Slabtown vs Woodland: Which Bag Maker Kit Is Right for You?
By Klum House: Bag making kits, bag sewing patterns, waxed | Published: 2026-10-21
Category: Buying Guides
Compare the Slabtown rolltop backpack kit and the Woodland zipper pouch kit to find the custom bag making kit that fits your skill level and lifestyle.
Quick answer
Choose the Slabtown rolltop backpack kit if you want a heavy-duty, adventure-ready bag and have intermediate sewing experience. Pick the Woodland zipper pouch kit if you need a quick, giftable project or are new to bag making.
What each kit includes and why it matters
The Slabtown kit comes with waxed canvas, pre-cut leather, adjustable backpack straps, and hardware for a full rolltop backpack. It is designed for makers who want a functional, durable bag for daily cycling, hiking, or weekend trips.
The Woodland kit includes waxed canvas fabric, natural canvas lining, pre-cut leather, a zipper, and hardware for a boxy zipper pouch. It is a smaller, faster project that still teaches core bag-making skills like installing a zipper and working with leather accents.
Skill level and time commitment
The Slabtown is a larger, more complex build. It requires experience with sewing curves, attaching straps, and working with multiple layers of waxed canvas. Plan for several sessions to complete it.
The Woodland is a beginner-friendly project. Most sewists can finish it in a single afternoon. It is an excellent introduction to custom bag kits before moving to a larger project like the Slabtown.
Trade-offs to consider
The Slabtown offers more carrying capacity and versatility for outdoor or commuting use, but it demands more sewing skill and time. The Woodland is quick and giftable but limited to carrying small essentials like a phone, wallet, and keys.
Neither kit includes a sewing machine or basic tools like scissors and thread. You will need to supply those separately, regardless of which kit you choose.
How to decide: Slabtown vs Woodland
- Your sewing experience: If you have sewn bags before and are comfortable with straps, curves, and multiple layers, the Slabtown is a rewarding challenge. If you are new to bag making or want a low-stress project, start with the Woodland.
- How you plan to use the bag: Need a daily carry backpack for commuting, hiking, or weekend trips? Choose the Slabtown. Need a small pouch for organizing essentials or as a gift? Choose the Woodland.
- Time and patience: The Slabtown takes several sessions and requires more materials and precision. The Woodland can be finished in a single afternoon. Pick the Woodland if you want a quick win, or the Slabtown if you want a long-term project. If you are unsure, the Woodland is a low-cost way to test your interest in bag making before committing to the Slabtown.
Kit highlights at a glance
- Slabtown - Rust Custom Bag Maker Kit: The Slabtown is a heavy-duty rolltop backpack with a spacious main compartment, quick-access zipper, front zipper pocket, adjustable leather backpack straps, and side pockets for water bottles. This makes it ideal for active use like hiking, cycling, or travel where you need to carry gear and access items quickly.
Slabtown - Rust Custom Bag Maker Kit - Woodland - Plum Custom Bag Maker Kit: The Woodland is a boxy zipper pouch kit that includes waxed canvas fabric, natural canvas lining, pre-cut leather, zipper, hardware, and full PDF pattern, with an option to add an online class. It is a highly giftable, beginner-friendly project that teaches zipper installation and leather work in a single afternoon.
Woodland - Plum Custom Bag Maker Kit
Which kit fits you?
Best for
- Adventurous makers who want a heavy-duty rolltop backpack for daily cycling, hiking, or travel
- Intermediate sewists ready for a multi-session project with straps, curves, and leather accents
Not ideal for
- Complete beginners who have never sewn a bag or installed a zipper
- Sewists looking for a quick one-afternoon project or a small gift
