15 Handmade courses in London

Learn to make on-trend garments, develop your sewing & pattern cutting skills, whilst getting into the mind of a designer. We have a range of compelling and sustainable workshops taught by expert tutors and industry professionals.

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

If you've always wanted to make handmade pottery but have no idea where to begin, this beginner-friendly wheel throwing class could be just the pottery workshop for you & your friends!

Learn to create top quality, fragrant, natural candles you can feel proud to burn in your home or gain enough skills to start a business. Paula, the award-winning founder of Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co., a master Chandler with years of experience is your host and teacher. You’ll be in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and leave with two beautiful handmade soy wax candles - one large 30 cl and a smaller 12 cl.

Pottery workshops are the perfect way to learn and have fun with your friends, family or colleagues while creating handmade ceramic pieces in London. Perfect for team building, socialising with friends, and hen parties. Plus, it’s BYOB!

Learn all the essentials of how to make luxurious, fragrant soaps, for home, gifts to wow your friends and family, or as an aspiring entrepreneur.

Creative workshop to surprise your mother on Mother's Day gifting her a one-of-a-kind handmade pressed flower card

Join us at our special fundraiser event to celebrate Blankets for London 2023 and support us for next year! Craft Forward Christmas Party celebrating Blankets for London 2023 🌟 Date: Sunday 17th December 2023 🕔 Time: 5pm - 8pm 📍 Location: 3Space International House, 6 Canterbury Crescent, SW9 7QD Craft Forward invites you to a heartwarming celebration of Blankets for London 2023 and all the remarkable achievements we've accomplished together. This fundraising event will be an evening of creativity and community as we come together to celebrate what we have accomplished so far and to fundraise for Blankets for London 2024. Two awards to be won: 🧶 Creative Champion Award: Be prepared to applaud the artistic minds behind our cosy blankets! We will be awarding one creative champion for their exceptional contribution in crafting the most squares for Blankets for London this year. 🧣 Wear Your Creations Award: Show off your handmade creations by wearing your beautifully crafted garments, accessories, and more. The event is your runway, and we're giving away a prize for the best-dressed individual! You'll be able to silently vote through the evening for your favourite outfit. A very special raffle: Feeling lucky? Participate in our special raffle for a chance to win a luxurious blanket kit from Wool and the Gang. It's a knitting and crocheting enthusiast's dream come true, and every penny raised through the raffle will contribute towards Blankets for London 2024. BYOC (Bring Your Own Craft): Of course this wouldn't be a Craft Forward event without some crafting! Bring your work in progress, your most recent finished project, the handmade object you're most proud of. Every penny raised during this event goes towards funding Blankets for London 2024, helping us continue our mission of spreading warmth and love to those most vulnerable in our community. Join us for a memorable evening of warmth, creativity, and community: let's craft a brighter, warmer future, one stitch at a time! Tags United Kingdom Events Greater London Events Things to do in London London Parties London Seasonal Parties #social #networking #party #art #craft #fundraiser #knitting #crochet #christmas #forward

Sushi Masterclass taught by London Cookery School. Cover all the fundamentals to become a Sushi Pro. Make a full tray of beautiful Sushi and eat like royalty.

Learn the fundamentals of throwing on the wheel at this relaxing pottery class in London. Return to glaze your own pots and take home your ceramics. Plus Bring a friend for free.