Elevate your style and learn a timeless craft in this hands-on, 7-week leatherworking course. Guided by an expert tutor, you will journey from a raw hide to a functional leather tote bag. Whether you are a complete beginner or looking to refine your hand-stitching skills, this course offers a comprehensive introduction to traditional leather craft techniques.
Site
Hastings (Station Plaza)
Course Type
Adult
| Options | Course Code | Starts | Ends | Days | From | To | Standard Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61520-01 | 24/09/26 | 12/11/26 | Thursday | 18:30 | 21:00 | £180 |
Over the course of 7 weeks, you will be guided through every step of the creation process...
Pattern Drafting: Learn the fundamentals of design by drafting a custom card pattern based on our classic tote bag sample, introducing your own slight personal adaptations.
Material Selection & Layout: Discover how to choose the right leather for your project, maximize your hide, and accurately trace your pattern.
Precision Cutting: Master the tools and techniques needed to safely and cleanly mark out and cut your leather pattern pieces.
Stitching Preparation: Prepare your leather for assembly by learning how to use traditional pricking forks and punches for perfectly aligned stitches.
Hand-Stitched Construction: Bring your tote bag to life using classic hand-stitching techniques that ensure beauty, strength, and durability.
Custom Details: Design and craft bespoke straps, handles, and functional fastenings tailored to your personal style and needs.
Hardware Application: Learn the professional method for securely applying rivets to add both strength and a polished finish to your bag.
By the end of this course, you won’t just walk away with a stunning, durable leather tote bag made entirely by your own hands—you’ll also possess the foundational skills and confidence to tackle your next leatherworking project.
"K" Avery-Stallion trained in Textiles with Embroidery in the early 90s at Nottingham Poly and then embarked on a career in fashion and accessories buying and then product development for brands like East and M&S and High Street multiple retailer suppliers. After a major health crisis in 2008 she decided to start her own leather goods business and took training from other bag makers in order to learn how to make her own handbag designs instead of having them manufactured abroad. This business became ST LEONARDS ACCESSORIES, Est 2010. She then sold unisex understated leather and canvas goods to men and women all over the UK, Europe and even South Africa! - as well as becoming a wholesale supplier to larger brands like YMC menswear, Margaret Howell and a Japanese multiple retailer. Between 2016 and 2022 she opened a bricks and mortar store called ST LEONARDS MODERN GOODS - in Norman Rd St leonards selling premium mens and women's wear bands as well as her own accessories and enjoyed hosting leather crafting workshops at the studio in the back of the store. "K" is now happily tutoring at Sussex College and searching for a new shop location.