In-person course
in LONDON Maker & location details

(29)

One day Bag making traditional leather workshop (tote bag / side bag)

Side bag

Steve his finished (Bike bag).

Maria with her finished ( Bucket bag)

Maria string the closure strap.

Finish bag

Lara in her new Tote

Portfolio Case

Hand sewn

Laying template.

Marking stitch lines.

Double needle Saddlery stitch.

Dyeing and Burnishing

Finished Tote bag

Hand stitching

Steve checking the length of the bag strap.

Personalise

Description

About Workshop Our bag making workshop will take you through the steps of making a tote bag or a cross-body bag from start to finish. This workshop will provide you with the core skills to making a leather bag and the foundations for progressing to more advanced pieces. In this practical leather workshop, you will learn how to make your bag of choice using traditional handcrafting techniques with vegetable tanned leather. With a maximum of 1-4 students per course, everyone receives attentive tuition. A set of tools is provided along with a range of leathers, metal fittings and other materials needed. Patterns and workshop notes are provided for this specialist workshop, as well as a suppliers’ list for those wishing to continue to develop their range after the workshop. The workshop aims to cover: -Becoming competent at using many of the leather worker’s hand tools. -Learning how to saddle stitch with the aid of a saddler’s clam. -Understanding the process of preparing the leather for hand stitching. -Gaining a thorough understanding of the qualities and sections of the leather. -Mastering the technique of preparing a thread. -Learning to work from a paper pattern onto leather. -Maintenance and care of leather. -Developing a professional edge finishing technique. -Fitting and securing metal hardware. -Maintenance of saddlery tools. Running times: 11:00 AM – 18:00 PM. Please arrive 15 minutes before start time.

What's included in the price?

-The workshop fees cover leather and basic materials. You are welcome to bring your own materials if you wish, but please consult with me prior to ensure that we have the right equipment for the task. Saddlery tools are provided for students to use. -Tea/coffee -Biscuits

Duration

7 hours

Cancellation policy

Easy - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts

Maker

KingsleyWalters Studio

with Craft Courses since 2019

Message the tutor

The Kingsley Walters brand was founded in 2015. Initially begun as a hobby - making small items for myself and friends - it soon turned into a business, as I began to receive bespoke orders by word of mouth. Making further investment in traditional saddlery tools, I have been able to create small capsule collections, as well as lead workshops on leather craftsmanship.

Suitable for

Adults
Seniors
Teenagers
Children
Wheelchair users
Pet lovers
Tutor can travel
Suitable for all abilities
Christmas
Stag dos
UK Holiday
Daytime (weekdays)
Easter
Long term / weekly / monthly
Overseas Holiday
Evenings
Father's Day
Hen dos
Suitable for beginners
Fairs, festivals & exhibitions
School holiday workshops & activities
Weekends
Mother's Day
Corporate days out & team building
Intermediate level
Romantic
Engagement, birthdays & anniversaries
Public transport

What does this mean?

Message the tutor

Venue

5 Skippers Yard, LONDON, E3 2RF

Reviews

All maker's reviews

6 Jan 25'

Nicola reviewed: Traditional Leather Workshop (small leather goods)

"I had a fantastic time doing this course. Loved being in the studio and exploring all the different materials and techniques. Kingsley was great, really enjoyed his input advice and instruction. Would 110% recommend."

2 Sep 24'

Mark reviewed: Traditional Leather Workshop (small leather goods)

"Don’t hesitate if you are thinking of booking this course. It was exceptional, a delight. I chose to make a fine leather belt and am very proud of the belt but more than that, I am so pleased to have learned the skills it took to make it by hand. Kingsley really knows his craft and presents the session with patience, skill, passion, warmth, and good humour. He is a relaxed and skilled presenter, a master of his subject, making it easy and immensely enjoyable to learn. I will return for more in future. I thoroughly recommend this course."

21 Aug 24'

Jenny D reviewed: Traditional Leather Workshop (small leather goods)

"I did the small leather goods course last Saturday. There were only two of us, so we had plenty of attention. Kingsley explained everything very well. It was a lovely relaxed day. I’m really pleased with the lovely coin purse I made. I enjoyed learning to hand stitch. I would recommend this as a starter course"

24 Apr 24'

K reviewed: One day Bag making traditional leather workshop (tote bag / side bag)

"Amazing experience, Kingsley is a good teacher and I had a great time. Incredibly happy with the bag I made while there and with what I learned."

15 Apr 24'

Fay reviewed: Traditional Leather Workshop (small leather goods)

"Kingsley was very informative and explained things very clearly. He showed me how to use the tools correctly to make the design. If you have never tried making a small purse or card wallet this is the ideal course. "

8 Apr 24'

Nigel reviewed: One day Bag making traditional leather workshop (tote bag / side bag)

"I was inspired by Instagram and wanted to try my hand at making leather bags. My partner gifted me this course, and I had a wonderful day working with Kingsley to construct a leather bag. I had a choice of bags that I could make, the leather I wanted to use, and some other design aspects. Kingsley was a great tutor and very knowledgeable. I would highly recommend this course. "

19 Feb 24'

Martin W reviewed: Traditional Leather Workshop (small leather goods)

"Had a terrifically informative, inspiring and creative day. My day job is all copy/paste and 3D printing, so it's nice to get hands on with real materials, and with Kingsley’s expert guidance try out some new skills. I made a small wallet, and have so much more appreciation of the skill that goes into leatherwork. My main goal was to learn what's possible and be inspired for ideas that I can create or commission on the future, and this workshop was perfect for that."

14 Jan 24'

David reviewed: Traditional Leather Workshop (small leather goods)

"After forging a knife, makimg the handle and knife pins, I needed to finish it off with a sheath! I'll be honest, I was worried bringing a knife to a leather making course would be frowned upon, but Kingsley was incredibly understanding and welcoming. I was fortunate to have a 1-on-1 session, as the workshop had only recently relocated, which gave us time to talk. Kingsley is not only knowledgeable but had more than enough skill to put even my mistakes right. I highly recommend this course, whether you are a complete novice, like I am, or a seasoned hobbyist. Thanks for the amazing day."

13 Dec 23'

Andy Hiscock reviewed: Traditional Leather Workshop (small leather goods)

"Had a great few hours with Kingsley, he was very informative and easy to learn from. I was the only person he had in that day so I had his undivided attention. He helped me with areas I was struggling on I felt more confident by the end of the session. I would thoroughly recommend Kingsley."

18 Oct 23'

Tim Reed reviewed: Traditional Leather Workshop (small leather goods)

"Had a great time with Kingsley making a belt and a card wallet. Went as a couple and he provided guidance, materials and hands-on help for the less talented! A fun thing to do and a nice place to do it in. Would recommend."

17 Jul 23'

Stephen Wylie reviewed: One day Bag making traditional leather workshop (tote bag / side bag)

"Completed this course on Sat 15 Jul 23. I was the only student so got one-to-one personal tuition. As a total novice to patterns and leather, Kingley was able to explain and give confidence as what was desired to achieve the outcome we both expected. His explanations and demonstrations gave me all I needed to produce the final high quality product. When sewing the bag and I got threads intertwined he was able to back track and fix allowing me to continue. Highly recommended course and a quality personally made product to keep at the end. Highly recommended. A bag and memory that will last a lifetime."

5 Jun 23'

Joanna reviewed: One day Bag making traditional leather workshop (tote bag / side bag)

"Fantastic workshop, providing all the materials and guidance you need to make a practical and beautiful product in just one day. The workshop was well-paced, giving everyone time to complete their work with a break at a nearby cafe. Kingsley is highly skilled at both leather work and teaching, balancing expert advice on how to make a bag that would suit what we each needed with carefully showcasing and explaining every step of the process. He tailored the workshop perfectly to everyone's skill levels, and I would highly recommend this course to anyone."

12 Mar 23'

Melanie reviewed: One day Bag making traditional leather workshop (tote bag / side bag)

"What an excellent day. Kingsley's knowledge and patience is amazing. So pleased with the bag I made, and the skills I’ve learnt. Would really recommend this. A great day with the added bonus of a new bag!!!"

12 Feb 23'

Kathryn reviewed: One day Bag making traditional leather workshop (tote bag / side bag)

"Very enjoyable day with Kingsley. I completed a far more professional bag than I ever expected to make. A great introduction to leatherwork from a patient and clear teacher. "

18 Dec 22'

Anne Dyckhoff reviewed: One day Bag making traditional leather workshop (tote bag / side bag)

"I had a great time on this course and made a lovely yellow bag, which looks like it’s come from an expensive shop. Kingsley was very patient and gave clear step by step instructions. The atmosphere was very relaxing and a nice lunch could be bought close by the studio."

20 Nov 22'

Ayan reviewed: One day Bag making traditional leather workshop (tote bag / side bag)

"I loved this course and the bag I made at the end of the day. Kingsley was very helpful and attentive to all the students and gave us many options to personalise our bags to our own style and taste. I learnt so much about leather craft and will definitely be attending another course. I'll be recommending this course to friends and family. Thank you Kingsley! "

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platinum award

LONDON

Traditional Leather Workshop (small leather goods)

4 hours

Next date: 5th Jul 2025

4 places left

(52)

£100.00

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