ONE-DAY COURSE - INTRODUCTION TO PATTERN MAKING FOR SADDLE STITCHING

Learn to create structurally correct templates for hand-stitched leather goods

Stop relying on downloaded patterns that may not work. Learn how to develop your own simple leather patterns and understand the construction principles that make them work.

This is a professional leatherworking course where you will learn the principles behind leather pattern making designed specifically for saddle stitching, which differs significantly from pattern making for machine-sewn bags. You will understand how to build patterns around the logic of hand-sewn leather construction and how to design leather goods that work with the realities of hand stitching, from material behaviour to stitch placement, so your patterns function in practice as well as they do on paper

Join an existing class or arrange a dedicated class for yourself or your own group. 

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✓ 1–6 Students ✓ Materials Included  ✓ Beginner-Friendly ✓ Finished Item to Take Home
Home > PROFESSIONAL COURSE: Pattern making for hand-stitched leather goods

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: £178 + vat weekends – 15% weekdays

Private Workshops: Price at Check out

ABOUT THIS CLASS

Learn how to create patterns for hand-stitched leather goods

This beginner-friendly course is designed to give you a clear and structured understanding of leather pattern making specifically for saddle stitching.
Throughout the course, you’ll explore how to translate three-dimensional ideas into accurate, buildable flat patterns that account for the realities of leather thickness and stitch spacing. 
You will learn what makes a well-constructed leather goods template, how to identify and apply the right technical information to it, and how effective pattern design can improve your stitching and final look. 
You’ll learn why pattern decisions made early in the process determine whether a piece holds its shape or fails in execution.
By working through practical principles and real construction logic, you’ll develop the ability to create simple  leather goods templates  independently with confidence, precision, and a deeper understanding of how handmade leatherwork is truly engineered.
You don’t need any prior experience in saddle stitching to attend this course. This course is also suitable for people who already have some experience working with leather. 
JOIN A GROUP CLASS
BOOK PRIVATE CLASS
BUY AS A GIFT

Best for

  • Leatherworkers who want to move beyond copying templates and start designing their own patterns.
  • Makers who already practice saddle stitching and want to improve the quality of their templates.
  • Beginners who want to learn the structural principles of leather pattern making from the start. 
  • Crafters who struggle with patterns that don’t translate well into real stitched objects.
  • Makers who want better symmetry, more accurate construction and better-fitting results. 

Useful note

This course is part of a series of three foundational leathercraft classes designed for those interested in professional leatherworking and accessory making. While the courses do not need to be taken as a complete set, we recommend following the full learning path, starting with Leathercraft Foundations: Leather Types & Hand Tools and Saddle stitching & Accessory Construction.
STUDENT OUTCOMES

What You’ll Leave With

01 – Understanding of Pattern Making

You will leave with a clear understanding of how leather goods templates are constructed specifically for saddle stitching. 
You’ll also receive printed course notes, including a list of the tools used, recommended leather and tool suppliers, and helpful reference information for future use.

02 – A Completed Leather Pattern

You will finish the course with at least one simple fully developed, stitch-ready leather pattern created through the principles taught in the course.

03 – Confidence in Your Design Process

You will gain the confidence to approach leather pattern making independently, with the ability to design, adjust, and evaluate your own simple leather goods with clarity and control.

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

Why is this different from bag pattern making for machine sewing?

Pattern making for hand-stitched leather goods follows different construction principles from patterns designed for machine-sewn bags.
In hand-stitched leatherwork, the pattern needs to account for leather thickness, stitch placement, edge construction, seam geometry and the way the material behaves when assembled by hand.
This course focuses specifically on these principles and is designed for makers who want to develop patterns for traditionally hand-stitched leather goods.

Do I need any experience to join this course?

You don’t need any prior experience in saddle stitching or pattern making to attend this course.
This workshop is suitable for complete beginners as well as those with some knowledge of leatherworking. 

Will I be able to design my own leather goods after this?

Yes, you will learn how to design simple hand-stitched leather goods from scratch.
You will understand how to create functional, buildable patterns and how to adjust and develop them independently, rather than relying on downloaded templates.

Is all equipment and materials included? What should I bring?

Yes, all tools and materials are provided during the workshop. Feel free to bring a notepad if you would like to take some notes.

Do you provide certifications?

We do not provide accredited certifications for this course. However, we can provide a certificate of attendance upon request.

What will I make during the workshop?

This is a foundation skills workshop rather than a finished product course. During the session, you will learn the basics of pattern making and create a finished template to take home.

Can I book this leathercraft workshop as a gift?

Yes, this leathercraft workshop makes an excellent creative gift experience for birthdays, Christmas or special occasions. Please visit our Gift vouchers page.

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 INSTRESTED IN

TRADITIONAL LEATHERCRAFT FOUNDATIONS

Leather Types & Hand Tools

VIEW COURSE
PROFESSIONAL LEATHERWORKING TRAINING

Saddle stitching & Accessory Construction

VIEW COURSE
PROFESSIONAL PATTERN MAKING TRAINING

 For Bags & Accessories

VIEW COURSE

 GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT OUR COURSES

Course Duration

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.

Facilities, Breaks & Refreshments

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.

Health & Safety, Accessibility

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.

Cancellation Policy

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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