Course Details
We are running our 4 day intensive Summer School, where you can learn how to design and make a bespoke leather handbag. Whether you aspire to create a one off bespoke, high-end handbag or you are exploring starting your own brand, this course equips you with the knowledge and skills to design and craft your unique leather bag entirely from scratch. From initial sketches to the final stitch, you’ll embark on a transformative journey, leaving with a finished, professional-quality bag and the confidence to pursue your passion at a professional level.
Date: Fri 11th - Mon 14th July 2025 Time: 10:00-18:00
The course fee is £649, which includes all materials, such as leather, stabilizers, and hardware. A non-refundable 50% deposit (£324.50) is required to secure your place, with the balance of £324.50 due a few days before the course begins. Please see our T&Cs for information on rescheduling.
What You’ll Learn
Under the expert guidance of your instructor, Bex, you’ll master every step of the bag-making process:
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Dream It, Design It: Explore different leather types, handbag shapes, and construction methods. Sketch your dream bag, refine your design, learn professional handbag template hand drafting techniques.
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Sourcing Leather - We supply a large range of chrome tanned leather but we will also be visiting a local leather merchant to give you the chance to select and buy any additional leather that you might want to use for your bag.
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Professional Techniques: Learn advanced pattern drafting, leather cutting, and preparation techniques, ensuring your design is both functional and stylish.
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Precision Crafting: Build confidence using industrial sewing machines, mastering stitching techniques, and assembling your bag with attention to detail.
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Polished Finishes: Add hardware, straps, and finishing touches, ensuring your bag is of the highest professional standard.
Expert Guidance
Your instructor, Bex, brings a wealth of experience to the course. With a 1st Class BA (Hons) in Fashion Womenswear and extensive experience in clothing construction, she transitioned her expertise to leatherwork and bag-making. Having collaborated with prestigious names like Givenchy and Paul Seville, Bex has also successfully run her own internationally recognized fashion brand.
Her tailored, hands-on guidance ensures that whether you’re an experienced maker or aspiring professional, you’ll achieve your goals.
What’s Included
The course fee includes all materials you’ll need:
- High-quality leather, stabilizers, hardware (zips, rivets, straps, etc.), and lining materials.
- If you’d like to add a personal touch, you’re welcome to bring half a meter of medium-weight fabric for your lining.
- Create your own custom bag pattern to take home for future projects.
- A curated list of trusted leather suppliers and essential tools to continue your bag-making journey independently.
No need to bring tools—just yourself, a camera, and a notepad if desired.
Class Structure
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Small Class Sizes: With a maximum of 4 students, you’ll receive focused, 1-on-1 guidance from Bex.
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Collaborative Environment: You’ll work alongside students pursuing diverse projects like clothing or accessories, fostering creativity and inspiration.
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Class Hours: Classes run from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with a 30-minute lunch break. Lunch is provided at a local café, with tea, coffee, and biscuits available throughout the day.
Preparation
Before the course begins, we’ll schedule a consultation to discuss your design ideas. You’ll research handbag styles for inspiration, bring reference images of designs you admire, and start sketching your vision. This ensures you’re ready to jump into the creative process from Day 1.
Course Outline
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Day 1: Explore leather types, handbag shapes, and construction techniques. Finalize your design, select materials, and begin pattern cutting. Cut leather and linings.
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Day 2: Prepare all components for assembly. Practice sewing techniques on industrial machines and start constructing your bag.
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Day 3: Continue constructing your bag, focusing on precision and refining your work.
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Day 4: Complete your bag’s construction, assemble the strap, add hardware, and apply finishing touches.
By the end of the course, you’ll have a beautifully crafted, bespoke leather handbag and the skills to design and create future projects independently.
Location
RJ Leather Studio
Garden Studio
49 West Way
Lancing, West Sussex
BN15 8LX
Free on-site parking is available, and we’re a 30-minute walk from Lancing train station. Detailed directions and public transport options will be provided upon booking.
Booking
To book your place:
- Check available dates at the bottom of this page
- Select your preferred date by adding to cart
- Specify any design or color preferences during checkout.
- Pay the 50% deposit (£324.50) now, with the balance due one week before the course begins.
Questions?
We’re here to help! If you have any questions or need assistance before booking, feel free to contact us:
📞 Call: 07711 316190
📧 Email: info@rjleatherstudio.com
Take the first step toward turning your handbag design dreams into reality—let’s create something amazing together!
