Maywood Pattern + Leather Kit: What You Need to Start
By Klum House: Bag making kits, bag sewing patterns, waxed | Published: 2026-10-29
Category: Buying Guides
Get the Maywood bag pattern and leather kit to make a convertible backpack-tote. This guide explains what you get, how to choose, and who it's for.
Quick answer
The Maywood paper or PDF pattern paired with the Chestnut Leather + Hardware Kit gives you everything to sew a convertible backpack-tote. Start with the pattern format that fits your workspace, then add the kit for pre-cut leather and hardware.
Why pattern format matters
The Maywood pattern comes in two formats. The paper version includes a large-format printed pattern and a physical instruction booklet. The PDF version gives you both print-at-home and large-format files to download and print yourself.
If you prefer to trace and cut directly from printed sheets without taping, the paper format saves setup time. If you want instant access and the ability to reprint pieces, the PDF format gives you that flexibility.
What the leather kit adds
The Maywood Chestnut Leather + Hardware Kit includes pre-cut leather, hardware, and a 14" brass zipper. The zipper slider has a large hole designed for the leather zipper pull. You still need your own sewing machine, thread, and basic tools.
This kit eliminates the need to cut leather yourself or source matching hardware. It does not include lining fabric or interfacing, so plan for those extras if your pattern calls for them.
How to decide
- Pattern format: Choose paper if you want to avoid printing and taping. Choose PDF if you want instant download and the ability to reprint individual pattern pieces.
- Kit vs. sourcing separately: Buy the leather kit if you want pre-cut leather and matched hardware in one package. Source separately if you already have leather or want a different color. The kit only comes in Chestnut; there is no option to change the leather color.
- Skill level: This project suits intermediate sewists who have made a lined bag before. Beginners should expect to spend extra time on the zipper and strap conversion mechanism. If you are new to bag making, consider a simpler pattern first or plan to practice on scrap material.
What you get
- Maywood - Pattern: Paper pattern includes large format paper pattern & physical instruction booklet. PDF pattern includes print-at-home & large-format PDF patterns with instructions. Choose paper if you want to skip printing and taping; choose PDF if you want immediate access and the ability to reprint pieces.
Maywood - Pattern - Maywood - Chestnut Leather + Hardware Kit: The Maywood converts from backpack to tote with the pull of a strap! This kit includes pre-cut leather, hardware, and a 14" brass zipper with a large hole in the slider to accommodate the leather zipper pull. The kit provides all the leather and metal parts for the bag's signature convertible design, so you only need to supply lining fabric and basic sewing tools.
Maywood - Chestnut Leather + Hardware Kit
Who should buy this
Best for
- Sewists who want a convertible backpack-tote with a professional finish
- Anyone who prefers pre-cut leather and matched hardware to save sourcing time
Not for
- Beginners who have never sewn a lined bag with a zipper
- Sewists who need a different leather color or want to supply their own leather
