Technical Bag Design and Development Class

Acquire the technical knowledge behind handbag and accessory development.


Melissa Bruscoli
Melissa Bruscoli
5.0 (13)
Instagram followers 3k followers

6.5 hours Class size 1 to 6 guests    

  £195 - £234 (£195 for Weekdays; £234 for Weekends) (PayPal Pay in 3 available)

Successful handbag and accessory design takes more than creativity – it takes a strong understanding of construction, materials, hardware, functionality and technical communication to turn a concept into a genuinely production-ready product.
Developed by experienced handbag designers, prototype makers and manufacturers, this London leatherworking course gives you an in-depth understanding of the technical side of designing bags and accessories. You'll explore handbag anatomy, construction methods, materials, hardware and finishing techniques, along with the key technical information needed throughout product development, prototyping and manufacturing – focusing on how the relationship between design decisions and production requirements shapes a realistic, viable product.
Through practical exercises and industry-based guidance, you'll learn how to develop your designs with greater accuracy, prepare professional technical information, and communicate your ideas confidently to manufacturers and development teams.
Best for:
  • Aspiring handbag and accessory designers developing their first collections
  • Designers wanting to strengthen their technical skills, refine their design process, and better understand how handbags go from concept to final product
  • Designers looking to improve communication with prototype makers and manufacturers
  • Students wanting practical industry knowledge beyond creative design concepts
This course is taught by professional handbag designers and manufacturers with extensive experience in product development, prototyping, and leather and vegan leather goods production, and is based on real industry processes used to develop commercial handbag collections.
Please note: private classes are available on request, priced differently and run to a different duration from our scheduled group classes. Please get in touch for a private class quotation.
What you'll get
  • A detailed understanding of handbag anatomy, including structure, lining, reinforcement, hardware, components and finishing options, and how technical decisions shape a product's functionality, durability and appearance, plus printed course notes for future reference
  • The skills to translate creative concepts into technically achievable designs through technical drawings and product specifications, considering materials, construction and manufacturing limitations along the way
  • The knowledge to prepare and present designs professionally, start a handbag collection, and communicate effectively with manufacturers – reducing misunderstandings, development issues and unnecessary costs during prototyping
Knowledge required
No, the course is suitable for beginners and intermediate designers. A basic understanding of fashion design or an interest in accessories is helpful but not required.
What to bring
All materials are provided at the venue.
Suitable for

This class is great for individuals and couples as well as for a date idea, birthday or hen do.

This experience would also be a unique gift for her, gift for mum or gift for couples.

Location

The London Leather Workshop - Harrington Way, London SE18 5NR

Technical Bag Design and Development Class location
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Your teacher

Melissa Bruscoli
Melissa Bruscoli

5.0 (13)
Instagram followers 3k followers
female Women-owned

We founded The London Leather Workshop in 2012, bringing together our backgrounds in fashion, accessories and leather goods as Italian design graduates. Over the years, our passion for making grew into a South East London studio where design, prototyping, product development and craftsmanship come together. Sara leads the teaching, drawing on specialist training in fashion and bag making in Rome, Milan and Florence, while Melissa brings deep experience in sourcing, materials and studio operations.
What we love most about teaching is helping people discover that leathercraft is something they can genuinely learn and enjoy with the right guidance. Our workshops are taught in small groups in a real working studio, so students receive individual attention, learn professional techniques and leave with a finished piece they can feel proud of.
Over the past ten years, we have taught students from around the world and shared our knowledge through workshops, one-to-one training and wider community work. We love creating a space that feels welcoming, practical and inspiring, whether someone joins as a complete beginner, a curious maker or an aspiring professional.

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class 1E57MXLBSX b30fa37a8c654059964d2a78c24cea95 1 production london London London GB london