BAG MAKING MASTERCLASS: Machine Sewing

Explore essential techniques for working with soft chrome leather, the most common leather for bag making.

Proficiently handle hand tools and operate industrial machines correctly.

Cover material selection, finishing, and construction methods for bags and smaller accessories.

Gain insights into the technical aspects of leatherworking, including preparation, marking, cutting, gluing, reinforcing, skiving, and more.

Learn the use of reinforcements, stabilizers, and stiffeners in bags and fashion accessories.

Participants will receive thorough instruction in professional sewing techniques on diverse industrial machines and understand how this differs from sewing other materials. Along with the final project, they will also create reference samples to bring home.

Conclude the masterclass with the ability to craft a completely handmade, simple leather bag, showcasing acquired skills and techniques.

Facilitated by a prototype maker and manufacturer, the course offers a professional journey into common leatherworking practices.

Participants also receive valuable handouts and curated lists of leather and tool suppliers for ongoing reference.

Here is a concise summary of the topics covered during the classes:

LEATHER AND HAND TOOLS:

Overview on leather types, tanning, finishings and best use

Understanding the use of chrome leather and why it is the most popular choice for commercial leather goods

Importance of choosing the right materials and tools for projects

Leather preparation, pattern placement and marking

Understanding how to correctly cut leather using various tools

Using and mataining leather skiving knives

Finishing leather edges: painting and inking

Utilising leather glues, tapes and reinforcements

Exploration of prototyping and manufacturing leather goods, encompassing varied working methods, machines, and tools.

MACHINE AND HAND SEWING:

Understanding industrial sewing machines and their differences

Selecting the right sewing machine for specific materials and constructions

Operating a lock stitch walking foot machine

Threading industrial sewing machines

Achieving correct tension in sewing

Understanding thread types and needle sizes

Learning to sew leather, distinguishing it from other materials

Correctly sewing various leather types, ranging from thin to thick

Sewing straight lines, curves and creating parallel seams

Producing various seams and seam finishes

CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES:

Sewing and finishing a simple zip on leather

Cutting, assembling and sewing simple straps

Incorporating basic lining types in projects

Constructing and sewing a gussets

Comprehending the use of reinforcements and stabilisers and their application in the craft of accessory making

LEATHER BAG MAKING:

Understanding the principles behind drafting patterns and constructing a pattern for the final project.

Creating a simple leather bag from our designs, choosing colour, materials, reinforcements, hardware and trimmings.

By the end of the tuition, you will have:

– Developed confidence in utilising specific tools for leather preparation, marking, finishing, cutting and fastening fittings.

– Acquired an understanding of working with diverse leather types and thicknesses, with the ability to source and select appropriate tools and materials for your projects.

– Mastered essential leather sewing techniques, troubleshooting common sewing issues and handling challenges such as curves, multiple layers of leather and various surface textures.

– Learned to sew fundamental bag components like simple zips, straps, and gussets, along with reinforcing specific areas of a bag.

– Built confidence in sewing with industrial machines and gaining the skills to independently create simple leather items.