Course overview

Based at the LCF East Bank campus, you will have access to the full range of industrial machines used in the making process such as the skiving machine as well as the different types of sewing machines used for stitching leather. You will learn how to click (cut your leather by hand) and how to prepare and fit the many components involved such as the linings, insoles, stiffeners and heel coverings.

You will start the course with an introduction to footwear pattern cutting, including foot anatomy, size fitting systems and last measurements using a range of contemporary lasts, before moving on to making your first shoe.

The court shoe:

Your first making project will be a pair of ladies' court shoes, which offers the best introduction to footwear pattern cutting, closing and shoe making. The styles you will investigate will include the 'Mary Jane' and' T-bar' before you move on to sketching your court shoe design onto the last and making your pattern.

You will be guided through the different types of leather suitable for your design before moving onto the making process. The tutor will demonstrate the skills needed to identify the different upper materials and hand cutting techniques involved in cutting. You will also be shown different types of edge treatments.

Flat sandal/high heel:

For your second project you will have the choice to make a flat sandal (male/female) or a high heel. You will design and cut your own patterns and investigate different styles including, slotted, skeleton and thong (sandals). You will move onto constructing the shoe, stitching the components together and attaching your sole and heels.

Loafer, court shoe or sandal:

Once confident with your new understanding of the making process you will start your third project designing and developing your own style of loafer (male/female), court shoe (female) or sandal (male/female), using the lasts and existing components you have been using.

Who this course is for

This course is suitable for anyone interested in footwear making and a desire to learn but no previous experience is required.