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Leathercraft Accessories
This 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 exploring the tools used to form and fashion this unique material.
Course overview
This practical course is available to study in either our spring or autumn term. Check out the term dates and different course options below.
Dates
Tuesday 4 October – Tuesday 6 December 2022
Duration and times
10 Tuesdays 18.00–21.00
Tutor
Gillian Kelly
Fee
£349
Class capacity
12
Dates
Tuesday 17 January – Tuesday 21 March 2023
Duration and times
10 Tuesdays 18.00–21.00
Tutor
Gillian Kelly
Fee
£349
Class capacity
12
Course details
This 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 exploring 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, your tutor Gillian Kelly, will guide you through the specialist processes where you'll learn 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.
Please note, for your finished contemporary piece, there'll be an additional charge for the skin.
- Pattern making
- Leather cutting
- Skiving
- Edge finishing
- Stitching by hand and using an industrial sewing machine
- Fasteners and zips
- Finishing and polishing

Gillian Kelly
Technician Demonstrator Gill Kelly has had a varied career in fashion over many years working for different companies in pattern cutting...
The course aims to:
- Provide you with more knowledge, skills and confidence cutting and constructing leather products using industrial leather sewing machines and specialist hand tools
- Assessment will be continuous throughout
- Students should have attained the necessary skills in which to produce bespoke products to a high standard
- All students with 100% course attendance will be issued with an official AUB Short Course certificate of attendance. To request your certificate get in touch with the course team at shortcourses@aub.ac.uk
Ideally, you'll have previous knowledge and experience using sewing machines, but no prior knowledge of leathercraft is required. Suitable for makers aged 18+.
- Paper scissors
- Sketch book
- Pencil
- Ruler
Please note, for your finished contemporary piece, there will be an additional charge for the skin.
All additional course materials are included in the course fee.