LEARN PROFESSIONAL LEATHER SEWING SKILLS AND CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES
One teacher, two students – Part 1 & 2
WERE?
At our studio (map)
COST
£300 – 12 hours
Course materials included
Material to create a small item £10-£20
LEVEL:
Intermediate and advanced
WHAT IS THIS COURSE ABOUT?
This is a twelve hour practical group tuition during which you will be taught how to sew different types of leather to a professional standard with industrial sewing machines.
You will understand working with different leather thicknesses and features and will be able to source and select the correct tools and materials for your projects.
You will learn how to professionally sew bag components such as different types of zips, straps and gussets as well reinforcing and skiving specific areas of a bag to achieve the desired effect.
At the end of the tuition you will have gained confidence in sewing leather and using specific tools for preparing, marking, splitting, finishing, cutting leather and fastening fittings.
You will produce your own samples of work to take home with you as well as a small, personalised leather item.
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 lessons:
– 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 and deal with mistakes in your sewing
– To produce a range of seams and seam finishes to a high end standard
– To understand the importance of choosing the right materials for your project
– To sew and finish zips on leather in different ways
– Learning how to cut, sew and finish straps and handles
– Construction techniques: learn how to sew different types of 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 with fabric, suede and with the use of a top facing
Depending on your previous experience and personal capabilities, you might also be able to realise your 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?
The following classes are suitable for those who have a basic understanding of sewing with domestic or industrial sewing machines.
The classes are also suitable for those who are proficient in sewing fabric but have never worked with leather (or similar materials).
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.
If you are creating a leather item, you can either purchase the materials from us at a discounted price or we can advise you on what materials to buy and where to find them.
Buying them from us, you will receive a 10% discount on all materials. Our leather skins and offcuts are the cheapest in London but our stock is limited.
To give an idea of costs, you could be looking at about an extra £20 to make a clutch/makeup bag.
If you have any specific requirements, please contact us to make sure we have the materials you are looking for.
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.
ABOUT THE TEACHERS
Our names are Sara and Melissa and we are the founders and owners of The London Leather Workshop.
With 15 years of experience in sewing, designing and pattern making, we discovered our passion for teaching while training people during our working careers.
We have both studied fashion and costume in Italy, as well as worked for different small to medium size Italian brands on both designing and sampling positions, gaining a wide range of skills.
After the Italian years, we moved to London in 2011, where we had the possibility to learn different approaches to creativity and practical knowledge in the fashion and design world.
During our careers, we worked in the leather goods, accessories, textile, evening dresses and bridal high-end markets as designers, sample makers and product developers. We also gained experience in fashion, graphic design and illustration.
Our approach is personal, friendly and flexible and we support students and startups looking for a creative environment by offering multiple services at reasonable prices.
We are two passionate friends that love teaching others and hope to transmit our love for the arts and crafts!
INTERESTED IN OUR TUITION?
ASK FOR OUR AVAILABILITY BUY USING THE FORM AND WE WILL GET BACK TO YOU SHORTLY!
WONDERING WHAT OTHERS REALISED?
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.
