
INTRODUCTION TO PROFESSIONALLY WORKING WITH AND SEWING LEATHER
One teacher, two students – Part 1
WERE?
At our studio (map)
COST:
£150 – 6 hours
Materials included
LEVEL:
Beginners and beginners with some experience of sewing
WHAT IS THIS COURSE ABOUT?
This is a six hour practical group tuition during which you will be taught the basic skills of sewing and working with leather.
You will be shown different sewing machines and learn their differences, benefits and limitations. You will be given an induction on our sewing machines and you will learn how to sew leather and bag components such us simple zips and straps.
You will also learn how to use specific tools for preparing, marking, finishing and cutting leather.
The course has the aim of helping you gain confidence in sewing leather, understanding the major difference between various types of leather, working with tools and learning essential techniques to work with materials of different thicknesses and surfaces.
You will produce your own samples of work to take home with you.
WHAT WILL BE TAUGHT?
The course is the first session of a programme divided into two parts of six hours each.
Below is a list of topics covered during this course (part 1):
– Leather preparation, marking and cutting
– To choose the right sewing machine for a specific type of material
– To thread industrial sewing machines
– To understand how to obtain the correct tension in your sewing
– To use various machine feet, tools and equipment in your sewing
– To understand thread types and needle sizes
– To learn how to sew leather
– To produce a range of seams and seam finishes
– To understand the importance of choosing the right materials for your project
– To sew and finish simple zips on leather
– To sew and finish a simple strap in leather
We will always try to cover as much on the syllabus as possible and depending on your ability and previous experience, we might be able to teach you additional techniques relating to the above listed topics, such us:
– Construction techniques: learn how to sew simple gussets
– Different ways to sew zips on leather
CURIOUS TO KNOW WHAT IS TAUGHT DURING PART 2 OF THIS COURSE?
DISCOVER WHAT ELSE YOU COULD LEARN!
INCLUDED IN THE COURSE:
On the day you will be provided with useful handouts to take home with you 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
WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?
This course is suitable for total beginners and for beginners with some basic experience of machine sewing.
You should be able to use measurements and understand verbal and written English instructions.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER COSTS? IS THERE ANYTHING I NEED TO BRING?
Materials are included but you are also free to bring you own leather, if you would like to learn how to work with a specific material.
Feel free to bring a notepad, if you would like to take some notes, we will provide the rest.
ON THE DAY:
Teas and coffees will be provided by us.
For 3+ hours long sessions we will have a 15 minutes break, for 6+ hours long sessions we will have a half hour lunch break.
There are two coffee shops and free parking spaces on site.
IMPORTANT TO KNOW:
Our classes are refundable and can be rearranged, provided 48 hours notice before the start date of the lesson(s) is given.
In case of cancellation, the payment will be sent back within 48 hours from when the cancellation has been provided in writing.
Please let us know as soon as possible if you can’t attend, thank you.
Cutting material is usually done standing at a high table and you might be working with special glues, knives and with heavy duty industrial sewing machines.
If you have a breathing problem, any health condition we should be aware of or if any of the above might be difficult for you, please inform us as soon as possible.
You will receive Health and Safety instructions for using the studio and its equipment and you will be asked to sign a risk and liability form at the end of the induction.
Sadly, our studio is on the first floor and we do not have wheelchair facilities. We are very sorry, unfortunately, this is not within our control or choice.
Wifi is not provided but there is a coffee shop with Wifi nearby.
WHAT CAN I DO NEXT?
We run a variety of courses which are related to this topic and that would allow you to expand your knowledge. Please find the complete list of courses HERE.
We also provide private tuition as well as the opportunity for people to practise on our sewing machines.
We reserve a special discount for people who have previously been a student of ours. If you book any of our courses or our drop-in service within 6 months from the completion of a class, you will receive 10% off your next booking.

ABOUT THE TEACHERS
Our names are Sara and Melissa and we are the founders and owners of The London Leather Workshop.
With 20 years of experience in the field, we offer services in designing, prototyping and manufacturing of leather, vegan leather and fabric bags and accessories to national and international customers, from start-ups to established brands.
We discovered our passion for teaching while training people during our working careers in Italy and the UK and have been training students for the past ten years.
Through The London Leather Workshop, we teach our expertise, knowledge and skills to amateur leather craftspeople, people who have an interest in developing a career in this field, as well as professionals looking to improve their skill-set.
With a personal, friendly and flexible approach, we support students in realising a specific project or learning skills in a variety of subjects through both private and group classes.