Footwear Summer School Short Course

About this course

The course introduces footwear pattern cutting through foot anatomy, size-fitting systems and measurements taken from contemporary lasts. Participants then design and make a court shoe, followed by a choice of flat sandal or high heel, and a final loafer, court shoe or sandal project. Teaching combines demonstrations with guided making activities. Participants develop patterns, cut components by hand, stitch footwear sections, apply edge treatments and assemble soles and heels while exploring different footwear styles.

What you'll learn

• Use foot anatomy, size-fitting systems and last measurements when developing footwear patterns
• Design and cut patterns for court shoes, sandals, high heels and loafers
• Identify suitable upper materials and apply hand-cutting and edge-treatment techniques
• Prepare, fit and assemble footwear components including linings, insoles, stiffeners and heel coverings
• Stitch footwear components and attach soles and heels

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for beginners interested in learning footwear making, and no previous experience is required. Participants progress through several guided projects while developing their own patterns and styles, including a final choice of footwear type.

• Suitable for learners starting footwear making without previous experience
• Includes three successive footwear-making projects
• Participants develop their own designs for later projects

Before you go

• Access is provided to industrial footwear-making machines, including skiving and leather-stitching machines.
• The course involves working with leather and footwear components such as linings, insoles, stiffeners and heel coverings.