Leatherworking Fundamentals is our introductory course for students who want to learn and improve the core techniques of making leather goods. We’ll touch on these seven core leathercraft skills:
- Cutting leather
- Using patterns
- Gluing
- Skiving
- Hand-sewing
- Installing hardware
- Edge finishing
For Beginners
Leatherworking can initially seem intimidating, but I’ll help you break down this craft using simple exercises to build your confidence and skills. You’ll learn reliable techniques so that you can start your leathercraft journey on the right foot.
For Experienced Leathercrafters
I’ll help you improve your core skills so that you are prepared for our more advanced courses. Whether you are new to the finer techniques of making leather goods, are just out of practice or need to learn a core skill, you will benefit from our fundamentals course. Together, we’ll refine your core leatherworking skills, empowering you to take on more complex projects.
A Solid Foundation For All of Our Courses
This class is a prerequisite for all of our other classes. By learning the fundamentals first, you can focus on the complexities of projects like watch straps, totes, handbags, boxes, and more. You’ll start by making a simple leather case that covers all of the techniques above.
Learn Leatherworking At Your Own Pace
It takes most new students two sessions to complete the course, but you are free to progress at your own pace. You can do one session and then do a follow-up when your schedule permits. We offer this course as a drop-in course on Tuesday evenings and one Friday and Saturday per month. Simply choose the dates that work best for you.
We also offer this course as a one-day intensive (two 3-hour sessions in one day) on Fridays and weekends in the lead-up to our multiple-day courses. This is to help out-of-town students take our more advanced courses over a 3-day weekend or for students who want a one-day intensive.
Dates & Locations
Drop-in sessions are THREE hours. You can choose one or more of the following dates:
- December 6th, Friday, 1 pm – 4 pm
- December 10th, Tuesday, 6 pm – 9 pm
- December 14th, Saturday, 9 am – 12 pm
- December 14th, Saturday, 1 pm – 4 pm
- December 20th, Friday, 1 pm – 4 pm
Take the course in our Berkeley studio on 5th Street, just south of the Fourth Street Shopping Area. It’s a 5-minute ride (Uber/Lyft) or a 30-minute walk from the nearby North Berkeley BART Station.
Join Leatherworking Fundamentals
$69 per session
Students typically need two sessions to cover the core fundamentals; choose the amount that best suits your needs.
Couples: Select two sessions, and we’ll split the registrations between the two of you.
Groups: Email us to book a group session of six to ten people.
If you have any questions about the course, please feel free to call or email us
1-415-800-2978
store@fineleatherworking.com.
We’re happy to help!
About the Course Instructor
Sean Aquino has been making leather goods for over ten years. He runs the blog and website FineLeatherworking.com, the go-to resource for advanced tools, materials, and luxury leather craft inspiration since 2012.
Make Your Own Leather Case and Join Our Community
Learn a new skill, refine your technique, and meet other aspiring leather goods makers.
A Centrally Located Studio With Easy Access
Our studio is located in West Berkeley, just south of the Fourth Street neighborhood. Berkeley is home to the University of California, the Gourmet Ghetto, many gardens, farmer’s markets, and a diverse collection of vibrant neighborhoods.
Our studio is centrally located in the Bay Area. It’s a 5-minute ride (Uber/Lyft) from the North Berkeley Bart and a 5-minute drive from the Marina Hilton. La Quinta is just an 8-minute walk away.
It’s a 10-minute walk to both the 4th Street and the San Pablo and University shopping and restaurant areas. And we’re just steps away from the closest restaurant, Tomate, and a short walk to the famous Viks and a great cafe.
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