Leather working – Introduction to bag making (September)

Join to a three-days course and learn how to saddle stitch (hand stitch) a small leather bag and meet fellow enthusiasts.
Saddle stitch is a traditional way of hand-sewing leather. Executed properly it is beautiful to see. During this course, you will saddle stitch and make a simple small, and unlined cross-body bag, similar to the one in the photo. The bag will be small to enable us to complete most of it within two days. The course is aimed at beginners and those with more experience are also welcome.
During the course, you will learn some simple leatherwork techniques that can easily be applied to other projects. Don’t panic if saddle stitch does not agree with you – other stitches are available.
We introduce you to leather and to the saddle stitch technique. You will have the opportunity to practice saddle stitch before starting your project.

• The types of leather available and the tanning process
• What to look for when purchasing leather
• The anatomy of a bag and basic design principles.
• Handmade versus the high street.
• How to create simple patterns for bags, considering the thickness of the leather.
• How to prepare your leather for hand sewing
• How to transfer your design.
• How to cut your leather and check your pattern.
• How to insert your hardware (poppers, eyelets, and buckles)
• How to finish your design after your stitching is completed.
• You will receive a set of course notes to accompany the course.

There will be a choice of designs available. We will have time to make some small adjustments to the pattern, mostly in terms of the hardware choices, as the focus of the two days is stitching and making the bag. There won’t be time to design and make your own bag on this course.
The materials are included in the course fee. By the end of the weekend, you will leave with your finished bag, knowing how you can apply your new knowledge to your designs in the future.

Do you need to bring anything?

• Just bring yourself.
• Wear old clothes and proper shoes that cover your toes as we will be working with tools.
• If you feel the cold it may be worth bringing an extra layer or two.

Price: £290 (Materials included) – Deposit: £100

Class Dates (Saturday, Sunday):
September: 27, 28

Class Times: All classes start at 9:30 and end at 16:30