An industry-focused course designed to introduce the essential technical knowledge behind handbag and accessory development. Learn how to transform creative concepts into functional, realistic and commercially viable products.
ONE DAY - TECHNICAL BAG & ACCESSORY DESIGN COURSE IN LONDON
Master the technical skills required to transform handbag concepts into production-ready designs
✓ 1–6 Students ✓ Materials Included ✓ Beginner-Friendly ✓ Finished Item to Take Home
DURATION
6 hours
LEVEL
Beginner Friendly
WHERE
London SE185NR
Find us
WHEN
Group workshops: selected weekends
Private workshops: by appointment
PRICE
Group Workshops: 204£ pp
Private Workshops: Price at Check out
ABOUT THIS CLASS
Successful handbag and accessory design requires more than creativity. A strong understanding of construction, materials, hardware, functionality and technical communication is essential to transform a concept into a production ready product.
This accessory design course has been developed by experienced handbag designers, prototype makers and manufacturers to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the technical aspects of designing bags and accessories.
Students will explore handbag anatomy, construction methods, materials, hardware, finishing techniques and the key technical information required throughout product development, prototyping and manufacturing.
The course focuses on how designers can create realistic and viable products by understanding the relationship between design decisions and production requirements.
Through practical exercises and industry-based guidance, students will learn how to develop their designs with greater accuracy, prepare professional technical information and confidently communicate their ideas to manufacturers and development teams.
This course is taught by professional handbag designers and manufacturers with extensive experience in product development, prototyping, leather and vegan leather goods production. The course is based on real industry processes used in the development of commercial handbag collections.
Students will learn in our London studio, a fully equipped workshop where we design, develop, prototype and manufacture bags and accessories for our clients.
– understanding the importance of handbag construction;
– understanding how material choices affect the final product;
– exploring different finishing options and techniques;
– understanding what a tech pack is and how it is created;
– learning how to sketch bags and accessories accurately;
– understanding perspective and how to convert a design into a three dimensional technical drawing;
– learning how to prepare technical information for product development and manufacturing.
Best for
- Aspiring handbag and accessory designers developing their first collections
- Designers who want to strengthen their technical skills, improve their design process, and gain a deeper understanding of how handbags are developed from concept to final product.
- Designers seeking to improve communication with prototype makers and manufacturers
- Students wanting practical industry knowledge beyond creative design concepts
What’s Next?
For a comprehensive understanding of professional bag design, we recommend combining this course with Bag Design Foundation. Alternatevely, you can bring your idea to life with a Personalised Tuition or Mentorship from an industry expert.
STUDENT OUTCOMES
What You’ll Leave With
01 – Understand handbag construction and technical requirements
Students will develop a detailed understanding of handbag anatomy, including structure, lining, reinforcement, hardware, components and finishing options. They will learn how technical decisions influence the functionality, durability and appearance of a final product.
They will also receive useful printed course notes for future reference.
02 – Create technically viable designs
Students will learn how to translate creative concepts into technically achievable designs through technical drawings and product specifications. They will understand how to consider materials, construction methods and manufacturing limitations during the design process.
03 – Communicate effectively with prototype makers and manufacturers
Students will gain the knowledge required to prepare and present their designs professionally. and learn how to start a handbag collection. They will understand the technical information manufacturers need and learn how to reduce misunderstandings, development issues and unnecessary costs during the prototyping process.
Why Learn with The London Leather Workshop?
✓ Learn inside a professional leather, vegan leather and handbag development studio
✓ Learn from experienced leatherworkers, designers and manufacturers
✓ Work with professional tools and high-quality materials
✓ Develop practical skills based on real industry techniques
✓ Receive printed course notes to support your learning
✓ Enjoy small class sizes with personalised guidance
FAQ About this course
No. The course is suitable for beginners and intermediate designers. A basic understanding of fashion design or an interest in accessories is helpful but not required.
You will learn about handbag construction, materials, hardware, components, technical drawings, product development, prototyping requirements and the communication process between designers and manufacturers.
Yes. The course covers the purpose and importance of technical drawings and how they are used to communicate design details throughout the product development process. You will also practise sketching handbags and accessories, understanding perspective, and creating clearer technical visuals to effectively communicate your ideas to prototype makers and manufacturers.
Yes. The course provides an overview of the technical foundation required to develop a professional handbag collection, prepare accurate product information and communicate effectively with prototype makers and manufacturers during the development process.
Yes, all tools and materials are provided during the course. Feel free to bring a notepad if you would like to take some notes.
General accessory design focuses more on concepts, creativity and aesthetics, while this technical bag design course focuses on construction, functionality, materials, development and the practical requirements needed to turn designs into finished products.
We do not provide accredited certifications for this course. However, we can provide a certificate of attendance upon request.
Yes! This course can be purchased as a gift. Simply select the gift voucher option when booking.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Sara Battiston
Sara Battiston is a fashion accessories designer, leather and vegan leather goods specialist and Lead Instructor at The London Leather Workshop.
Having studied fashion and accessories design, traditional leathercraft, pattern making, and modern bag construction and manufacturing in Rome, Milan and Florence, she combines creative design with technical expertise and a deep understanding of materials, product development and manufacturing.
Sara teaches leathercraft and bag making through clear demonstrations, hands-on guidance and professional studio techniques. All classes take place in a fully equipped working studio, where she and her team develop prototypes and manufacture products for clients.
With over 20 years of industry experience, Sara has worked with students and clients from around the world, supporting designers, makers and emerging brands in developing products that are thoughtfully designed and technically refined.
OTHER CLASSES
YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN
FOUNDATION OF BAG AND ACCESSORY DESIGN
Build the essential knowledge before you start designing
PROFESSIONAL PATTERN MAKING TRAINING
Professional Pattern Making Training – For Bags & Accessories
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT OUR COURSES
The duration shown on each course page is the maximum time allocated for the workshop. As we teach in small groups, the pace of each session is tailored to the participants’ experience and progress. Workshops with fewer attendees, or groups that progress more quickly, may finish earlier than the stated duration.
Our focus is on providing personalised, high-quality tuition rather than following a fixed timetable. If you complete your project before the end of the session, you are welcome to stay in class to practise the techniques you have learned, ask further questions, or continue using the workshop facilities until the scheduled finish time.
For sessions lasting up to 4 hours, there will be a 15–20 minute break. For sessions lasting more than 4 hours, there will be a 20–30 minute lunch break included in the session.
There are two cafés nearby, free on-site parking, and WiFi is available throughout the workshop.
Complimentary tea, coffee and a selection of hot drinks will be available throughout your class, along with biscuits.
Leathercraft, machine and hand sewing, bag making and pattern making involve the use of specialist tools and materials. Depending on the course you have chosen, you may work with sharp tools, knives, strong adhesives and industrial sewing machines.
If you have any medical conditions, breathing difficulties or accessibility requirements that we should be aware of, please let us know as early as possible so that we can advise you accordingly and make any reasonable adjustments where possible.
We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes, as most practical work will be carried out while standing at a high workbench.
On arrival, you will receive a full health and safety briefing, including guidance on the safe use of the studio, equipment and tools.
Our studio is located on the ground floor with three steps at the entrance. Unfortunately, due to space limitations, we are not currently wheelchair accessible in the workshop.
If you wish to cancel a class, please do so ASAP via email to: learning@thelondonleatherworkshop.com.
– Group Classes
Full refunds are only offered if the cancellation is requested no less than eight weeks before the event date (refunds are not available for rescheduled dates).
Cancellation and refund requests between eight and four weeks before the course start date will result in a 50% refund of the course cost on the condition that we have filled your place (refunds are not available for rescheduled dates).
For cancellation and refund requests less than four weeks before the event, unfortunately, we cannot offer any kind of refund (refunds are not available for rescheduled dates).
– Private Classes
Full refunds are only offered if the cancellation is requested no less than three weeks before the event date (this does not apply to rescheduled dates).
We give our customers the possibility to rearrange their private lesson(s) when giving at least 48 hours notice. We can rearrange your lesson up to two times.
In case of unforeseen circumstances, and the cancellation being requested the day before the lesson, we won’t be able to give a refund, but we will offer a 50% discount on a future booking.
We are unable to provide any refund or provide any discount for cancellations requested in the 24 hours prior to the lesson.
In the unlikely event that a workshop has to be cancelled by TLLW, we will offer the choice of a full refund, a credit or the opportunity to book an alternative date. We will provide as much notice as possible.
In the unlikely event that a workshop has to be cancelled by TLLW, we will offer the choice of a full refund, a credit or the opportunity to book an alternative date. We will provide as much notice as possible.
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