Leathercraft – an Introduction

Ages: 18+
Term: Autumn
Length: 10 weeks

Overview

This highly practical 10-week course offers a distinctive introduction to the creative and technical processes behind professional leather cutting and construction.

To book your place today, simply click Book Now to be taken to AUB's secure online store, where you can complete your booking. You can also sign up to our newsletter for short course updates.

About this course

Designed for adults with an interest in leather accessories, the course explores the specialist tools, materials and techniques required to work confidently with this unique and durable material.

Ideal for those who want to deepen their understanding of leather craftsmanship, the course focuses on developing both skill and sensitivity when working with leather. Through structured, hands-on learning, you’ll gain insight into the complexities of cutting, constructing and finishing leather products to a high standard.

Through a series of tutor-led demonstrations, guided practical exercises and assignments, you’ll be supported in building your knowledge, understanding and proficiency. You’ll learn how to handle leather correctly, develop accuracy and control, and refine your technique through repeated practice.

The course focuses on leather accessories, beginning with a smaller product to introduce core skills and processes. You’ll then progress to designing and producing a bespoke contemporary bag, allowing you to apply your learning to a more ambitious final piece. Sessions will also cover pattern making, hand stitching, machine stitching and professional finishing techniques.

You’ll work with natural cowhide and butt split leather for samples and practice pieces. For your final contemporary design, there'll be an additional charge for the leather skin.

Pattern making for leather accessories
Cutting leather accurately and safely
Skiving techniques
Edge finishing methods
Hand stitching and stitching using industrial sewing machines
Applying fasteners and zips
Finishing and polishing leather goods
Guidance from an experienced practising artist and tutor
A calm, relaxed and supportive studio environment where students learn by doing

Timetable

Week 1: Introduction to machinery and health and safety. Introduction to hand tools, making a small leather wallet.
Week 2: Continuing with sampling, making a pencil case pattern, producing pencil case.
Week 3: Finishing off samples from previous two weeks. Start thinking about product to create.
Week 4: Design product, beginning pattern-cutting and toile.
Week 5: Toiling product.
Week 6: Toiling product. Sourcing leather.
Week 7: Finish toiling and/or begin final piece.
Weeks 8–9: Construct product.
Week 10: Finish constructing product.

At the end of the course you'll:

Have developed the skills required to produce bespoke leather products to a high standard.
Be confident using industrial sewing machines and specialist hand tools
Have built confidence in applying new techniques and processes
Possess strong foundations to continue making beyond the course
Be encouraged to practice creative exploration and experimentation with leather
Possess improved artistic skills
Have increased confidence in your own skills and feel inspired
Have boosted creativity and imagination
Possess the foundations to continue creating beyond this course

You can request a certificate to confirm your achievements, providing you've a 100% attendance record. To request a certificate please get in touch with us at academy@aub.ac.uk and confirm your name and the title of course you've completed.

Will I be assessed?

No, there's no formal assessment. As the course progresses your tutor will measure your overall performance and offer essential guidance and feedback, so you know how you're getting on.

What you need to know

Autumn term 2026

Thursday 8 October – 10 December (10 Thursday evenings, 18.00–21.00)

Age

Suitable for adults aged 18+.

Level

Beginners or anyone with some experience who want to refresh or develop their skills further. Ideally, you'll have some previous experience using sewing machines. If not, maybe you'd like to consider our Basic Sewing Machine Skills course.

Experience or qualifications required

None – this is an introductory course. We have no formal academic entry requirements for our short courses.

If you'd like to discuss if this course is suitable for you, get in touch with us: academy@aub.ac.uk or 01202 363222.

£389

Any additional costs

You'll need to provide some basic study equipment. This will incur an additional cost if you need to purchase it for the course. Please refer to the 'What to bring to class' section below for full details. Please note: For your finished contemporary piece, there'll be an additional charge for the leather skin.

Course materials included in the price

Any additional materials and resources not listed below will be provided by AUB.

Paper scissors  
Sketchbook 
Pencil 
Ruler

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Suggested Suppliers

Information about resourcing specialist materials/consumables that you may need to bring these with you

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AUB Academy FAQs – Evening and Weekend and Saturday Art School

If you have any questions about our Evening and Saturday Short Courses, you may find the answers in here.

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Please read our Terms and Conditions carefully before booking onto our Evening and Weekend courses.

Meet your tutor

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Gillian Kelly

Technician Demonstrator Gill Kelly has had a varied career in fashion over many years working for different companies in pattern cutting...

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Leathercraft gallery

Student folding a sheet of leather on a table

Close up of several pieces of leather on a cutting matt

Close up of a heavily grained tanned leather

Student folding and clipping a sheet of leather next to a sewing machine

Close up of several different coloured leathers

Beyond the course

This could just be the start of your creative journey! After this course, you could further your leathercraft skills with another short course or look to the future and explore our creative qualifications that can prepare you to further your current career, enable you to retrain to an alternative career path or prepare you for future creative arts studies.