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Leathercraft – Handmade Accessories

Leathercraft – Handmade Accessories

On this 10-week practical course you’ll have the rare opportunity to explore creating accessories and fashion using leather.

To book your place today, simply click the 'Book Now' button 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.

What you need to know

When does it run?

Tuesday 3 October – 5 December 2023

How long is the course?

10 Tuesday evenings

What time will your classes be?

18.00-21.00

Where does it take place?

Classes will take place on AUB's campus.

You'll be taught in AUB's industry-standard studios with access to professional resources.

Please note: it’s a mandatory requirement that you attend the sewing workroom machinery induction in the first session of the course in order to fulfil the university Health and Safety policy.

Who's this course suitable for?

This course has been developed for creatives and aspiring fashion designers aged 18+.

Perfect for anyone who has a passion to learn about leathercraft and develop their fashion or accessory design skills.

It's suitable if you're a beginner or if you've some previous experience with leathercraft and wish to develop your skills further.

Do you need previous experience or qualifications?

This is an introductory course, so no previous knowledge of leathercraft or experience is required.

Ideally, you'll have previous knowledge and experience using sewing machines.

If you'd like to discuss if this course is suitable for you, get in touch with us: shortcourses@aub.ac.uk or +44 (0) 1202 363222.

How much does this course cost?

£359

What's included in this price?

Any additional materials and resources not listed in the 'what to bring' section below.

Are there any additional costs?

Please be aware you'll need to bring some drawing equipment with you. This may incur an additional cost on top of your course fee if you need to purchase any equipment. Refer to the 'what to bring' section below for full details.

You'll be required to purchase the leather for your final contemporary piece; this will incur an additional cost though projects can be tailored to suit all budgets.

What should you bring to class?

Paper scissors
Sketchbook
Pencil
Ruler

Why should you choose this course?

Improve your creative design abilities
Come away with enhanced knowledge, skills, and confidence to create your own leathercraft accessories
Learn how to use specialist tools required for leathercraft, including industrial leather sewing machines and specialist hand tools
Develop a range of new specialist skills needed to work with leather
Develop your technical skills and unique creative voice
Receive expert support and guidance from your industry professional tutor at every turn
Leave with increased confidence and the skills to continue creating beyond the course
Study in an encouraging and friendly setting alongside 12 like-minded creatives

About this course

This highly practical 10-week course has been developed to offer a unique introduction into the creative process of professional cutting and construction techniques for leather products. It's perfect for anyone who has an interest in leather accessories and wants to understand the complexities of cut and explore the tools used to form and fashion this unique material.

Through a series of practical demonstrations and assignments to build your knowledge, understanding and proficiency, you’ll be expertly guided through the specialist processes required to work with leather. You’ll learn and hone the skills necessary to produce leather goods and accessories.

You'll focus on leather accessories, starting with a small product to learn the basics, and then progress on to a bespoke bag with a contemporary edge.

Sessions will also include pattern making, stitching by hand and finishes that can be used on your leather creations. You'll be using natural cowhide and “butt split” leather for your samples.

Pattern making
Leather cutting
Skiving
Edge finishing
Stitching by hand and using an industrial sewing machine
Fasteners and zips
Finishing and polishing

Be able to design and create your own leather goods and accessories with confidence
Have a comprehensive understanding of the processes needed to work with leather
Be knowledgeable and skilled in a variety of different specialist techniques required to make leather goods
Understand how to make patterns and cut leather
Be able to apply a range of finishes to the leather to create your finished product
Have increased confidence in your own skills and feel inspired
Have boosted creativity and imagination
Be encouraged to experiment and explore your ideas, remembering that there's no right or wrong way to be creative
Possess the foundations to continue creating beyond this course

All students with 100% course attendance will be issued with an official AUB Short Course certificate of attendance. To request your certificate contact the short courses team: shortcourses@aub.ac.uk or call 01202 363222.

After this course, you could:

Continue to harness your creativity and develop your skills further; explore our full range of Fashion, Textiles and Accessories short courses
Broaden your creative horizons and try your hand at a range of disciplines; explore our full range of evening and weekend courses
Continue to develop your skills at home as a hobby

You'll study at a leading specialist university – we know what we're doing when it comes to providing unparalleled courses
Our tutors are industry professionals, so you'll learn from the best
We cater for all abilities and have no formal entry requirements for this course, so there's nothing holding you back
You'll learn in a safe and encouraging environment where there's no right or wrong way to be creative
You'll learn 'by doing' and always feel fully included and supported
Benefit from our incredible campus and its industry-standard studios, and use state-of-the-art equipment and software to unleash your creativity