BAG MAKING MASTERCLASS: Saddle Stitching

Name: BAG MAKING MASTERCLASS: Saddle Stitching
Start: 2026-09-07T10:00:00+01:00
End: 2026-09-11T17:00:00+01:00
Location: SE18 5NR

Schedule

Mon, 07 Sep, 2026 at 10:00 am to Fri, 11 Sep, 2026 at 05:00 pm

UTC+01:00

Location

SE18 5NR | London, EN

LEARN TRADITIONAL LEATHER CRAFT, SADDLE STITCHING AND LEATHER GOODS CONSTRUCTION SKILLS
About this Event
Understand the uniqueness of vegetable-tanned leather and the amazing long lasting products that can be created with this material. Proficiently handle traditional hand tools, master various hand-sewing techniques, and understand pattern drafting for the creation of handmade goods.
You will gain insights into the technical aspects of leatherworking, including preparation, marking, cutting, gluing, reinforcing, skiving, debossing, finishing, and more.
You will create a finished leather bag as well as personalised samples to take home for reference in your future projects.
You will conclude the masterclass with the ability to craft entirely handmade leather items and master essential skills such as cutting, finishing, and saddle stitching.
You will be taught by a prototype maker and manufacturer with 20 years of experience in this field.
Participants also receive valuable handouts and curated lists of leather and tool suppliers for ongoing reference.

Here is a concise summary of the topics covered during the classes:
LEATHER AND HAND TOOLS:
Overview of leather types, tanning, finishing, and best uses
Understanding vegetable-tanned leather, how to use it, and how to finish it
Importance of choosing the right materials and tools for projects
Leather preparation, pattern placement and marking
Understanding the cutting of thin and thick leathers and selecting the right cutting tools
Using leather punches, skiving, beveling and creasing
Finishing leather edges: burnishing and inking
Utilising leather glues, tapes and reinforcements
Exploration of prototyping and manufacturing leather goods, encompassing varied working methods, machines, and tools.

HAND SEWING/SADDLE STITCHING:
Saddle stitching leather and understanding related tools and materials
Understanding thread types
Correctly sewing various leather types, ranging from thin to very thick
Sewing straight lines, curves and three-dimensional parts
Producing various seams and seam finishes

CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES:
Sewing and finishing a simple zip on leather
Cutting, assembling and sewing simple straps/handles
Constructing and sewing common gussets

LEATHER GOODS MAKING:
Understanding the basics of pattern making for hand-sewn items and how this differs from machine sewing pattern drafting.
Creating a finalised hand sewn leather bag from our designs, choosing colour, materials, reinforcements, hardware and trimmings.

By the end of the tuition, you will have:
– Developed confidence in utilising specific tools for leather preparation, marking, finishing, cutting and fastening fittings.
– Acquired an understanding of working with diverse leather types and thicknesses, with the ability to source and select appropriate tools and materials for your projects.
– Mastered essential leather sewing techniques, troubleshooting common sewing issues, and handling challenges such as curves, multiple layers of leather, and three-dimensional objects.
– Learned to sew fundamental bag components like simple zips and gussets.
– Built confidence in hand sewing, using patterns, and gaining the skills to independently create simple leather items.