The Complete Shoemaking and Footwear Short Course

About this course

The course introduces the main stages of footwear production, from selecting leather and cutting patterns to hand clicking, closing and shoe construction. Participants develop these foundations through three progressively more ambitious projects, producing three pairs of handmade shoes. The course combines demonstrations and observation of contemporary footwear production with practical studio work. It covers craft methods used in professional shoemaking, including approaches relevant to independent designers and sustainable footwear production.

What you'll learn

• Cut footwear patterns
• Select leather for shoemaking projects
• Carry out hand clicking and closing techniques
• Apply construction methods to handmade shoes
• Relate individual shoemaking stages to the wider footwear production process

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for beginners interested in shoemaking or leathercraft, as well as designers, fashion students and creative professionals seeking footwear-making knowledge. It involves practical studio participation across several projects. No previous experience is required.

• Suitable for learners exploring shoemaking as a new craft
• Relevant to designers developing practical making skills
• May suit fashion students building footwear knowledge for portfolios
• No previous experience is required

Before you go

• Access is provided to specialist shoemaking tools, materials and industrial machinery in fully equipped footwear studios.