WHAT IS THIS COURSE ABOUT?

This is a twelve hour practical group tuition during which you will be taught the essential skills of sewing and working with leather.

At the end of the tuition you will have gained confidence in sewing with industrial sewing machines and know how to use specific tools for preparing, marking, splitting, finishing, cutting leather and fastening fittings.

You will understand what it means to work with different leather types and thicknesses and will be able to source and select the correct tools and materials for your projects.

 You will learn how to sew bag components such us simple zips, straps and gussets as well reinforcing and skiving specific areas of a bag.

 You will produce your own samples of work to take home with you and.

 

WHAT WILL BE TAUGHT?

This course is divided into two parts of six hours each.

Below is a list of topics covered during the two classes:

– 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

– Learning how to cut, sew and finish simple straps and handles

– Construction techniques: learn how to sew simple gussets

– Skiving, burnishing and edge painting leather

– Using leather punches and knives

– The use of reinforcements to back leather

– Using leather glues and paints

– Different closure techniques: sam browns, magnets, pop buttons etc

– Lining handbags and accessories

 

Depending on your previous experience and personal capabilities, you might also be able to realise you own customised, simple leather item to take home with you.

In case this is not possible due to lack of time, an extra 2- 4 hours can be booked in order to complete, or start and complete, your own project.

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, except for what is needed to create your own leather item.

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.

 

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