Belmont Pattern vs Oberlin Pattern: Which Bag to Sew
By Klum House: Bag making kits, bag sewing patterns, waxed | Published: 2026-10-25
Category: Comparisons
Compare the Klum House Belmont backpack pattern and Oberlin tote pattern to decide which bag sewing project fits your skill level and daily use.
Quick answer
Choose the Belmont pattern for a structured backpack with multiple compartments, or the Oberlin pattern for a stylish market tote with leather straps and a reinforced base.
Construction and size differences
The Belmont pattern creates a backpack with a large-format paper pattern and a physical instruction booklet, making it suitable for sewists who prefer a detailed, hands-on guide. The Oberlin pattern is a market tote with a simpler build, featuring sturdy leather straps and a magnetic snap closure.
Because the Oberlin is a tote, its overall size is more compact and open, while the Belmont backpack offers more enclosed storage and a structured shape. If you need a bag for carrying gear hands-free, the Belmont is the better fit; if you want an everyday carry-all, the Oberlin works well.
Features that affect your sewing experience
The Oberlin pattern includes an interior zipper pocket and exterior pocket compartments, plus an extra-strong reinforced base. These details add some complexity but are manageable for an intermediate sewist. The Belmont pattern is sold in wholesale packs of 6, which is ideal for teaching or group projects but less practical if you only need one pattern.
Both patterns are from Klum House and reflect the brand's focus on functional, stylish bag making. The choice ultimately depends on whether you prefer a backpack or a tote and how many patterns you need.
Belmont vs Oberlin: trade-offs to consider
- Belmont backpack pattern: A structured backpack with multiple compartments, sold in wholesale packs of 6. Requires more fabric and hardware, but offers hands-free carrying and organized storage.
- Oberlin tote pattern: A stylish market tote with leather straps, magnetic snap closure, interior zipper pocket, exterior pockets, and a reinforced base. Simpler construction but less carrying capacity.
- Which one should you choose?: If you need a backpack for commuting or travel and plan to sew multiple bags, go with the Belmont. If you want an elegant tote for daily errands and only need one pattern, choose the Oberlin. Consider how many bags you want to sew and whether you prefer a backpack or tote style.
Pattern details at a glance
- Belmont Pattern - Wholesale: The Belmont wholesale pattern includes a large-format paper pattern and a physical instruction booklet, sold in packs of 6. This makes the Belmont a great choice for teaching or sewing with a group, but less practical if you only need a single pattern.
Belmont Pattern - Wholesale - Oberlin - Pattern: The Oberlin pattern features sturdy leather straps, a magnetic snap closure, an interior zipper pocket, exterior pocket compartments, and an extra-strong reinforced base. These details give the Oberlin a polished, durable finish that works well for everyday use, but they add some sewing steps compared to a basic tote.
Oberlin - Pattern
Which pattern fits your project?
Best for
- Sewists who want a structured backpack with multiple compartments and don't mind buying a pack of 6 patterns
- Teachers or group leaders who need multiple copies of the same pattern
Not for
- Sewists who only need one pattern or prefer a simpler tote design
- Anyone looking for a single-use pattern without buying in bulk
