Discover the Best Leather Classes in Chicago
Leatherworking, or leather crafting, is the art of turning leather into practical items or unique pieces of art using techniques like molding, dyeing, carving, stamping, and fabrication. A part of human history since 50,000 BCE, leather has long been an everyday commodity. From wallets to shoes, belts to purses, and even more utilitarian items like saddles and harnesses, the crafting of leather goods is one of humanity’s longest and most time-honored traditions.
Leather textiles were even used for crafting shields and jewelry during the Bronze and Iron Ages. From the Greeks to the Romans, throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance, leather crafting has always been in high demand. New tanning methods and further developments in the Industrial Age helped streamline the practice into what you see today.
Both handmade and machine-made leather goods can now be found across the globe and serve as valuable, functional, and stylish pieces fit for any occasion.
Why You Should Learn Leather in Chicago
Historically known for its meat packing industry, Chicago also had a thriving tannery industry as well. By 1880, more than 240 firms tanned and finished leather goods with larger production facilities beginning to replace small-scale producers. Chicago's leather production remained stable from 1890 to 1930 but by 1990, only small artisans working handbags, belts, and other modest wares represented this once vital profession. Leather tanning and construction are woven into the historical fabric of Chicago, making it a great place to learn leather crafting.
Busy schedules, demanding jobs, free hours filled with family obligations, and further professional development can all contribute to higher levels of stress. Leather crafting can be an outlet for those looking to relieve some of that tension and improve their mental health. You can allow your mind to settle as you focus solely on the tasks at hand. Cutting, gluing, stitching, casing, and embossing are all tasks that will require your focus, allowing you to set aside your previous stressors and fine-tune your craft.
If you’ve recently moved to a new area, are starting a new phase in your life, or are simply looking for a new way to meet people, the practice of leatherworking could help you form connections. Leather artisans are a niche community of passionate craftspeople, one where you can easily plug into groups like the International Leather Club or the Chicago School of Shoemaking and Leather Arts. You can also join forums or peruse local meetups of like-minded leather workers near you.
Additionally, leather crafting holds so much potential for those interested in starting or furthering a creative career. An expert in the field could find themselves working for a large retailer or designer or running their own small business selling bespoke leather items. Those that set out on their own could sell at markets, pop-up events, and festivals locally or nationwide.
In-Person Leather Classes & Schools in Chicago
The Evanston Art Center hosts a beginner-friendly class called Wet-Formed Leatherwork. Open to artisans 16 years of age and older, students will learn about wet-forming leather, an ancient way to sculpt hide into a strong and rigid form. You’ll learn all the basic skills to produce both decorative and practical leather items.
Located in Arlington Heights, this denim and leather bucket handbag course will teach you all the basics of leatherworking. Students will work with both leather and denim and gain experience sewing with a sturdy Teflon foot.
Ausrine’s Art Room offers several craft courses involving leather. You can learn to design and surface your own book cover, craft your own accessories, or take a course that solely focuses on leather surface design. These classes are located in Evanston in the artist’s home studio for an intimate learning experience.
Art Side Out Studio & MASK SHOP hosts a two-day workshop called Shaping Leather Masks. Students will practice the Semmerling methods for shaping leather masks. Ideal for all levels of artisans, you can expect to make two to three masks by the end of this workshop and will also be sent home with a list of material and tool sources.
Virtual Leather Classes & Schools
It can be difficult to decide if in-person or online classes are best suited for your particular needs. Easy questions to ask are: Are there in-person classes available in your area? Does your schedule require more flexibility? Would you prefer to learn from the comfort of your own home?
While in-person classes allow for face-to-face interaction with an expert instructor and learning in a hands-on environment with other students, online classes can typically accommodate more difficult schedules. No need to worry about the time lost to commuting or sitting in traffic, online students can learn about leatherwork from wherever they choose. While you are usually required to supply your materials and equipment, the flexibility of online classes is very appealing.
On-demand leatherworking classes are even more accommodating. You can pause the class at your leisure and take an extended amount of time to master a skill. Live online classes allow you to still be able to ask questions of your instructor and receive feedback in real-time without having to be physically in the same place. Regardless of if you choose live or pre-recorded, virtual leather crafting classes are ideal for those who need to squeeze in their new hobby around their busy schedules.
Atelier by Héna offers three courses that may fit the bill. Firstly, they offer an online cardholder-making class that will introduce novice artisans to basic leather making tools. You’ll learn the best beginner techniques like saddle stitching, sanding, and edge painting. By the end of this course, you will have completed your very own handmade leather cardholder. Tools are not included in this class, but they’ve provided a list of what you’ll need to source before attending.
Their second course is an online handbag-making course that teaches students how to design and create their own handmade leather goods. Basic skills like pattern making, cutting, bonding, edge painting, and saddle stitching are all taught by an accomplished instructor. As with the previous course, students are responsible for bringing their tools.
And, for those interested in combining their passion for leatherwork with the craft of jewelry making, Atelier by Héna also has an online bracelet-making class. This course teaches the same basic techniques but with a focus on designing bespoke pieces of jewelry. Students will attend “live” with an expert instructor, allowing for timely troubleshooting.
Looking to start small? Coastal Design Workshops LLC will teach you to make a leather koozie in just one hour. Designed to be an introductory lesson in leather crafting, this online class will teach you to stencil, cut, punch, and stitch genuine leather with special leatherworking tools. A kit will be shipped to you before class containing everything you’ll need to create your koozie.
Private Group Leather Classes in Chicago
Are you looking to provide a one-of-a-kind event for your team? CourseHorse also coordinates private group leatherwork classes that can be customized to fit the needs of your business or organization.
If the class you’re looking for isn’t listed, it can still be provided! You can reach out through the contact form on the CourseHorse site to learn about the available options.
With no booking fees, confirmation within 24 hours, and the ability to adjust your group size within 72 hours of your scheduled class, CourseHorse makes scheduling a breeze. Plus, with extra benefits like multiple supported platforms and having your supplies shipped directly to your group, organizing a private group class has never been easier.