2 Day In Person Handbag Making Course - 17 Designs - £349

• Course Details

  This two-day course is an ideal introduction to leather bag making, tailored for beginners and those eager to refine their skills. Whether you want to create a beautiful bag for yourself or explore the fundamentals of professional leatherwork, this hands-on experience will guide you through the entire process—from selecting materials to finishing techniques. You’ll leave the course with a completed chrome-tanned leather bag and the skills to confidently pursue future projects at home.

  The course fee is £349, including all essential materials—leather, stabilizers, hardware, and more. To secure your place, a non-refundable 50% deposit (£174.50) is required, with the remaining £174.50 due a few days before the course begins. Please refer to our T&Cs for rescheduling information.

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  What You’ll Learn

  During this course, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of leatherworking, including:

  • Leather Types and Materials: Explore vegetable and chrome-tanned leather, stabilizers, and how to choose materials for durability and style.
  • Bag Construction Techniques: Learn to mark templates, optimize leather placement for cutting, bond stabilizers, construct pockets, and assemble a fully lined bag using industrial sewing machines.
  • Finishing Touches: Master professional methods for adding zips, handles, hardware, and creating polished edge treatments.
  • Customizing Your Pattern: Adapt our pre-designed bag templates by adding extra pockets, panels, or style lines. You’ll take home your customized pattern, ready for future projects.

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  Tools and Machinery

  You’ll work with a range of specialized tools, including:

  • Industrial Sewing Machines: Designed for precision stitching on leather and fabric.
  • Rivet Press and Skiving Machine: Learn to attach hardware and create smooth seams.
  • Hand Tools: Gain experience with essential tools for cutting, stitching, and finishing leather.

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  What’s Included

  The course fee covers all necessary materials and supplies, such as:

  • Pre-cut leather, lining, stabilizers, and hardware (zips, rivets, clasps, etc.).
  • A copy of your customized bag pattern to take home for future use.
  • Optionally, bring up to half a meter of medium-weight fabric to personalize your bag lining.

  Additionally, you’ll receive a curated list of trusted leather suppliers to continue your leatherworking projects.

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  Class Structure

  • Small Class Sizes: Limited to 4 students per session for personalized guidance.
  • Parallel Projects: Work alongside students creating bags, accessories, or clothing in a collaborative and creative environment.
  • Class Hours: From 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with a 30-minute lunch break. Lunch is provided at a local café, along with tea, coffee, and biscuits throughout the day.

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  Location

  RJ Leather Studio
  Garden Studio
  49 West Way
  Lancing, West Sussex
  BN15 8LX

  Free parking is available on-site, and we’re a 30-minute walk from Lancing train station. Detailed directions and public transport tips will be sent upon booking.

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  Booking

  To secure your place:

  1. Browse available dates at the bottom of this page.
  2. Select your preferred 2 dates by adding each one to cart indvidually
     
  3. Specify any color or design preferences at checkout.
  4. Pay a 50% deposit (£174.50) now, with the balance due one week before the course begins.

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  Day 1

  Outcomes: Pattern selection, leather cutting, and material preparation.

  • Start the day by learning about different types of leather and selecting your design from 17 bag templates. You’ll have the option to customize your pattern to suit your style.
  • Trace and cut your pattern, taking care to select the best leather sections for your bag.
  • Prepare your materials, cutting leather, lining, and stabilizers, and practice on industrial sewing machines.

  By the end of Day 1, you’ll have all materials prepped and ready for assembly.

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  Day 2

  Outcomes: Assemble and complete your bag with professional techniques.

  • Begin with pocket preparation and lining construction, stabilizing materials to simplify sewing.
  • Assemble the main leather panels and attach the lining, completing your bag using expert sewing and finishing techniques.
  • Add handles, straps, and rivets for a polished, professional look.

  By the end of Day 2, you’ll walk away with a fully constructed leather bag and the confidence to create more bags on your own.

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  Questions?

  We’re happy to assist with any inquiries or booking needs:

  📞 Call: 07711 316190
  📧 Email: info@rjleatherstudio.com

  Let’s create something extraordinary together!

The RJ Leather Studio Bag Choices

1. T-Base Tote

9. Two Way Fold-Over Tote/Cross Body

10. Weekend Bag

Level: Intermediate

Dimensions: L 45cm x H 40cm x W 25cm Handle drop 25cm

12. Large Backpack with front pockets

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.