20 Handbag Making courses

– BAG MAKING COURSE – LEATHER GOODS MAKING COURSE: MAKE A STITCHLESS LEATHER BAG – WHAT IS THIS COURSE ABOUT?This is one of our group leather goods making courses for beginners that we organise at our London studio.Using beautiful vegetable-tanned leather, basic leather tools and simple metal fittings, you will make a stitchless leather bag while learning five basic leather working techniques.You will customise your bag by choosing between two designs (see photo gallery) and selecting your preferred colours of leather and fittings.No sewing skills or experience is required!At the end of the course, you won’t just take home a beautiful bag made entirely by you but also an understanding of working with leather and essential leather tools.WHAT WILL I LEARN?During our leather goods making courses, you will always receive an introduction to:-Different leather types-Essential leather tools You will then learn these 5 basic leather working techniques:-Marking leather-Cutting leather-Folding leather-Punching leather-Burnishing leather In the second part of the course, you will apply the techniques learnt by hand-cutting and assembling your beautiful bag using screw studs. No sewing is required.INCLUDED IN THE COURSE:All materials and tools are supplied.WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?This course on making a stitchless leather bag is suitable for beginners.You should be able to use measurements and understand verbal and written English instructions. ADDITIONAL MATERIAL PROVIDEDIn addition to the course, you will receive the following useful handouts to take home with you:– An introduction to leather types and features – A glossary of leather craft tools which includes images and helpful descriptions – A list of the basic fittings used in handbag making, including images and descriptions – A list of reputable suppliers to buy leather and fittings from (in London and online)HOW LONG IS THIS TUITION?:This tuition will require up to 7 hours to complete.We aim to provide customised and high quality tuition services and by only allowing up to 5 students at a time, we are able to focus on each person needs and interests.As every student has a different level of ability and previous experience, this course might lead some students to complete the core aspects of the lesson in a shorter time frame than others.Students who complete the course early will be welcome to stay and use the studio facilities to exercise on the topics of the lesson.

This course is not suitable for total beginners. To attend this course, you must already have some experience with industrial machines and be able to operate and set up a walking foot independently, or have attended our MODULE 3 – INDUSTRIAL MACHINE TRAINING. Summary of topics covered in the class: – Pattern making, pattern development and pattern vocabulary – Leather preparation, pattern placement, and leather marking – Leather cutting, gluing, and reinforcing – Patterns development, assembling and making for different card holder constructions By the end of the tuition, you will have: – Developed your understanding of pattern drafting and pattern development – Understood the concept of seam, folding, and trimming allowances when drafting patterns – Created some finished patterns, constructed and completed up to 3 finished card holders (depending on your personal abilities the quantity might change) – Learned how to use your patterns to correctly cut your material, minimising waste and using the best parts of a hide/skin – Worked with a variety of tools for pattern making and leatherworking, as well as various types of leather – Developed essential leather craft skills such as preparation, marking, finishing, cutting, and more – Obtained a basic understanding of the differences and best uses of reinforcements, stiffeners and stabilisers Included in the course: You will receive useful paper handouts containing: – A list of tools and materials used during the lesson(s), with descriptions and usage instructions – A list of recommended suppliers for leather and fittings, both in London and online – A glossary containing pattern making terms and general guidelines for pattern drafting All materials are included, there are no additional costs. Find all modules here: https://the-london-leather-workshop.cademy.co.uk/

LEATHER CRAFT AND LEATHER SEWING TECHNIQUES: WHAT IS THIS COURSE ABOUT? This is a theoretical and practical introductory group tuition during which you will be taught common, essential leather crafting and sewing techniques and understand how working with leather differs from working with vegan leather or fabric.You will be taught how to correctly use hand tools, how to sew leather by hand and understand the most common finishing and construction techniques used in bag and accessory making. You will learn about different types of leather and understand how to select the correct type of material(s) for your project. You will receive an overview of the technical aspects of working with leather and constructing bags and accessories such as inking, burninshing, marking, cutting, gluing, reinforcing, skiving, debossing and more.You will learn how to saddle stitch, select the appropriate tools for this sewing technique, and produce your own samples of work to take home with you.You will receive relevant, useful and informative handouts as well as lists of leather and tool suppliers. At the end of the lesson, you will have the choice to create a simple hand-sewn leather item, such as a simple purse or card holder, to take home with you, or to practice more techniques.This is a professional course delivered by a prototype maker and manufacturer, with the aim of providing an overview and hands-on experience on more common leather working practices. At the end of the tuition you will have: – Gained an understanding of leather types, tanning methods, leather characteristics and the best uses for specific projects. – Gained confidence in using specific tools for preparing, marking, finishing, cutting leather and fastening fittings. – Understood and practiced leather craft techniques such as inking, beveling and burnishing techniques – Understood what it means to work with different leather types and thicknesses and have the ability to source and select the correct tools and materials for your projects. – Understood how to manipulate leather using tools, reinforcement, stabilisers and stiffeners in crucial areas of bags and accessories. – Gained confidence in sewing by hand and obtained the skills to realise some simple leather items independently. WHAT WILL BE TAUGHT?Below is a list of topics covered during the classes: LEATHER, VEGAN LEATHER AND HAND TOOLS: – Understanding leather: overviews on types of leather, tanning, finishings and best use– Vegan leathers: an overview on different types and features – Understanding how to choose the right materials for your project and the appropriate tools for those materials – Leather preparing, pattern placement and marking on leather – Cutting complex shapes using a variety of tools – Using leather punches – Understanding the use of skiving, beveling and creasing – Finishing leather edges: painting vs burnishing – Using various leather glues and tapes – Understand the use of reinforcements, fusings and stabilisers to back leather – Prototyping and manufacturing leather goods: mentions of different working methods, machines and tools HAND SEWING: – To understand the different options, characteristics, and proper application of the tools used in saddle stitching – To learn the basics of saddle stitching leather and understood the different the tools and materials used in the technique CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES: – To create a small, simple hand stitched leather item to take home with you INCLUDED IN THE COURSE: You will be provided with useful digital and paper handouts which contain:– A list of tools and materials used during the lesson(s), including a description of what they are and how they are used– A list of recommended suppliers for both leather and fittings (physically in London and online)– A glossary containing essential key words related to the topic of the lesson– A glossary containing information about leather types and characteristics WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?This course is suitable for total beginners, beginners with some experience and intermediate.You should be able to use measurements and understand verbal and written English instructions.   ARE THERE ANY OTHER COSTS? IS THERE ANYTHING I NEED TO BRING?Materials are included.Feel free to bring a notepad, if you would like to take some notes, we will provide the rest. HOW LONG IS THIS TUITION?:This tuition will require up to 12 hours to complete. We aim to provide customised and high quality tuition services and by only allowing up to 6 students at a time, we are able to focus on each person needs and interests.As every student has a different level of ability and previous experience, this course might lead some students to complete the core aspects of the lesson in a shorter time frame than others.Students who complete the course early will be welcome to stay and use the studio facilities to exercise on the topics of the lesson.

This is a practical 2-day group tuition during which you will receive an overview of basic leather craft and hand sewing skills and techniques and create your own hand-sewn leather bag to take home with you.The class will take place in our London workshop, where you will see how a leather craft studio is equipped and receive practical demonstrations of common leather and bag-making methods.You will be able to choose your project from a selection of different medium-sized bags. You will also be able to pick the leather type, color and hardware you prefer from our stock. All our leathers are beautiful, rescued Italian vegetable-tanned leather from leading tanneries and fashion brands.You will receive an introduction to leather types, including how to mark, cut, edge finish, and hand sew leather using saddle stitching, as well as apply simple fastening hardware. Relevant, useful, and informative handouts and lists of leather and tool suppliers will be provided.At the end of the tuition, you will have:– Gained an understanding of leather types and tanning methods– Been instructed on the use of common fastenings and closure techniques– Received an overview of the correct use of tools for preparing, marking, cutting and punching leather– Learned how to use, read and place patterns– Learned how to saddle stitch leather and understood the different tools and materials used in the technique– Understood and practiced leather craft techniques such as beveling and burnishing– Created your own hand-stitched leather bag to take home with you.   ABOUT THE FINAL PROJECT:The final bag you will create will be a small or medium-sized leather bag from a choice of designs. You will be presented with various shapes to choose from, both feminine and unisex, such as handbags, crossbody bags, bum bags, buckets, and more.   WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE ONE OF OUR COURSES:Our classes are different: we are renowned for personal attention to each and every student and importantly the students’ onward path in the industry is paramount to us. All of our courses focus on building useful, practical skills and providing essential information for our learners to be able to actually develop and use their own ability in continuing their journey.Each topic is explained in easy-to-follow steps, and all lessons are organised so that the techniques used can be replicated by students independently.We strongly encourage and support skill sharing and our main focus is to enable more people to access and flourish in our industry.   INCLUDED IN THE COURSE:You will be provided with useful handouts which contain:– A list of recommended suppliers for both leather and fittings (physically in London and online)– A glossary containing information about leather types and characteristics

DESIGN AND MOCK UP BAGS AND ACCESSORIES – LEARN HOW TO PLAN, DESIGN AND COMMUNICATE YOUR PROJECT – Group Class: one teacher, six students – You will learn: What you need to study, research, and understand about the industry.How to correctly design a collection of fashion accessories.What information you should be able to provide about your designs.How to prepare a project for prototyping and manufacturing. How to create three-dimensional mock-ups of your designs. WHERE:At our South East London studioCOURSE LENGTH:Two consecutive weeks / Mon-Fri 10 am-3.30 pm   LEVEL:Complete beginners, beginners with some experience of drawing and/or designing and intermediate designers COURSE DESCRIPTION: BAG AND ACCESSORY DESIGN MASTERCLASSThis course is tailored for beginners and intermediate-level participants, offering a distinctive group class format designed to assist aspiring designers or those seeking guidance in bringing to life a practical and viable collection of bags and/or accessories.Through this course, you will gain a comprehensive grasp of fundamental skills in accessory design and what it requires to become a bag designer. It empowers you to transform your creative concepts into tangible realities by providing instruction on the essential steps required for prototyping and manufacturing your collection.In addition to acquiring the skills to design bags and accessories accurately and understanding what information to convey to a prototype maker, this course will guide you through the process of constructing three-dimensional mock-ups for your designs.   WHY THIS COURSE DIFFERS FROM THE TYPICAL ‘ACCESSORY DESIGN’ PROGRAMMEThis course has been meticulously designed by a team comprising designers, prototype makers, and handbag manufacturers. It offers a blend of theoretical and practical elements, providing you with the knowledge required by the industry to comprehend and accurately translate your ideas into finished products.Unlike courses that solely focus on creating aesthetically pleasing drawings, this programme emphasizes providing a comprehensive understanding of the intricate and extensive processes involved in designing a collection of handbags. It aims to equip you with the insights necessary to navigate the complexities, ensuring you are well-prepared before and during the design phase. By doing so, the course aims to save you time, expense, and potential frustration when it comes to prototyping and manufacturing your collection.   WHY WE DEVELOPED A FASHION DESIGN COURSEAfter years of designing and developing collections for our clients, we noticed a significant lack of clear information on what it truly takes to become a designer of handbags and fashion accessories.This course is crafted to assist both emerging and struggling designers in developing and articulating their ideas effectively for the prototyping phase. It addresses the needs and challenges faced by our customers, aiming to support and streamline the creative process for project realization.   WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?This course is tailored for aspiring designers seeking professional advice from industry experts, individuals at the beginning of their design careers who require guidance to enhance their design process, or those simply looking to refine their drawing techniques for personal enjoyment.No previous experience is necessary.   WHAT WILL BE TAUGHT?Below is a list of topics covered during the classes:Understanding the role of a bag designerBefore designing: understanding and analsing crucial external aspects that will influence your business successAbout your business idea and profile: understanding the target audience, market placement, pricing strategy and more.Understanding what a moodboard is and how to use itUnderstanding the differences and purposes of illustrations vs technical drawingsUnderstanding the importance of construction and its impact on your designOverview of the anatomy of a handbag, lining and reinforcementsUnderstanding the structure of a collection: the use of a collection planLearning how to plan a balanced collection of fashion accessoriesUnderstanding finishing options for your designsUnderstanding hardware and its impact on the cost price of your collectionOverview of leather and vegan leatherIdentifying the right materials for your collectionLearning how to draw three-dimensional bagsSketching technical drawingsGoing through the product development of three designsDeveloping patterns and realising 1 to 3 three-dimensional mock-ups of your collectionProviding technical information about your collection to the prototype makerUnderstanding the prototyping processManufacturing your collection: how it works and what the options are HOW WILL THE CLASS BE TAUGHT?The class will take place in person at our London studio, and the lessons will alternate between theoretical instruction and practical exercises.Some homework will be assigned to students between lessons.   HOW LONG IS THIS TUITION?: This course spans two weeks and will be conducted from Monday to Friday, running from 10 am to 3.30 pm, with a 30-minute lunch break.   INCLUDED IN THE COURSE:You will also receive access to a collection of handouts providing relevant information, useful resources and support in continuing your designing process independently.The handouts will contain:– A glossary containing essential key words related to the topic of the lesson– An illustrated glossary containing information about type of bags and bags’ features– An illustrated guide on common hardware used in bags and accessories– Documents about leather types, finishings, tanning processes– Information about perspective and guides to be used as reference to develop your drawings– A list of recommended suppliers for both leather and fittings (physically in London and online)– A glossary containing information about leather types and characteristics   WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?You should be able to use measurements and understand verbal and written English instructions.   ARE THERE ANY OTHER COSTS? IS THERE ANYTHING I NEED TO BRING?Materials to exercise with are included.Feel free to bring a notepad, if you would like to take some notes, we will provide the rest.

LEARN HOW TO SEW LEATHER USING INDUSTRIAL MACHINES FOR BAGS, ACCESSORIES, AND GARMENTS This is the third module of a series designed to provide thorough, professional training in leatherworking, sewing and accessory making. Each module has been carefully designed to equip individuals with key skills for starting a career in this sector, broadening their industry knowledge, or embarking on their own journey with solid foundational skills. During the class, you will learn how to correctly sew with the most common machines used in the leather industry and understand their differences. You will gain knowledge about threads, needles, feet, machine components, and useful sewing tricks. You will learn how to set the machine correctly to obtain suitable tension and successfully work with a variety of leather thicknesses and textures. Additionally, you will acquire skills to troubleshoot sewing issues and effectively handle challenges like sewing curves, working with multiple layers of leather, and managing stretchy, rough, or slippery surfaces. Moreover, you will receive valuable handouts, curated lists of leather and tool suppliers for future reference, and create personalised samples for your own use. By the end of the tuition, you will have: – Understood how to set and operate common leather industrial sewing machines, comprehended their differences and main features – Effectively threaded and operated a lock stitch walking foot machine, ensuring correct tension in your sewing – Utilised various tools, equipment and industry tricks proficiently in sewing – Identified thread types and needle sizes for different applications – Learned to sew leather accurately, distinguishing it from other materials, and mastered sewing thin versus thick leather – Sewn straight lines, curves, and parallel lines with confidence – Produced a variety of basic seams, seam finishes, constructions, continuous, and reinforced seams – Handled sewing multiple layers of leather -Successfully obtained fundamental knowledge to sew simple products independently Included in the course: You will receive useful paper handouts containing: – An illustrated guide providing essential information about types of sewing machines and their components. – A glossary containing information about needles, thread types and essential key words related to the topics of the lesson – A list of recommended suppliers for leather and fittings, both in London and online Find all modules here: https://the-london-leather-workshop.cademy.co.uk/

MASTERCLASS: LEARN PROFESSIONAL LEATHER CRAFT, SEWING AND LEATHERGOODS CONSTRUCTION SKILLS One teacher, five students KEY FEATURES OF THIS COURSE:– Understanding and working with leather– Learning leather hand sewing– Learning leather machine sewing– Realising samples of bag features– Realising two finished leather items Experience a comprehensive two-week Leather Craft and Sewing Masterclass, merging theory with hands-on learning Explore essential techniques for working with leather, vegan alternatives, and fabric. Proficiently handle hand tools, master hand-sewing, and operate industrial machines. Cover material selection, finishing and construction methods.Gain insights into the technical aspects of leatherworking, including preparation, marking, cutting, gluing, reinforcing, skiving, debossing, and more.Participants receive thorough instruction in professional sewing techniques on diverse industrial machines, along with specialised saddle stitching training. Create personalised samples to enhance practical skills.Conclude the masterclass with the ability to craft entirely handmade simple leather items, showcasing acquired skills in both machine-stitched and saddle-stitched styles.Facilitated by a prototype maker and manufacturer, the course offers a professional journey into common leatherworking practices.Participants also receive valuable handouts and curated lists of leather and tool suppliers for ongoing reference.   Here is a concise summary of the topics covered during the classes: LEATHER, VEGAN LEATHER, AND HAND TOOLS:Understanding leather types, tanning, finishings and best useExploring different types of vegan leathers and their featuresComparing leather and vegan leather: pros and cons from a manufacturer’s perspectiveImportance of choosing the right materials and tools for projectsLeather preparation, pattern placement and markingCutting complex shapes with various toolsUsing leather punches, skiving, beveling and creasingFinishing leather edges: painting vs. burnishingUtilising leather glues, tapes and reinforcementsExploration of prototyping and manufacturing leather goods, encompassing varied working methods, machines, and tools.   MACHINE AND HAND SEWING:Understanding industrial sewing machines and their differencesSelecting the right sewing machine for specific materials and constructionsOperating a lock stitch walking foot machineThreading industrial sewing machinesAchieving correct tension in sewingUnderstanding thread types and needle sizesLearning to sew leather, distinguishing it from other materialsCorrectly sewing various leather types, ranging from thin to very thickSewing straight lines, curves and creating parallel seamsProducing various seams and seam finishesBasics of saddle stitching leather and understanding related tools and materials   CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES:Sewing and finishing a simple zip on leatherCutting, assembling and sewing simple straps/handlesIncorporating basic lining types in projectsConstructing and sewing common gussetsComprehending the use of reinforcements and stabilisers and their application in the craft of accessory making   LEATHER GOODS MAKING:Creating two finalised leather items from chosen designs such as card holders, purses, clutches, glass covers and similar accessories.# By the end of the tuition, you will have:– Developed confidence in utilising specific tools for leather preparation, marking, finishing, cutting and fastening fittings.– Acquired an understanding of working with diverse leather types and thicknesses, with the ability to source and select appropriate tools and materials for your projects.– Mastered essential leather sewing techniques, troubleshooting common sewing issues and handling challenges such as curves, multiple layers of leather and various surface textures.– Learned to sew fundamental bag components like simple zips, straps, and gussets, along with reinforcing specific areas of a bag.– Built confidence in sewing with both industrial machines and by hand, gaining the skills to independently create simple leather items. Included in the course:You will be provided with useful paper handouts which contain:– A list of tools and materials used during the lesson(s), including a description of what they are and how they are used– A list of recommended suppliers for both leather and fittings (physically in London and online)– A glossary containing essential key words related to the topic of the lesson– A glossary containing information about leather types and characteristics– A glossary containing information about needle and thread types   What are the entry requirements? This course is suitable for total beginners, beginners with some experience and intermediate.You should be able to use measurements and understand verbal and written English instructions.   Are there any other costs? Materials are included.   Is there anything I need to bring? Feel free to bring a notepad, if you would like to take some notes, we will provide the rest.   How long is this tuition? This tuition will require two consecutive weeks / 50 hours to be completed.We aim to provide customised and high quality tuition services and by only allowing up to 5 students at a time, we are able to focus on each person needs and interests.   IMPORTANT TO KNOW: We aim to cover as much of the syllabus as possible. Depending on your ability and prior experience, we may not complete the entire program or we might delve into additional techniques related to the listed topics, including:Advanced finishing techniques (piping, binding, folding)More complex styles of zipsUtilising different machine feet, tools, and equipment in your sewingExploring various fittings, closure types, fastening techniques, and tools (sam browns, magnets, pop buttons, eyelets, etc.)Understanding the importance and application of construction sequences and reference notes during item construction

This course is not suitable for total beginners. Summary of topics covered in the class: – Pattern making and development for two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes – Leather preparation, pattern placement and leather marking – Leather cutting, gluing and reinforcing – Pattern development, assembling and making for different clutch constructions By the end of the tuition, you will have: – Learnt how to develop patterns for three-dimensional shapes featuring gussets – Learnt how to create patterns for different types of lining – Applied the concept of seam, folding, and trimming allowances when drafting patterns – Created finished patterns, constructed, and completed up to 3 clutches (quantity may vary based on personal abilities) – Learnt how to use patterns to correctly cut your material, minimising waste and utilising the best parts of a hide/skin – Worked with a variety of tools for pattern making and leatherworking, as well as various types of leather – Developed essential leathercraft skills such as preparation, marking, finishing, cutting, and more – Obtained a basic understanding of the differences and best uses of reinforcements, stiffeners, and stabilisers Included in the course: You will receive useful paper handouts containing: – A list of tools and materials used during the lesson(s), with descriptions and usage instructions – A list of recommended suppliers for leather and fittings, both in London and online – A glossary containing pattern making terms and general guidelines for pattern drafting All materials are included, there are no additional costs. Find all modules here: https://the-london-leather-workshop.cademy.co.uk/

This course is not suitable for total beginners. To attend this course, you must already have some experience with industrial machines and be able to operate and set up a walking foot independently, or have attended our MODULE 3 – INDUSTRIAL MACHINE TRAINING. UNDERSTANDING THE CONSTRUCTION AND SEWING OF LEATHER GOODS: GUSSETS, FEATURES AND COMPONENTS This is the forth module of a series designed to provide thorough, professional training in leatherworking, leather sewing, bag and accessory making. Each module has been carefully designed to equip individuals with key skills for starting a career in this sector, broadening their industry knowledge, or embarking on their own journey with solid foundational skills. Through this lesson, you will learn how to construct, sew, and finish some of the most challenging parts of leather goods making, such as straps, handles, zips, pockets, and more. By working on various shapes and structures, you will gain insights into the technical aspects of leatherworking, including preparation, marking, cutting, gluing, reinforcing, skiving, and more. At the end of the lesson, you will have experienced a wide range of techniques, worked with numerous tools, used leatherworking sewing machines, and produced samples to take home with you. By the end of the lesson, you will have: – Received an introduction to leather preparation, pattern placement, and leather marking – Received an overview of leather cutting, gluing, reinforcing and skiving – Learned how to sew and finish zips on leather – Learned how to cut, assemble, and sew simple straps and handles – Gained knowledge on incorporating two types of lining in your project – Learned how to assemble and sew simple gussets – Learned how to construct simple and zipped pockets Included in the course: You will receive useful paper handouts containing: – A list of tools and materials used during the lesson(s), with descriptions and usage instructions – A list of recommended suppliers for leather and fittings, both in London and online – A glossary containing information about leather goods components Find all modules here: https://the-london-leather-workshop.cademy.co.uk/

Summary of topics covered in the class: – Principles of pattern making for bags – Analysis of the main bag constructions – Pattern making and development for three-dimensional shapes By the end of the tuition, you will have: – Learnt how to develop patterns for simple three-dimensional shapes featuring gussets – Applied the concept of seam, folding, and trimming allowances when drafting patterns – Created finished patterns of various constructions for you to keep – Worked with a variety of tools for pattern making Included in the course: You will receive useful paper handouts containing: – A list of tools and materials used during the lesson(s), with descriptions and usage instructions – A list of recommended suppliers for leather and fittings, both in London and online – A glossary containing pattern making terms and general guidelines for pattern drafting  pattern drafting All materials are included, there are no additional costs. Find all modules here: https://the-london-leather-workshop.cademy.co.uk/