2-Week Leathercraft Masterclass

Description

Experience a comprehensive two-week leather craft and sewing Masterclass, merging theory with hands-on learning. DATES/TIMES: Two consecutive weeks / Mon-Fri 10 am-3 pm From 25/11 to 6/12 (2024) From 3/01 to 14/03 (2025) From 14/07 to 25/05 (2025) LEARN MORE ABOUT THE COURSE: 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 leather working 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: - Understanding leather types, tanning, finishings and best use - Exploring different types of vegan leathers and their features - Comparing leather and vegan leather: pros and cons from a manufacturer’s perspective - Importance of choosing the right materials and tools for projects - Leather preparation, pattern placement and marking - Cutting complex shapes with various tools - Using leather punches, skiving, beveling and creasing - Finishing leather edges: painting vs. burnishing - Utilising leather glues, tapes and reinforcements - Exploration of prototyping and manufacturing leather goods, encompassing varied working methods, machines, and tools. MACHINE AND HAND SEWING: - Understanding industrial sewing machines and their differences - Selecting the right sewing machine for specific materials and constructions - Operating a lock stitch walking foot machine - Threading industrial sewing machines - Achieving correct tension in sewing - Understanding thread types and needle sizes - Learning to sew leather, distinguishing it from other materials - Correctly sewing various leather types, ranging from thin to very thick - Sewing straight lines, curves and creating parallel seams - Producing various seams and seam finishes - Basics of saddle stitching leather and understanding related tools and materials CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES: - Sewing and finishing a simple zip on leather - Cutting, assembling and sewing simple straps/handles - Incorporating basic lining types in projects - Constructing and sewing common gussets - Comprehending 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.

What's included in the price?

Materials includeded and tools provided. You will be also 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.

Cancellation policy

Non-refundable - Refunds are not available

Maker

The London Leather Workshop

with Craft Courses since 2020

Message the tutor

The London Leather Workshopis a design, prototyping and manufacturing studio founded by Italian designers and makers Sara Battiston and Melissa Bruscoli. With 20 years of experience in the fashion and accessory industry Sara and Melissa work with both local and international customers ranging from start-ups to established brands. Their studio is able to offer a range of services from design consultancy to product development and from prototyping to manufacturing of handbags, accessories and soft furnishings. Their practical classes will teach you the fundamental techniques of working with leather or vegan leather, how to sew these materials to a professional standard and how to create customised goods. The theoretical classes will provide you with the foundation for designing bags and accessories as well as insights and essential information about the industry.