Name: Saddle Stitching & Accessory Construction
Start: 2026-04-25T10:00:00+01:00
End: 2026-04-26T16:00:00+01:00
Location: SE18 5NR

Saddle Stitching & Accessory Construction

LEARN HOW TO HAND-SEW LEATHER GOODS: FOUNDATIONAL CLASS IN PATTERN MAKING, SADDLE STITCHING AND CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES
About this Event

This course will be divided into two consecutive sessions. You will only need to select the first day when booking

This leather goods group class is designed to provide thorough, professional training in traditional leatherworking, pattern making and accessory making using vegetable tanned leather. The lessons, spread over two full consecutive days, are structured to equip individuals with essential skills—whether for starting a career in the industry, expanding their knowledge, or embarking on their own creative journey with a strong foundation.During the course, you will learn how to proficiently hand-sew leather, tackle more challenging sewing projects, and use a variety of essential hand tools. You will also learn to distinguish different leather types and understand their suitability for specific projects and techniques. Additionally, you will explore the construction of complex leather components such as gussets, darts, and more.You will gain hands-on experience in creating and using basic patterns for hand-stitched leather goods, understanding how this process differs from other types of pattern making.The course covers key technical aspects of leatherworking with vegetable-tanned leather, including leather preparation, marking, cutting, gluing, punching, edging, creasing, debossing, and skiving.Throughout the class, theoretical lessons will be interwoven with practical exercises, allowing you to create personalised samples to take home for future reference. You will also complete a small leather good—such as a wallet, glasses case, or purse, from our selection of styles.Additionally, you will receive valuable handouts and curated lists of leather and tool suppliers for ongoing guidance.

Summary of Topics Covered in the Class:Understanding vegetable-tanned leather and its applicationsHand sewing / saddle stitching, including backstitching and lockstitchingLeather preparation, pattern placement, marking and cuttingLeather beveling, burnishing, creasing, debossing and skivingPattern-making principles for hand-sewn goodsBuilding confidence in sewing more complex shapes, features, constructions, and gussets

By the End of the Course, You Will Have:Learned to hand-sew leather / saddle stitch leather and construct three-dimensional shapesUnderstood the proper use of hand tools related to hand sewing, as well as needle and thread typesGained an understanding of leather types and how to select the correct material for your projectsWorked with a variety of tools and leather types, creating a catalog of samples to take homeDeveloped confidence in using a wide range of specific tools for leather preparation, marking, finishing, and cuttingUnderstood different methods of creating patterns for hand-sewn leather goodsCreated a small hand-cut, hand-sewn, and hand-finished leather good to take home with you

Included in the course:You will receive useful paper handouts containing:– A list of tools and materials used during the lesson(s), with descriptions and usage instructions– A list of recommended suppliers for leather and fittings, both in London and online– A glossary of leather types and characteristics