Learn how to start a handbag collection and develop a strong understanding of the fashion accessories design principles through practical exercises, real-world examples, and essential insights into materials, construction and industry knowledge.
ONE DAY COURSE - FOUNDATION OF BAG DESIGN
Build the essential knowledge before you start designing
✓ 1–6 Students ✓ Materials Included ✓ Beginner-Friendly ✓ Finished Item to Take Home
DURATION
6.5 hours
LEVEL
Beginner Friendly
WHERE
London SE185NR
Find us
WHEN
Group workshops: selected weekdays/weekends
Private workshops: by appointment
PRICE
Group Workshops: From 280£ pp
Private Workshops: Price at Check out
ABOUT THIS CLASS
Learn how to start a handbag collection
Professional bag design begins long before the first sketch. Understanding how handbags are constructed, the materials they are made of, the different product categories and the realities of the fashion accessories industry allows designers to make informed creative decisions and develop products that are desirable, commercially viable and more likely to succeed when launched.
This introductory course provides a comprehensive overview of the handbag design profession and the product development process.
Rather than teaching students how to design bags without providing the essential information required to do so correctly, the class builds the understanding needed to create realistic products, navigate how the industry works, and recognise the skills and expertise required to become a handbag designer.
Students will explore the different categories and styles of bags, construction methods, materials, reinforcements, components and manufacturing terminology. Through discussions and practical exercises, they will develop the confidence to analyse and distinguish products, understand design decisions and prepare for more technical or creative courses.
Best for
- Aspiring handbag and accessory designers
- Fashion students building foundation in bag design
- Entrepreneurs launching an accessory collection
- Creative professionals and makers
What’s Next?
For a comprehensive understanding of professional bag design, we recommend taking this course before progressing to Technical Bag Design and Development
STUDENT OUTCOMES
What You’ll Leave With
01 – Understand the handbag industry
Learn how to start developing a handbag collection by gaining a clear understanding of the product development and manufacturing processes, the role of a handbag designer and how collections are created in the fashion accessories industry.
02 – Learn the language of bag design
Become familiar with handbag styles, construction types, materials, reinforcements, hardware, components and industry terminology used by designers and manufacturers.
03 – Build a strong foundation for future learning
Develop the knowledge and confidence needed to progress into technical design, pattern making, prototyping and collection development courses.
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. This course is suitable for beginners. It provides the essential knowledge and terminology needed to understand handbag design before moving into more advanced technical or creative courses.
No. This course focuses on building knowledge and understanding of handbag design principles rather than creating a complete bag design. You will explore styles, construction, materials and industry practices through practical exercises and product analysis.
You will learn about the role of a handbag designer, different bag styles and categories, construction methods, materials, hardware, reinforcements and the fundamentals of the handbag industry.
This course introduces the technical foundations of handbags, including construction and components, but it does not focus on technical drawings, product development or preparing designs for manufacturing. For those skills, we recommend our Technical Bag & Accessory Design and Development course.
Yes, all equipment and materials are provided during the course. Feel free to bring a notepad if you would like to take some notes.
We do not provide accredited certifications for this class. 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
INTRODUCTION TO LEATHER PATTERN MAKING
Understand the logic of pattern making for hand-stitched leather goods
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.
WONDERING WHAT OTHERS REALISED?
