Leatherwork Courses
Leatherworking: 1:1 Courses
Face to Face Course
Apprentice to Artisan: Leatherworking 101
Online Course
Traditional Leather working Courses & Workshops in Devon 1:1 Tuition
HAVE YOU EVER WANTED TO LEARN THE ART OF TRADITIONAL LEATHER CRAFT?
Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to build on your existing skills, I offer private, one-to-one leatherworking courses in my West Devon workshop. Each leathercraft workshop is tailored to your goals and interests — giving you hands-on experience in authentic British leatherwork techniques.
Beginner leatherwork students start with the essentials: understanding different types of leather, using the right tools, pattern making, and learning the classic saddle stitch by hand. After lunch and plenty of coffee, you’ll put your new skills into practice by creating a handcrafted leather piece such as a belt, journal cover, or another project of your choice. You’ll leave with your finished item — and the knowledge to continue leatherworking at home.
If you’re more experienced, we can dive deeper into advanced leathercraft skills — from bag making, saddlery and bridle work, to more complex pattern design. You’ll gain practical skills rooted in traditional saddlery methods and leave with the confidence to take your craft further.
How does it work?
You can book a single focused day or multiple sessions, each completely customised to suit your needs. My goal is to help you develop the skills you’re most passionate about while creating something truly unique with your own hands.
The cost of a one-day 1:1 course is £280.
Workshops run from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and materials are included in the price. The course covers standard-sized projects such as belts, strap work, journal covers, and small bags. If you’d like to make a larger item, there may be an additional charge to cover the extra leather and materials required. Additional leather can also be purchased at the end of your session, if desired.
You're welcome to book up to three consecutive days to work on more complex projects or deepen your skills. If you choose to book three days in a row, the cost is reduced to £270 per day.
I’d love to hear about your leathercraft goals and tailor a 1:1 course just for you, or if you would like more information please get in touch using the contact button below to discuss your specific needs, preferred projects, and to explore available dates.
Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided throughout the day, students will need to provide their own lunch (there is a small fridge in the studio, but no cooker). Please make sure you bring lunch with you as the closest town is a ten-minute drive. The closest town is Okehampton.
Being so close to Dartmoor there is a wealth of accommodation available, please get in touch if you need local knowledge on where to stay.
The leather used on all courses will be oak bark tanned, from the last remaining oak bark tannery in the UK, based here in Devon. This leather is from Devonshire beef cattle and is some of the finest leather used in leatherwork. I will talk you through the fibers of leather and how leather is tanned. There will also be a talk about the history of leather, and how leather plays a part in the circular systems within farming and soil.
Launching Spring 2026
Apprentice to Artisan: Leather working 101
A foundation in traditional leather working, taught through self-paced online lessons, helping you master the craft and bring your own creations to life.
Curious about leather working but not sure where to begin? Apprentice to Artisan: Leather working 101 is an online course created especially for beginners who want clear guidance, practical skills, and the confidence to start making with leather.
You’ll learn the foundations of leather working using both traditional and modern methods, with clear, step-by-step instruction you can follow at your own pace. Topics include:
Hand stitching and stitching techniques in all their forms
Choosing leather and understanding how to grade hides
Threads, needles, glues, and how to use them properly
Tools of the trade — what you need, how to use them, and how to sharpen and care for them
Finishing techniques to give your work a professional look
An introduction to the business side of leatherwork, including how to price your work
The emphasis is on understanding materials and techniques, giving you skills you can return to again and again
Course format & support
This is a fully online, self-paced course, allowing you to learn in your own time, wherever you are. The course includes pre-recorded video lessons, downloadable PDF worksheets and reference guides, occasional short quizzes to check understanding, access to a private community group, and monthly live online Q&A sessions throughout the year.
For those who would like additional guidance, a limited number of optional 1:1 online sessions with me will be available.
What you’ll be able to make
By the end of the course, you’ll have the confidence to create a range of leather goods, such as card holders, simple wallets, belts, key fobs, small pouches, notebook covers, straps and leather accessories, and repairs or refinishing of existing leather goods.
More importantly, you’ll be able to adapt these skills to your own ideas and designs.
Optional guided project
For those who would like extra structure, the course includes an optional guided project: a classic leather card holder. This project introduces key techniques such as cutting, stitching, and edge finishing, while remaining small, achievable, and adaptable once the skills are learned.
Tools & materials
Students will have access to exclusive discounts with a selection of trusted suppliers, primarily UK-based, offering tools, thread, and leather.
Who this course is for
This course is ideal if you are completely new to leatherworking, want to learn traditional skills properly, prefer a calm, thoughtful approach to making, want skills that extend beyond a single project, and value quality, craft, and longevity.
No previous experience is required.
Join the waitlist
Apprentice to Artisan: Leather working 101 launches Spring 2026.
Join the waitlist to receive course updates, early access, and the opportunity to secure one of a limited number of early-bird places.
Yes — this course is designed specifically for beginners, and no previous experience is required.
The course is fully self-paced, allowing you to learn in your own time. Monthly live Q&A sessions are available for additional support. These will be hosted on a private FaceBook group
The course includes pre-recorded video lessons, downloadable PDF worksheets and guides, occasional short quizzes, a private community group, and monthly live online Q&A sessions.
You’ll have the skills to make items such as card holders, wallets, belts, small pouches, notebook covers, and other leather accessories — and the confidence to adapt your new skills to your own projects.
The course focuses on transferable skills. An optional guided project is included for those who want structured practice.
Yes — students will have access to exclusive discounts with trusted suppliers, primarily UK-based.
NEW FOR SUMMER 2026
Digital Pattern Downloads
I’ll also be offering digital PDF pattern downloads for shoulder bags, trugs, and small accessories. These patterns will be available for instant download, and some will include detailed build-along videos to guide you step-by-step through the process.
Sign up now to be the first to be notified when these pattern downloads become available!
About your tutor, Katy
I embarked on my leatherwork journey 12 years ago with a two-day leather working course. Having always been passionate about leather, I dreamed of becoming a saddler from a young age. I was self-taught, delving into books and videos to hone my skills. I then trained with a Master Saddler to further develop my craft and advance into a career in leatherwork.
With 12 years of experience as a professional leatherworker and prop maker, I founded Warriner Leather in 2018. I am a qualified Bridle Maker, Saddle Maker, and Harness Maker with the Society of Master Saddlers, specialising primarily in harness making. I also work closely with clients to create bespoke pieces, including luggage cases, knife sheaths, belts, and bags—limited only by imagination.
My craftsmanship has been recognised by both national and international saddlery and craft societies, earning awards for my work in saddlery, harness making, and leathercraft. My ultimate aspiration is to achieve the status of Master Harness Maker, a true testament to mastering my craft.
Teaching has always been a passion of mine, and through these courses, I am thrilled to share my skills and love for the beautiful art of leatherwork with others.