Description
With over 10 years of working in the accessories industry, having worked in Paris and London for numerous fashion houses and successfully running her own handbag brand, Rebecca is open to sharing all her knowledge and expertise with you on this two day course. 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. You can choose from 18 pre-designed handbag designs and customise them. During this course, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of leatherworking, including: - Leather Types and Materials: Explore vegetable and chrome-tanned leather, stabilisers, and how to choose materials for durability and style. - Bag Construction Techniques: Learn to mark templates, optimise leather placement for cutting, bond stabilisers, 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. - Customising Your Pattern: Adapt our pre-designed bag templates by adding extra pockets, panels, or style lines. You’ll take home your customised pattern, ready for future projects. You’ll work with a range of specialised 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. - Small Class Sizes: Limited to 4 students per session for personalised 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. 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. 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 18 bag templates. You’ll have the option to customise 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 stabilisers, and practice on industrial sewing machines. By the end of Day 1, you’ll have all materials prepped and ready for assembly. 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. Rebecca Jane is a true artisan she has worked for many designers, including Givenchy, Stuart Vevers, Luella, Robert Cary Williams and Paul Seville. Her experience of working in these different design houses gave her the insight into how to run a fashion label. In 2008 Rebecca combined this knowledge with her passion for eco-design and Rebecca-Jane own handbag range was born. The label was sold world wide in boutiques, departments stores and markets. Clocking up a staggering 5,000 bags being sold and creating them all in-house at the RJ headquarters. Rebecca comes from a creatives family she has a broad knowledge of making and designing and specialises in handbag design.
What's included in the price?
- Including all essential materials—leather, stabilisers, hardware, and more. The course fee covers all necessary materials and supplies, such as: - Leather, lining, stabilisers, and hardware (zips, rivets, clasps, etc). - A copy of your customised bag pattern to take home for future use. Optionally, bring up to half a meter of medium-weight fabric to personalise your bag lining. Additionally, you’ll receive a curated list of trusted leather suppliers to continue your leather working projects. • Rebecca-Jane patterns - which you get to take home with you. • Pattern card. • Pencils & rubber. • Pattern master (ruler for pattern cutting). • Fusing. • Leatherboard if required. • Thread & machines. We suggest bringing a notepad & pen and a camera for taking videos and photos to document your project. We will have an hour lunch break, lunch will be provided at a local café, we either eat lunch on the beach or in the studio depending on weather. Coffee/tea & biscuits will also be provided throughout the day to keep up our energy. Please feel free to bring your own snacks if you would rather. About us: The Rebecca-Jane Sewing School is run by a designer and our courses allow you to explore your ideas and leave with the confidence to continue your design & making journey for a hobby or creative career. We aim to teach you the skills and principles of innovative design and professional making techniques to create long-lasting innovative designs.
Duration
2 days
Cancellation policy
Easy - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts
Maker
Suitable for
- Adults
- Seniors
- Teenagers
- Children
- Weekends
- Stag dos
- Hen dos
- Public transport
- Intermediate level
- Corporate days out & team building
- Advanced/pro level
- Suitable for all abilities
- Parking provided
- Engagement, birthdays & anniversaries
- Daytime (weekdays)
- Suitable for beginners
