The Costermonger Tote Pattern - Merchant & Mills

The Costermonger is the essential market tote designed as a backpack. Fill it up with wholesome goodies, leaving your hands free to tickle your dog. This is a simple satisfying sew that uses little fabric so ideal for using up some of your stash or making as a present.

Fabric Requirements: (this is an unlined bag)

80 – 98cm wide – 0.95M

98 – 150cm wide 0.70M

You will need: 

8 x 9mm rivets or chicago screws

4 x 25mm/1″ metal sliders

2 x 25mm/1″ leather strap 89cm long (if you are buying our leather straps they come about 145cm long so you will need two of these)

Matching thread

Suggested Fabrics:

Oilskin, Dry Oilskin, Mid-Heavy weight Cotton Canvas or Drill, Mid weight Denim (8-14oz)

* We found the split cowhide leather straps move the smoothest through the sliders

*If you would prefer to use webbing instead of leather you would simply tuck it under the facing and top stitch it on the right side.

All hardware, leather and fabric suggestions can be found by clicking on the ‘suitable fabrics’ tab.

When inserting the rivets we recommend using a very solid surface like a cement floor so there is no movement. You will just need a hammer to set the rivets, but you will need something to make a hole in your leather, we recommend a revolving hole punch. 

Finished measurements length 45cm, width 40cm.