2-Day Leather Bag Making Course

Description

With over 10 years of working in the accessories industry, having worked in Paris and London for numerous fashion houses and successfully run her own handbag brand. Rebecca is open to sharing all her knowledge and expertise with you on this one day course.

This is one of our most popular courses. It is a great introduction to making a men's or women's bag. On this two-day course you will be walked through basic construction techniques required to make a leather bag from scratch. This course is a chance to learn how to make a chrome tanned turned and fully lined soft leather bag with different types of pocket detail and handle options and leave with the knowledge and confidence to continue your bag making projects at home.

Key skills learned in this course

A basic intro to different types of leather
Understanding how to use professional bag patterns
Selecting the correct materials, stabilisers, leather and hardware to create your bag
Introducing you to different tools for professional cutting techniques for leather and fabric cutting
Introducing different handle types and construction techniques
Learning the techniques of fully lining a bag
Learning how to sew a leather framed zip or patch pocket
Sewing different types of seams and learning how to finish them
Different closure techniques & applying finishing touches to a professional bag
Different methods for attaching handles using tools
**It is possible to make all of our patterns on both industrial and domestic sewing machines**

DAY 1

Outcomes: Select pattern to use, learn how to trace off the pattern from RJ Leather Studio pattern, select and discuss chosen materials, cut leather & lining, practice on the industrial machines, bonding all fusing

On the first day you will choose from 10 different bag patterns:

T based tote

Shopper

Mens Backpack

Small Satchel

Ladies Backpack

Magnetic Clasp Hobo

Zipped Hobo with detachable strap

Cross body bucket bag

Mens messenger

Laptop bag

**The RJ Leather Studio pattern you choose is yours to take home with you at the end of the course**

You will have an introduction to different types of leather and will be given a list of all of our trusted suppliers and the tools you will need to make bags at home.

On day one we will talk you through different types of leathers and then show you how to trace off a pattern from an original handbag block introducing you to professional bag making techniques. Once you have traced the pattern we will then discuss and select which leather material and hardware you would like to use for your bag.

You will then be introduced to different tools you can use to cut leather, how to cut leather and what to look out for. You will cut the leather, lining and stabilisers and bond all of the stabilisers to the leather.

We will also do a small introduction to working on industrial sewing machines so you can have a practise in preparation for day two construction.

The first day is all about cutting and preparing and being completely ready for sewing on day two.

**If you would like to create a bespoke design, we recommend you attend the 1 Day Pattern Cutting Course first. You can then use this pattern during the 2 day handbag making course.**

Day 2:

Outcomes:. Prepare and sew pockets, construct lining, adding hardware, sew the lining, fully assemble bag using professional bag finishing techniques, adding finishing touches, attaching handles and straps

Day two is when the magic starts to happen.

You will start the day by preparing all of the pockets to sew. There is a lot of preparation in pockets and we try to stabilise everything as much as possible so that when it comes to sewing you are only concentrating on stitching beautifully.

We then move on to constructing the linings and preparing any tabs or hardware pieces that need to be attached to the main body of the bag. This enables you to see your bag panels all start to be completed and then you can start to sew the final seams in the main (leather) body of the bag. You’ll then attach the lining and the leather together.

Right at the end is the most exciting part and you turn the bag to the right way round revealing all of your hard work and your professionally finished bag!

Finally we add on any handles or straps and rivet them on.

Your course dates can be consecutive or separate, depending on what suits you best.

Skill level: Beginners – Intermediate

Key skills learned on this course:
• Adapting patterns
• Choosing materials and leather
• Professional leather and fabric cutting techniques
• Preparing pieces for zips, fusing and considering materials weight and combinations
• Fully lining a bag
• How to sew a zip & patch pocket
• Sewing different types of seams and how to finish them
• Different closure techniques & applying finishing touches to a professional bag
• Attaching handles with rivets

Machines

You have the option to work with domestic or industrial sewing machines. We are very lucky to be sponsored by Tysew Sewing Machines and we have a number of different machines all fitted with servo motors which are ’slow speed’ motors so they are really easy to use and beginner friendly.

It is totally possible to make this bag on a domestic sewing machine so if you are more comfortable using one of those it’s no problem at all!

We highly recommend using our industrial machines in this course to really give your bag that professional look.

In our studio we have:

One flatbed lockstitch

Two flatbed walking feet

Two walking foot needle feed cylinder arm

Skiving machine

Rivet press

Eyelet press

Popper press

4 Janome domestic sewing machines

Overlocker

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 5000 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.

Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts. Start dates may be amended on request.

What's included in the price?

What we provide:
• 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 know that buying leather and components can be a little overwhelming so you have the option to buy the materials from us for £50, you can purchase the 'materials package' from us in advance or on the first day of the course.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to bring your own materials please make sure your leather is not too thick, no more than 1mm-1.5mm if possible. See the list below of materials to consider for your design:
• Leather - 6sq ft of leather for the outside of the bag
• Lining – 1m of fabric preferably of a medium weight
• Metal hardware – zips, d-rings, oblongs, fastenings, magnets, feet

We can provide you with a list of places we recommend for purchasing leather and metal hardware in advance, on request.

On the day:
We will have a half an hour lunch break together so please bring lunch and snacks. Before Covid 19 I used to provide lunch and snacks but for now I have been advised for people to bring their own, which I am sad about as I loved providing this. Coffee / tea will also be provided but if you would rather bring your own then, of course, are more than welcome.

Once we receive your booking and preferred course date(s), we’ll send you an email with driving directions and public transport info. If you arrive by train it is a 10 min walk from the station. There is limited free parking on site.
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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.

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