Maker Series No. 5 - November 2026
The Aberdeen Tote: By Hammerstitch
Meet November's Maker Series project, the Aberdeen Tote by Hammerstitch! With its roomy design, handy pockets, and beautiful strap details, this versatile crossbody is a wonderful project for mixing your favourite fabrics, textures, and colours.
Make the project, share your photo, and enter to win a $50 Emmaline gift card.
Join bag makers from around the world as we sew this month's project together. Learn new techniques, be inspired by different fabric combinations, and share your finished bag with our growing community.
Our Featured Pattern
Why we chose the Aberdeen Tote
The Aberdeen Tote by Hammerstitch is a wonderfully versatile bag with a relaxed, everyday style and plenty of thoughtful details. With three exterior pockets, two interior pockets, and a secure zippered main opening, there's a place for all your daily essentials. The adjustable crossbody strap makes it easy to carry, while optional leather handles and a sweet little keychain tassel add even more personality. We especially love the opportunities to combine waxed canvas, tweed, and contrasting fabrics with leather accents and beautiful hardware. It's an enjoyable project for intermediate sewists, with plenty of room to get creative and make a bag that's truly your own!
Step 1: START WITH THE PATTERN
Hop over to the pattern, which includes a full video, to see more bag photos, and read more details!
Recommended Fabrics: Waxed canvas or similar weight fabric for the Exterior, and cotton-linen canvas, waxed canvas, or tweed for the Exterior Accent. Cotton canvas, quilting cotton, or cotton-linen blend for lining.
Skill Level: Confident Beginner
This is a measure-and-cut pattern. All pattern measurements are in inches (imperial). The pattern includes paper templates for leather pieces.
Finished Dimensions:
• 12” tall, 10” by 3” at the base.
• 12” main zipper opening.
• Crossbody strap extends from 33” to 56”.
Estimated Sewing Time: 3-4 hours
Project Requirements SIMPLIFIED!
Recommended Materials & Supplies
- Exterior Fabric: 1/2 yard 10-13 oz waxed canvas or similar weight fabric.
- Bag Bottom: One 8” by 14” rectangle of faux leather or waxed canvas.
- Accent Fabric: One fat quarter of cotton-linen canvas, waxed canvas, or tweed.
- Lining Fabric: 1 yard of cotton canvas, quilting cotton, or cotton-linen blend.
INTERFACING:
- 1 yard EB-Fuse Light
- OPTIONAL: One 7” by 14” rectangle of Thermolam Plus fleece or foam interfacing (such as Soft & Stable)
LEATHER:
- 70” of 5-6 oz 1” wide leather strapping, including one continuous 60” piece for the crossbody strap.
- 50” of 5-6 oz 0.75” wide strapping for the carry handles and optional keychain tassel.
- an additional 7” of leather in either width for making leather washers.
ZIPPERS:
- 1 x 24" Size #5 zipper, plus 1 extra pull OR 1 x 30" Size #5 Zipper with 2 pulls.
HARDWARE:
- (1) Strap Kit for 1" wide straps, (6) small double cap rivets (6mm post), (7) medium double cap rivets (8mm post)
OPTIONAL: For the leather keychain tassel:
- (1) 3/4” swivel hook
- (1) extra-large rivet (12mm post)
Rosa Floral & Waxed Canvas
Beautiful Rosa Blue floral canvas pairs with slate and tan waxed canvas, warm caramel leather accents, antique brass hardware, and a classic striped lining for a fresh, cheerful tote with a touch of vintage charm.
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Dark Blue Tweed & Waxed Canvas
Rich Dark Blue Overcheck Harris Tweed pairs beautifully with deep plum and navy waxed canvas, colourful paisley lining, black leather accents, and antique brass hardware for a classic look with a little personality.
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PROJECT BUILDER
Choose your favourite look and add everything to your cart in one easy step.
Everything You Need
Already have something? Simply uncheck it before adding your supplies to cart.
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NOTE: The quantities shown reflect our minimum fabric and interfacing cuts, not the exact amount used in the clutch. You will have plenty left over for another project or a second bag.
Items are added separately so you can review and edit your cart.
PATTERN
EXTERIOR FABRIC
ACCENT FABRIC
BAG BOTTOM
LINING FABRIC
FUSIBLE INTERFACING & FLEECE
ZIPPERS
LEATHER STRAPPING
HARDWARE
THREAD
Need help choosing? Contact us — we're happy to help!
STEP 4: GATHER YOUR TOOLS & START SEWING
- Cutting mat, rotary cutter, acrylic ruler, fabric scissors, wonder clips, pins, iron, double-sided tape, fray check, fabric glue, point turner, seam ripper.
- Size 90-14 or 100-16 (denim) needle and matching or contrasting thread.
- Double cap rivet setter and anvil.
Hammer or mallet - 1/8” drive punch or rotary punch for making holes in your leather and fabric.
- 1/2” drive punch for making leather reinforcement washers
STEP 5: SHOW US YOUR PROJECT!
Join the Emmaline Maker Series Challenge!
Taking part in the Maker Series is completely optional, but if you'd like to enter the $50 Gift Card draw, follow the three simple steps below.
- Make this month's featured Maker Series project using the featured pattern and your favourite Emmaline supplies.
- Share a photo of your finished project in our private Facebook community, or on Instagram, by following the directions below.
- Complete Maker Series entry form!
Private Facebook Community:
Join over 44,000 bag makers sharing ideas, inspiration and finished products. Post your photo and add #emmalinemakerseries to your post to count as an entry.
Post on Instagram:
Tag @emmalinebags on your photo or Reel using Instagram's ‘Tag people’ feature, plus add #emmalinemakerseries to your post to count as an entry.
Prize
To give everyone plenty of time to receive their supplies and finish their project, one participant will be selected at random to receive a $50 Emmaline Gift Card on the 15th of the following month.
A Few Simple Rules
- Entries close on the 15th of the next month. December 15th for this series.
- One entry per finished project, but you can enter multiple projects per series.
- Your project must be completed during the current Maker Series challenge period.
- Please use the featured Maker Series pattern and Emmaline supplies where possible.
Most importantly... have fun. We can't wait to see what you create!
Ready to enter? Complete the form below so we don't miss your make! Your uploaded photo is used to identify your challenge entry. You can also let us know whether we're welcome to share it with the Emmaline community.
WANT TO SEW THE ABERDEEN WITH US?
Love the Aberdeen but would rather make it with a little guidance and good company? We're teaching the Aberdeen right here at Emmaline Bags on November 13, 2026 (FULL), & January 8, 2027
It's a great opportunity to work through the project with us, pick up a few tips along the way, and head home with your own finished Janine.
More Projects:
To see past months, follow our blog, The Studio Guide
