Discover the Best Leather Classes in Seattle
Leatherworking, or leather crafting, is the art form 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, the crafting of leather goods is perhaps one of humanity’s longest and most time-honored traditions.
Leather was 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. Further developments in the Industrial Age and new tanning methods helped to 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 Seattle
Perhaps Seattle’s most iconic location, Pike’s Place Market has over 10 million visitors each year and is the oldest continuously-running farmer’s market in the United States. The market boasts several leather goods stands, each filled to the brim with quality handmade leather goods, and the demand for these goods never ceases. With so many local skilled craftspeople, Seattle is a great city in which to learn leatherworking.
There are endless reasons to learn leather crafting. Do you need a stress-relieving hobby? Cutting, gluing, stitching, casing, and embossing are all tasks that will require your focus, allowing you to set aside previous stressors and fine-tune your craft.
If you’ve recently moved, are starting a new phase in your life, or are wanting to meet people, the practice of leatherworking could help you to form those connections. Leather artisans are a niche community of passionate artisans, one where you can easily plug into groups like the International Leather Club. You can also join forums or peruse local meetups of like-minded leatherworkers near you.
Looking to leave your nine-to-five for something more creative? Interested in starting a side hustle to make some extra money? The art of 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. It's possible that one day, you could even become a vendor at the famous Pike’s Place Market!
In-Person Leather Classes in Seattle
Seattle is a city of innovators and artists, making it an ideal place to study a new craft. While there aren’t currently any leatherworking classes available, there are a few sewing classes that would teach transferable skills that will be fundamental to creating bespoke leather items.
Sewing Beyond the Basics is offered by Continuing Education at South Seattle College. Designed for beginners, students will build upon any existing skills by making apparel and home decor items. Students will need to bring their own sewing machines but patterns and fabric will be provided.
Nancy’s Sewing Basket in Queen Anne hosts Absolute Beginning Construction. Ideal for those with no sewing experience, this four-session course will focus on fabric selection, basic sewing techniques, and how to cut out a pattern and use a sewing machine. Students will finish four projects in four weeks: a small zippered bag, a tote bag, a woven fabric skirt, and a knit top.
Stitch Studio at Quiltworks Northwest is a chance to level up your stitching skills. Students are encouraged to bring their own projects to these monthly sessions where they can expand their stitch repertoire and experiment with new techniques. This class focuses on stitching, appliqué, woolwork, and embroidery which are all useful skills when crafting leather products.
Virtual Leather Classes
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 tricky schedules. It’s important to note that you are usually required to source your materials and equipment for online classes, but being able to attend from anywhere you choose is a major perk. Regardless of if you select live or pre-recorded, virtual leather crafting classes are ideal for those who need to squeeze in their new hobby around busy schedules.
Atelier by Héna offers three great leatherworking courses. Firstly, they offer an online cardholder-making class that introduces beginner artisans to basic leathermaking tools. You’ll learn techniques like saddle stitching, sanding, and edge painting and will have completed your very own handmade leather cardholder by the end of this course. Tools are not included but a list is provided so you can source before attending.
Their second option is an online handbag-making course that teaches students how to design and create their own handmade leather goods. 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 own tools.
And, if you want to combine your 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.
Wanting 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, 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.
Private Group Leather Classes in Seattle
Would you rather learn a new skill or craft with your coworkers or friends? CourseHorse also coordinates private group leatherwork classes that can be customized to fit your specific needs.
While there aren’t currently any leatherwork classes available, CourseHorse can still provide what you want. Reach out through the contact form on their site to learn about the available options or to create your own custom course.
With zero booking fees, confirmation within 24 hours, and the option 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 supplies shipped directly to your group, organizing a private group class has never been easier.
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