1 Day In Person Handbag Making Course (Beginners to Advanced) - 17 diferent styles - £199
Course Details
This course is a perfect introduction to the art of leatherwork. Designed for beginners and those looking to build on their existing skills, it’s an inspiring and hands-on experience where you’ll learn to craft beautiful, professionally constructed leather bags. With expert guidance and top-quality materials, you’ll walk away with a finished product you’ll be proud to call your own.
The £199 course fee includes all materials, from leather to stabilizers and hardware. To secure your place, a 50% holding fee (£99) is required upfront (non-refundable), with the balance of £100 due a few days before the course begins. Please see our T&Cs for rescheduling details.
What You’ll Learn
This course will immerse you in the world of leatherworking, introducing you to:
- Leatherworking Fundamentals: Learn about different types of leather, essential tools, and how to use them effectively.
- Professional Construction Techniques: Discover the best glues, threads, and stabilizers to create durable, high-quality bags.
- Overcoming Common Challenges: Conquer the fear of inserting zips and learn how to structure leather for strength and style.
- Finishing Techniques: Master the art of leather finishing, including edge treatments and adding those final, professional touches.
Industrial Sewing Machines
You’ll construct your bag using state-of-the-art industrial sewing machines generously provided by our sponsor, Tysew. These machines are ideal for leatherwork, offering beautiful, precise stitching. Their adjustable slow-speed settings make them perfect for those new to sewing, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.
What’s Included
We provide everything you’ll need to create your leather bag, including:
- Pre-cut leather and stabilizers for the bag’s exterior.
- All hardware and fastenings, such as zips, rivets, and clasps.
- Should you wish to personalize your design, feel free to bring half a meter of medium-weight fabric for your bag’s lining.
There’s no need to bring any tools or materials—just yourself, and optionally a camera and notepad to document your project.
Class Structure
- Small Class Sizes: With only 4 students per session, you’ll receive plenty of 1-on-1 attention and guidance.
- Flexible Projects: Courses run parallel, so while you’re making a bag, others might be crafting clothes or accessories—this diversity sparks creativity and inspiration!
- Hours: Classes run from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, including a 30-minute lunch break. Lunch is provided at a local café, with tea, coffee, and biscuits available throughout the day.
Location
RJ Leather Studio
Garden Studio
49 West Way
Lancing, West Sussex
BN15 8LX
Free on-site parking is available, and we’re just a 30-minute walk from Lancing train station. Detailed directions and public transport options will be emailed upon booking.
Booking
To secure your place:
- Check available course dates at the bottom of this page.
- Select your date and add it to the cart.
- Specify any design or color preferences during checkout.
- Pay the 50% deposit (£99) now, with the balance of £100 due a week before the course begins.
Questions?
We’re here to help! If you have any questions or need assistance before booking, feel free to contact us:
📞 Call: 07711 316190
📧 Email: info@rjleatherstudio.com
Start your journey into leatherwork and create something both beautiful and functional—let’s make it happen!
Buying this as a gift? Not sure what date to book? Why not give a voucher instead and your loved one can book in when they are ready. To buy a voucher click here:
The RJ Leather Studio Bag Choices
1. T-Base Tote
Description: This is a handy size leather t-base tote. It has a nice sturdy base which is ideal for carrying all your essentials for a day out! Magnetic closure. It also has a handy outside and inside patch pocket for quick access for your phone or oyster card.
Level: Beginners
Dimensions: L 40cm x H 30cm x W 15cm
2. Shopper/ Tote
Description: This is a fantastic size leather tote bag. It has a nice sturdy base which is Ideal for carrying laptops, heavy books! It also has a handy front patch pocket for quick access for your daily essentials.
Level: Beginners
Dimensions : L 34cm x H 38cm x W 7cm Handle drop 20cm
3. Hobo with Magnet
Description: This is one of my favourite courses. The Hobo bag is a really cool design. It’s a really smart everyday bag that is not only really stylish it also fits a lot inside. it’s got a secure zip pocket and unusual round bugatti handle and interesting hardware.
Level: Beginners
Dimensions: L 34cm x H 34cm x W 10cm Handle drop 20cm
The image above is a suede version. You can use leather or suede on the day.
4. Flapped Cross Body Bag
Description: This is a very handy sized bag ideal for an everyday bag. It has a secure zipped back pocket. A front patch pocket. A flap with magnetic closure. It has a vegtan leather webbing cross body strap.
Level: Beginners
Dimensions: L 24cm x H 27cm x W 6cm
5. New Tote with Bugatti Handle
Description: This is a fantastic size leather tote bag and has muliple shapes to it. You can keep it as standard tote, fold it in at the sides or as a cross body bag. It has a nice sturdy base which is Ideal for carrying laptops, heavy books! It also has a handy zipped and patch pocket inside. It has a magnet closure. Short rounded bugatti grab handle and a detachable cross body strap.
Level: Beginners
Dimensions : L 34cm x H 38cm x W 7cm - Handle drop 20cm
6. Bucket Bag
Description: This is a gorgeous bucket bag that can be used worn on your shoulder or cross body, perfect for our busy lives. It has a drawstring closure and an inside zip pocket. It has a really sturdy base and metal feet to protect it from hitting the floor. A super handy long vegtan leather cross-body strap with buckle adjustment.
Level: Intermediate
Dimensions: L 34cm x H 38cm x W 7cm Handle drop 20cm
7. Messenger Bag
Level: Intermediate
Dimensions: L 45cm x H 35cm x W 9cm Handle drop 25cm
8. Zipped Fabric & Leather Hobo Bag
Description: It’s a really handy everyday bag that is not only really stylish it also fits a lot inside. It’s got a secure outside zip entrance and inside patch pocket for all your essentials. It features an shoulder strap and optional cross body strap.
Level: Intermediate
Dimensions : L 32cm x H 33cm x W 7cm - Handle drop 20cm
9. Two Way Fold-Over Tote/Cross Body
Description: This is a brilliant bag that can be used two-ways, either as a tote bag or folded over as a cross body bag, perfect for our busy lives. It has a 1 zip pocket on the outside. Optional zip or magnetic closure. Super cute detail on the handles and a long vegtan leather cross-body strap.
Level: Intermediate
Dimensions: L 40cm x H 30cm x W 15cm
10. Weekend Bag
Description: This is a very spacious leather weekend bag. It has a nice sturdy base which is Ideal for carrying laptops, heavy books ideal for a mini break away! It also has a handy front patch pocket for quick access for your daily essentials.
Level: Intermediate
Dimensions: L 45cm x H 40cm x W 25cm Handle drop 25cm
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Dimensions: L 25cm x H 23cm x W 6cm
12. Large Backpack with front pockets
Description: This is a very spacious large backpack bag design with handy grab handles. The bag features front pockets made from fabric, you can chose on the day what colour and type of fabric, canvas or vintage looks fab. The bag main entrance has a zip. front pocket flap securing with sam browne studs. Lots of handy spaces to store your things, front pockets and an inside patch pocket.
Level: Advanced
Dimensions : L 40cm x H 45cm x W 12cm - Handle drop 20cm
13. Concertina Bag
Description: The concertina design means you can carry lots in this bag with a double compartment. It is very secure with a flap and turn lock main entrance. It features a secure inside zip pocket. Tabs at the side of the bag for detachable cross body strap or shoulder handle.
Level: Advanced
Dimensions : L 24cm x H 19cm x W 6cm - strap 115cm
14. Saddle Bag
Description:
Another handy a cross body bag design in the collection. This is a structured bag. You can choose the vintage fabric or leather side panel gusset on the first day of the course. It has a handy twist lock front closure. 2 patch pockets for your essentials. The flap has a grab handle and detachable cross body strap.
Level: Advanced
Dimensions : L 25cm x H 22cm x W 10cm - strap 115cm
15. Mini Backpack
Description: This is a handy size leather backpack. It has a nice secure zip opening, and is quite wide so Ideal for carrying all your essentials for a day out! It also has a handy front zip pocket for quick access and an inside patch pocket. Grab handle and double straps.
Level: Intermediate / Advanced. Experience of sewing is essential for this bag
Dimensions : L 30cm x H 35cm x W 14cm
* All designs come with a vegtan leather label to customise your design, emboss your name or special words. “Made with love by me” and a strap inside for your keys.
16. Day Duffel Bag
Description: This day duffel bag is great for anyone wanting to carry around lots of books, laptops etc. It is very spacious and accomodates lots but also looks great not filled. It has a nice secure zip opening and sturdy base. You have the option of choosing a canvas or leather body of the bag. It also has a handy front zip pocket for quick access and an inside patch pocket. The bag features shoulder straps and a detachable webbing cross body strap.
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Dimensions : L 42cm x H 39cm x W 20cm
17. Tied Cross Body Bag
Description: This is a super cut structured cross body bag. It has a nice magnet opening, and is quite wide so Ideal for carrying all your essentials for a day out! It also has a handy inside zip pocket for storing your phone. Grab handle and cross body strap.
Level: Advanced. Experience of sewing is essential for this bag
Dimensions : L 24cm x H 24cm x W 16cm
Leather Colour Choices
(L to R) Navy, Black, Purple, Dark Green, Taupe, Teal, Fuscia, Red, Tan