Create Custom Hand-Sewn Leather Bags
A course by Beth DowLeather Goods Maker
A course by Beth Dow, Leather Goods Maker
Learn how to handcraft original handbags with unique textures from scratch using vegetable-tanned hide and the two-needle stitch
“Ever since I began sewing, I’ve been fascinated by the way two-dimensional shapes can be built into complex three-dimensional forms.”
Beth Dow is a visual artist and craftswoman based in Minneapolis. She teaches photography and leatherwork at Metropolitan State University in St. Paul. Beth sells her hand-made goods from her online shop, Fieldwork Goods.
In this online course, Beth shows you how to make a quality leather bag with your own hands. Learn the ins and outs of designing bespoke leatherwear from scratch, and construct your own unique tote bag from start to finish, with Beth guiding you every step of the way.
What will you learn in this online course?
25 lessons & 13 downloads
Vegetable-Tanned Cowhide
14 minutes, 1 second
Tools and Materials
18 minutes, 58 seconds
Drafting the Pattern
8 minutes, 54 seconds
Cutting the Leather 1
15 minutes, 33 seconds
Cutting the Leather 2
9 minutes, 45 seconds
Preparing for Sewing 1
18 minutes, 47 seconds
What's included in this course?
Get to know your instructor, Beth. She outlines her background as a multidisciplinary artist and how she started working with leather. Beth explains the philosophy behind her craft and why we should make more hand-made goods.
Get into the specifics of what equipment and tools you need to make a hand-sewn tote bag from natural vegetable tanned leather. Pick out the correct tools, choose the dimensions of your bag, and draft patterns, then mark and cut your material.
Assemble your bag. Prepare all your pieces for sewing, then prepare and practice your saddle stitch. Go through the entire creative process step-by-step with Beth, from wet-molding end panels to attaching pockets and handles to the bag.
Beth shows you how to gently shape, seal and treat your leather. Learn about the best maintenance products and techniques.
What is this course's project?
Produce an open-top tote bag using vegetable-tanned hide and the two-needle stitch.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
This course is for anyone who wants to be able to make their own leather goods from scratch.
Requirements and materials
No previous experience with leather or sewing is required. However, you should be comfortable working with tools.
In terms of materials, you’ll need a range of specific leather-working supplies and equipment including: vegetable-tanned cowhide, thread, stitching chisels, utility knife, mallet, and other materials specified by the teacher in the course.
Reviews
- 4 months ago
excelente curso, los tips, la manera de enseñar todo super claro y facil de asimilar, par ami que no se nada de cuero he podido aprender muchisimo, como siempre la calidad de contenido en domestika es impresionante
- cattiaportuguezPLUS8 months ago
hola mi nombre es cattia portuguez y me encanta el cursu , muy interesante.
- 9 months ago
Disfruté mucho el curso. Muy bien explicado y las instrucciones son claras y fáciles de seguir.
- 10 months ago
Excelente y curso. Muy bien explicado los pasos y técnicas. Recomendable!
- 11 months ago
Direct and easy to follow instructions. Truly enjoyed the course.
Beth has taught leatherwork at the Penland School of Crafts and North House Folk School, and she also teaches photography and leatherwork at Metropolitan State University in St. Paul. She sells hand-made goods through her shop, Fieldwork Goods. Beth’s photography has been shown in several museum collections and exhibitions across the US and China.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- About Me
- Influences
- U2
Introducing the Materials and Tools
- Vegetable-Tanned Cowhide
- Tools and Materials
- Drafting the Pattern
- Cutting the Leather 1
- Cutting the Leather 2
- U3
Assembling the Bag
- Preparing for Sewing 1
- Preparing for Sewing 2
- Preparing for Sewing 3
- Sewing with the Saddle Stitch 1
- Sewing with the Saddle Stitch 2
- Sewing with the Siddle Stitch 3
- Sewing on the Pocket
- Making the Bottom Panel 1
- Making the Bottom Panel 2
- How to Make and Attach the Handles 1
- How to Make and Attach the Handles 2
- Wet Molding the End Panels
- Cementing the End Panels 1
- Cementing the End Panels 2
- Sewing the End Panels 1
- Sewing the End Panels 2
- U4
Finishing the Tote Bag
- The Final Shaping
- Sealing and Treating the Leather
- FP
Final project
- Create Custom Hand-Sewn Leather Bags
What to expect from a Domestika course
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FAQs
Yes, this course is designed for beginners and covers all the foundational skills and techniques needed to start making leather goods by hand.
You'll need vegetable tanned leather, basic hand tools like a utility knife, stitching chisels, awl, edge beveler, burnishing tools, thread, needles, and some simple measuring and marking supplies.
You'll learn how to select, cut, and prepare leather, hand sew using saddle stitch, attach hardware, construct bags and camera cases, and perform leather care and finishing techniques.
No prior experience is required. The course starts with the basics and gradually introduces more advanced techniques at a beginner-friendly pace.
You'll be able to make tote bags, camera cases, and other small durable leather goods using traditional handcraft methods.
Yes, you'll learn how to care for and maintain your leather goods, including cleaning, conditioning, and techniques for restoring vintage items.
Vegetable tanned leather is a natural, environmentally friendly material ideal for handcraft projects. It develops a unique patina and is easy to cut, mold, and stitch.