Three Little Birds Sewing Co
Leather Tote Bag Workshop with Katie Stack of Stitch & Rivet
Join Katie of Stitch & Rivet to make a custom, one-of-a-kind, hand-stitched leather tote bag. On day one, we'll focus on patterns, layout, cutting out our projects,
and prepping the pieces. On the second day we will begin construction and hand
stitching. On our final day, we will work to finish the bags and if time allows make
something with our scrap leather. *if it does not look like you are going to finish
your project in the three days, we will work to set-up your pieces so you can
finish at home.
Skill Level: Students should be comfortable swinging a hammer, using a rotary
cutter or scissors, standing and/or bending over for extended periods of time, and
have good hand dexterity and hand strength. This workshop may not be suitable
for people with noise sensitivities because of the noise created by hammering
holes into leather. There are no sewing machines used in this workshop, and
you do not need experience with leather work or hand stitching.
What you'll need:
Supplies are not included in the price of class (aside from brass rivets). Katie will host a Zoom session prior to class to go over the supplies needed and provide resources to obtain the supplies.
- One 18 sq ft of leather between 4oz and 5.5oz, ideally vegetable tanned, but any medium firm to medium tannage will be fine
- One spool of Maine Thread Co Waxed Cord in size .030
- Two 3/4” to 1” straps + one 6x8 panel for accents and attachments
- Four 1” D-rings
- Clip for tassel
- one 18”+ #5 zipper
- Leather, strapping and hardware for crossbody strap
- Clip for interior key leash
Supplies Provided:
Tools for use:
Pattern cardstock
Hand stitching needles in a size 517-1 (for use with Maine thread co size .030)
hole punches for rivets and hardware
pricking irons for hand stitching in a size 5mm
• if you prefer a different size, you can purchase them from Weaver Leather Supply
or many other leather working supply websites
Wing dividers for marking seam allowances
• Mallets and pounding mats for making holes
• Edge beveler in a variety of sizes and styles
• Strap skivers for thinning small sections of leather
• Burnishing wheels and cloths
• Paper scissors for cutting out patterns
• Small rulers for lay-out
• Thread snips
• Lighter for burning thread ends
• Safety pins to hold stitching in alignment
Consumables for use:
Water based adhesive for seams
Tokonole edge finisher
Beeswax and edge wax
Optional Supplies you might want to bring:
- A cutting mat. We will have some at the workshop for you to use, but some people prefer their own.
- Binder clips. We will have some at the workshop for you to use, but some people may prefer bringing their own.
- A French curve or hip curve ruler, we will have some at the workshop for you to use, but some people may prefer their own.
- A stitching pony. This is not necessary, but some people may find it easier to have this tool to hold your leather for you as you stitch.
Traveling from out of town:
Three Little Birds Sewing Co is located in the Arts District of Hyattsville. We are in close proximity to College Park, MD and Northeast DC. If you need suggestions about lodging and transportation, send us an email and we'd be happy to help!
Class policy: Workshop is NON-REFUNDABLE unless your spot can be filled by another student.
