BAG MAKING MASTERCLASS: Machine Sewing

Explore essential techniques for working with soft chrome leather, the most common leather for bag making.Proficiently handle hand tools and operate industrial machines correctly.Cover material selection, finishing, and construction methods for bags and smaller accessories.Gain insights into the technical aspects of leatherworking, including preparation, marking, cutting, gluing, reinforcing, skiving, and more.Learn the use of reinforcements, stabilizers, and stiffeners in bags and fashion accessories.Participants will receive thorough instruction in professional sewing techniques on diverse industrial machines and understand how this differs from sewing other materials. Along with the final project, they will also create reference samples to bring home.Conclude the masterclass with the ability to craft a completely handmade, simple leather bag, showcasing acquired skills and techniques.Facilitated by a prototype maker and manufacturer, the course offers a professional journey into common leatherworking practices.Participants also receive valuable handouts and curated lists of leather and tool suppliers for ongoing reference.

LEATHER BAG MAKING: Understanding the principles behind drafting patterns and constructing a pattern for the final project.Creating a simple leather bag from our designs, choosing colour, materials, reinforcements, hardware and trimmings.

CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES: Sewing and finishing a simple zip on leatherCutting, assembling and sewing simple strapsIncorporating basic lining types in projectsConstructing and sewing a gussetsComprehending the use of reinforcements and stabilisers and their application in the craft of accessory making

MACHINE AND HAND SEWING: Understanding industrial sewing machines and their differencesSelecting the right sewing machine for specific materials and constructionsOperating a lock stitch walking foot machineThreading industrial sewing machinesAchieving correct tension in sewingUnderstanding thread types and needle sizesLearning to sew leather, distinguishing it from other materialsCorrectly sewing various leather types, ranging from thin to thickSewing straight lines, curves and creating parallel seamsProducing various seams and seam finishes

LEATHER AND HAND TOOLS: Overview on leather types, tanning, finishings and best useUnderstanding the use of chrome leather and why it is the most popular choice for commercial leather goodsImportance of choosing the right materials and tools for projectsLeather preparation, pattern placement and markingUnderstanding how to correctly cut leather using various toolsUsing and mataining leather skiving knivesFinishing leather edges: painting and inkingUtilising leather glues, tapes and reinforcementsExploration of prototyping and manufacturing leather goods, encompassing varied working methods, machines, and tools.

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