Saddlery and Shoemaking

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A welcome from Elaine Watson, Head of Saddlery and Shoemaking

Hello and congratulations on your offer to study with us. I am delighted you have chosen to join our saddlery and shoemaking department at Capel Manor College.

You have chosen one of the most unique specialist courses in the country. Whether you are passionate about traditional craftsmanship, enjoy making things with your hands or want to develop practical skills that are highly valued within specialist industries, this course will give you the opportunity to learn from experienced craftspeople in a professional workshop environment.

Throughout your studies you will develop the knowledge, precision and practical skills needed to create beautiful leather products using both traditional handcrafting techniques and modern methods.

Working in our specialist workshops, you will produce a wide range of projects while building the confidence and technical ability that employers and customers value.

We are looking forward to welcoming you and helping you become part of this skilled and respected profession.

During your studies you will benefit from:

  • Learning traditional and modern leatherworking techniques that are increasingly rare and valued
  • Pattern cutting and product construction
  • Hand stitching and finishing methods
  • Use of specialist industry tools and equipment
  • Practical project-based learning
  • Teaching from experienced industry practitioners
  • Opportunities to showcase your work and develop employability skills
  • Learn one of the UK's oldest and most respected craft skills

Preparing for study

No formal work is required before you begin your course. If you would like to prepare, here are a few ideas:

Discover the craft

Start noticing the leather products you use every day. Look closely at how they are made, how they are stitched and how different leathers are used to create beautiful, practical items.

Follow professional makers

Explore the work of:

Saddlers                                                      
Leatherworkers
Shoemakers
Luxury leather brands
Traditional craftspeople

Watching experienced makers at work is a great way to begin understanding the skill and precision involved in leathercraft.

Be curious

No previous experience is needed. All you need is enthusiasm, patience and a willingness to learn new practical skills. Many of our students have never worked with leather before they arrive.

Meet the team

Elaine Watson

Jessica Bates

Line Hansen

Naomi Rogers

Saddlery and shoemaking FAQs

Not at all. Many of our students begin with no previous experience.

We will teach you everything from the basics, helping you develop your practical skills step by step throughout the course.

Throughout your course you will complete a range of practical projects that help you develop new techniques and build your confidence.

As your skills develop, you will produce increasingly complex and professional pieces while learning the high standards expected within the industry.

Leathercraft is a practical workshop-based course, so you will need clothing that is suitable for practical activities.

Before you start we recommend bringing:

  • Comfortable clothing suitable for workshop activities
  • Sturdy, enclosed footwear (essential for health and safety)
  • Notebook and pens
  • A laptop or suitable device for coursework and research

All specialist leatherworking tools and equipment required for your practical sessions will be provided by the College.

If you already own leatherworking tools, your tutor will be happy to advise whether they are suitable for use during your course.

Do not worry if you do not have everything before your first day, we will explain everything during induction.

By the end of your course you will have developed skills in:

• Leather preparation
• Pattern cutting
• Hand stitching
• Construction techniques
• Product finishing
• Tool handling
• Design principles
• Precision craftsmanship
• Problem solving
• Professional workshop practice

These are specialist skills that are valued across the leathercraft, saddlery and luxury goods industries.

Many students progress into:

  • Higher-level leathercraft qualifications
  • Saddlery
  • Shoemaking
  • Leather goods manufacturing
  • Luxury fashion and accessories
  • Restoration and repair
  • Apprenticeships
  • Self-employment and bespoke craftsmanship

Your tutors will help you explore the progression route that is right for you.

Capel Manor College is one of the few colleges in the country where you can learn these specialist craft skills in dedicated workshops with experienced industry professionals.

You will develop practical experience, create your own portfolio of handcrafted work and become part of a tradition of skilled craftsmanship that continues to be highly respected today.

Have questions?

Speak to our Admissions team via live chat from 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday or email admissions@capel.ac.uk.