Five-Day Bag Making - Intensive

Duration: 35 hrs
Class times: 10am-6pm
Course tutor: Lesley Taylor

The purpose of this course is for students to gain an insight into the professional world of handbag prototyping and therefore begins with design development involving shape making and pattern cutting techniques. This leads onto creating a full set of patterns to a chosen design which students go on to make up into a finished article.

Students are advised to bring along plenty of reference material for the design they are interested in making which they will discuss with Lesley during the preliminary stages of the class.

On day two there will be a visit to a wholesale leather merchant. Students will be given a guided tour by Lesley and, if they wish, have the opportunity to purchase from a wide range of specialist product, from leather to metal fittings and fasteners.

The visit is followed by a session back in the studio on the bag-making and construction process.

The price includes a basic selection of fabric, magnetic clasps, buckles, and closures. If you wish to use leather, you will be given the opportunity to purchase this during the visit to the leather merchant. You are also welcome to bring along your own materials. For materials please check the Advanced Bag Making Course webpage for more details.

Difference between our Beginners, Advanced and Intensive Bag Making courses:

Beginners: Emphasis on using domestic sewing machine. Patterns are prepared by the tutor. Cover basic construction methods. Personalised parts: bag size and handle construction.
Advanced: Emphasis on using industrial sewing machine. Patterns are prepared by the tutor, but can be personalised if the student take the Shape-Making for Bags Course prior to the course. Cover more complicated construction methods. Personalised parts: bag construction methods, bag size, handle construction, finishing techniques.
Intensive: Cover both pattern cutting techniques and complicated construction methods. Students will make their own patterns and can select their own leather during a guided tour to specialist leather merchants. This course is for all levels so beginners are welcome. Experience of using domestic sewing machine will be an advantage.

Things you need to bring with you:

Sharp fabric scissors
Notebook and pen
If you have planned to bring your own leather but not sure where to find a leather supplier, please click the Useful Links to view the supplier list about where to source leather or fabric

Class maximum: 6 students

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