PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE
Learn how to make stylish leather DIY handbags in this introductory course. You’ll learn basic leatherworking skills and apply them to make a sleek leather tote bag. Make your own leather handbags anytime!
By ordering this course, you will receive a PDF pattern for a classic leather tote bag with ongoing and continuous access to an hour-and-a-half of videos walking you through each step of constructing the bag.
By the time you complete this course, you’ll have the basic leatherworking skills you need to move on to more ambitious projects (such as making DIY versions of iconic luxury handbags).
All levels are welcome to learn from this DIY leather bag course. It is designed to be beginner-friendly, although new students are encouraged to take their time with the course and practice each new skill before applying it to their leather bag.
This course covers the basic skills of leatherworking, from choosing your leather (or faux leather), cutting the pieces, sewing the bag, and finishing the edges.
In this DIY leather bag course, we’ll learn the basics of leatherworking, from choosing your leather (or faux leather), cutting the pieces, sewing the bag and finishing the edges. We’ll apply these skills by making a sleek leather tote bag, similar to those offered by modern minimalist brands like Cuyana or Everlane.
By the time you complete this course, you’ll have the basic leatherworking skills you need to make a leather bag and move on to more ambitious projects (such as making DIY versions of iconic luxury handbags). Truly, once you get started, the sky’s the limit on what you can make with your new-found leatherworking skills!
This course includes all of the tools and information you need to make a simple leather tote bag with confidence, including:
During this leather bag making class, the teacher will explain and show the techniques in easy to understand English.
New methodologies and terminology will be explained to you so that they are clear and easy to understand even if this is the first time you approach the topic.
Hello, my name is Sabrina, and I’m a sewing fanatic who loves making colorful, statement-making clothes.
The current covid crisis has also inspired me to start refashioning old clothes instead of consuming more fabric, so many of my projects use discarded clothes sourced from my own closet, friends, or local thrift shops.
I have studied tailoring, pattern drafting and fashion design at Central St. Martins, the London College of Fashion and other universities in the London area. I have also attended the tailoring intensive workshop at the National Tailoring Academy in Dublin, Ireland and the couture sewing workshop by Susan Khalje.
I handmake every single dress with care at my home studio in Cary, NC, and sell my work at craft fairs and art festivals in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area.
Sabrina has also written articles for various sewing publications, including:
Seamwork Magazine, “Print Mixing with Kimono Prints”
Seamwork Magazine, “A Lesson in Lining”
Seamwork Magazine, “Perfecting the Wrap Dress”
Here, you will find everything you need to get started. You can download the leather tote bag patterns and view a list of required tools and equipment and suggestions on where to buy them.
Here, you will meet Sabrina and review the materials provided with the course and the skills you will gain when creating your leather tote bag.
This lesson includes an in-depth discussion of the types of genuine leather and leather alternative materials you could use to make the tote bag.
Here, you can take a quiz asking you about your style preferences and lifestyle to help you choose the perfect leather or faux leather for your tote bag.
This lesson includes a list of the tools you need to achieve a clean, professional finish on your bag and suggestions on where to buy them.
In this lesson, you can download your pattern. It includes a size chart and PDF pattern for a classic leather tote bag with several different size and pocket options.
Here, you will learn how to print, assemble, and cut out your leather tote bag pattern.
This lesson reviews how to trace your tote bag pattern onto the surface of your leather and cut out the pieces.
In this lesson, you will learn how to sew and install your pocket into your tote bag if you have chosen to include one.
This lesson explores how to stiffen the bottom of your tote bag and add a liner to cover up the bag stiffener.
Here, you will learn how to seal and protect the edges of your cut-out leather pieces using edge paint.
In this lesson, you will see your tote bag start to take shape as you learn how to sew up the sides using a sewing machine or by hand stitching.
This lesson will teach you how to make and install the leather straps to finish your tote bag.
In this segment, you can examine the final look of the tote bag and see a small and large version made by Sabrina.
Here, you can email Sabrina about the course. Please reach out with any thoughts or questions.
Here are some screenshots from lessons in the course.
The required equipment for a slouchy tote bag differs slightly from that of a structured tote bag. Here is a list, including the items and materials needed to make each bag:
Equipment for slouchy tote bag:
Equipment for structured tote bag:
Equipment for both slouchy and structured tote bag:
All levels are welcome to learn from this course. It is designed to be beginner-friendly, although new students are encouraged to take their time with the course and practice each new skill before applying it to their leather bag.
This course covers the basic skills of leatherworking, from choosing your leather (or faux leather), cutting the pieces, sewing the bag, and finishing the edges.
Once you complete the purchase and are logged in, you will see a menu option appear for this course under “My Courses”. There, you can click to enter the course, view the lessons, and then progress through each one at your own pace.
As a digital item where all assets are delivered instantly, there are generally no returns. We think you’ll find a lot of value in this course and what you can learn from it.
The course is on our responsively-designed platform, so it can be easily viewed and enjoyed on most common digital devices such as desktops, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices that have an internet connection.
You’ll have instant and ongoing access to the course.
Sure, my email will be available in the course, reach out anytime 🙂
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