as a repository of information I’ve collected during my time making and teaching Klum House bags. You can think of it as a sort of course home page or syllabus. There’s no pressure to read these posts in advance (or at all!)—they’re simply meant to serve as resources for anyone who would like more information.

If you’d like to continue learning together, you can find my current list of classes at Modern Domestic here. I’m always available for private lessons.

Why Klum House Bags?

Klum House is an online bag-making shop and school founded by Ellie Lum in Portland, Oregon. Klum House bags are durable, structured bags with sturdy leather straps secured with metal hardware. The bags were designed to be made out of water-repellant waxed canvas (very practical fabric for rainy Portland) but can be easily customized to your liking.

I’m not affiliated with Klum House, I’m just a big fan of their designs and their company. I remember first seeing Klum House bags years ago when I lived in Phoenix and thinking, “I should really learn how to sew so I can make one of those bags,” and also, “Portland seems like such an incredible place to be an artist/maker.” Years later, after I moved to Portland, took a Learn to Sew class at Modern Domestic, and bought a sewing machine, I promptly ordered my first Klum House kit. Since then, I’ve since made almost all of their bag patterns, and it’s so exciting to be able to teach a class that centers on such a meaningful milestone in my sewing journey.

About the Lab

Have you been wanting to dip your toes into bag-making but need some in-person guidance and accountability? Or perhaps you started a project but became stuck or overwhelmed? Bring your Klum House project(s) at any stage in the sewing process and use this time to get all of your questions answered. Can’t decide on a pattern? I will bring samples of several Klum House bags with different fabric types and customization options for inspiration.

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All the tools necessary to stamp leather, punch holes, and set hardware are provided so you can learn new skills without having to purchase everything yourself.

What is a Lab?

Modern Domestic Labs provide an opportunity to sew in a group setting with instructor guidance, but with more flexibility in project choice and pacing than you’d find in a traditional class. Each week I offer information and demonstrations related to a specific topic in bag-making, followed by plenty of time to work on your project.

Lab Schedule:

Session 1: selecting patterns, fabric, and notions; cutting and interfacing fabric
Session 2: zipper types and installation; tools and hardware
Session 3: tools and hardware continued; leather types and decoration
Session 4: caring for your bag

Skill Level: Beginner and up.

You’ve taken a class or two and are starting to get comfortable with the basics. You know what a seam allowance is, you’ve sewn a little on your own, but you still need a little help with remembering how to thread the machine and wind a bobbin. These classes usually have little if any homework to complete outside of class time. The prerequisite for any Beginner class is a Sew Basics class, Learn to Sew class, or equivalent. This skill level is not for people who have never used a sewing machine before.

Supply List

It's okay if you don't have all of your supplies by the first session! In labs we move at our own pace and I'll be there to answer any questions you have. See the Resource Pages below for guidance on choosing supplies.

Klum House pattern(s) of your choice
Exterior, accent, and lining fabric as applicable (yardage noted in pattern)
Zippers, leather, and hardware required for your project
At least one spool of all-purpose thread to match your main fabric

Optional: additional spools to match accent and lining fabrics; topstitching thread

Needles appropriate for your fabric choice
A hump jumper, Jean-A-Ma-Jig, or piece of cardboard (e.g., cereal box flap)

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If you’re feeling overwhelmed by options, Klum House sells full bag maker kits containing all the fabric and supplies you need. If you’d prefer to source your own fabric, you can purchase a leather and hardware kit. Students in my lab receive a 10% discount from Klum House—contact me to redeem.

Resource Pages

~ remaining links coming soon ~

Project Pages

For more inspiration, check out my detailed blog posts about Klum House bags I’ve made:

Keep In Touch

Thanks very much for reading! If you’d like in-person support and instruction, please sign up for my classes at Modern Domestic or reach out to schedule a private lesson. If you have any questions, feedback, or corrections regarding this post, please don’t hesitate to contact me!

klum house bag lab resources