Make with your hands, think like a designer, and shape leather into something meaningful.
If you are creative, curious and enjoy making things, this Level 1 Leatherworking course is the ideal place to begin. Designed for beginners and aspiring makers, the course introduces leather as a versatile and expressive material while helping you build practical, transferable skills used by contemporary craftspeople and designers.
Leather is one of the oldest creative materials in the world. It is durable, tactile, adaptable and full of creative potential. Throughout this course, you will explore leather not just as a material, but as a creative medium. You will learn how it is made, how to work with it responsibly, and how it is used to create functional products, fashion accessories and artistic pieces.
Delivered at Lewisham College over 10 weeks, with classes taking place two days per week on Wednesdays and Fridays from 24 June 2026 to 28 August 2026, this course is suitable for beginners, creative learners, career changers and anyone interested in exploring leatherworking as a new skill or creative pathway.
By the end of the course, you will have designed and crafted your own functional leather item and achieved a nationally recognised Level 1 qualification.
Whether you are exploring a new creative direction or taking your first steps towards becoming a maker, this course will give you the skills, confidence and inspiration to begin.
- Entry Requirements, Units, Assessment and more...
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this course. We welcome learners from all backgrounds and value prior learning, practical experience and personal motivation. If you have an interest in craft, design or making, we would love to hear from you.
Assessment Method
Assessment on this course is practical and skills-based. You will complete a series of practical activities that focus on your ability to prepare, handle and craft leather safely and effectively. This supportive approach is ideal for learners who prefer hands-on learning and practical application rather than written exams.
Aims of the course
This course is practical from the very beginning and designed to build your confidence as a maker. You will learn about leather as a material, including where it comes from, how it is produced, and the ethical and sustainability considerations surrounding its use.
You will develop essential leatherworking skills, including preparation, bonding and stitching techniques, and learn how to use professional tools safely and confidently. Using both traditional and contemporary methods, you will create a finished leather product while developing your creative thinking and practical problem-solving skills.
Throughout the course, you will be encouraged to experiment, refine your ideas and take pride in producing work with purpose, quality and individuality.
Teaching will take place through practical workshops in specialist college facilities, with demonstrations and guided making sessions delivered by experienced tutors. You will also have opportunities to learn beyond the classroom through visits to Cockpit Studios in Deptford, a leading creative hub for independent makers and designers. These visits will give you insight into how leatherworking skills translate into real creative careers and the opportunity to meet professionals running their own businesses.
Progression Opportunities
This course provides a strong foundation for further study and creative development. On completion, you may choose to progress onto a Level 2 qualification in fashion, textiles or craft, or continue developing your skills for work or training within leathercraft-related industries.
It can also open up pathways into a range of creative careers, including accessories making, soft furnishings, surface design, garment construction, shoemaking and saddlery.
Just as importantly, the course will help you build confidence in your creative abilities and explore where your skills and interests could take you next.
Facilities
This course will be delivered in a practical workshop environment at Lewisham College main campus, giving you access to the tools and space needed to develop your leatherworking skills.
You will also visit Cockpit Studios in Deptford, where you will have the opportunity to explore more specialist leatherworking equipment and gain valuable insight from independent creative professionals currently working in the industry.
Career Options
The practical skills and creative techniques you develop on this course can support progression into a variety of specialist craft and design careers. These may include soft furnishings, surface pattern design, garment construction, shoemaking and saddlery.
This course can also support self-employment or small business opportunities within handmade craft and accessories.
