Five-Day Shoemaking - Intensive, Melbourne, Australia

This class is aimed at beginners and improvers looking to gain knowledge and technique over a short intense period.

Course outline:

Day 1: Materials and Design. Brief identification and understanding of the material types and end uses of leather for upper and lining, insoles, seat pads, shankboards, shanks, socks, toe puffs, stiffeners, fastening systems, zips, touch and close, laces, etc. Start working from the last. The emphasis is on construction but, depending on individual ability and skill level, it may be possible for students to interpret their own design ideas. The tutor will discuss this with each student on day 1 and 2.

Day 2: Pattern Cutting. Understanding the pattern cutting process for a full pair of ladies shoes, including: cover the last, flatten shell, pattern cutting, mean form, allowances.

Day 3: Closing. Prepare the shoe upper, including cutting pattern pieces and stitching upper pieces together. Machinery used.

Day 4/5: Making the shoe. Basic understanding of the whole shoemaking process. The handmade process from lasting to making and finishing. Machinery used.

Learning Outcome: Students will be able to identify the main materials and components used for shoemaking, demonstrate an understanding of the whole shoemaking process, with the aim of completing a pair of fully closed shoes by the end of the session.

Three styles of ladies shoe lasts in standard sizes (British 2 to 11, European 35 to 45, American 4.5 to 13.5) will be available to use during the workshop sessions subject to availability. If the students wish, they can purchase our Shoemaking Kit for practice at home before or after the class. If ordering the kit at the same time when booking for a course, there will be 10% discount for the kit - please click here for details.

The course fee has included specialist shoe components.

Things you need to bring with you:

• Material that you wish to use for your shoes, either a lightweight leather skin such as pig, calf or goat, or 1/2 metre of fabric which should not be too stiff or transparent. Please click the Useful Links to view the supplier list about where to source leather or fabric.
• Notebook and pen
• Any trimmings you wish to use i.e. ribbon or feathers

You do not need to buy the shoemaking kit to attend this course.

No previous experience necessary. Maximum 5 students.