The Shoe Making Technique of Hand Welting Short Course
Course description
Course overview
This practical short course at London College of Fashion offers an introduction to the traditional shoe making technique of hand welting.
Through a series of practical exercises, students gain an insight into the creative process, from preparing a leather insole and making a holdfast/feather to sharpening and using a shoemaker’s knife and making shoemaking thread by hand. Students also explore how to use lasting pliers and a welting awl to sew a welt.
During the course, students work on the forepart of the last and practice the welted handsewn shoe making technique.
The course aims to equip students with the practical knowledge needed to incorporate this handsewn technique into their own shoe making.
Who this course is for
This exciting short course is aimed at shoemaking and design students, shoemakers wishing to expand their skill set, and leather workers who are new to handsewn shoe making. It would also be an excellent fit for anyone aspiring to work in the footwear industry who would like to learn more about it.
No experience is necessary however students must be comfortable with physical work - working with a knife and working with their hands.
Key information
Topics covered
- Hand lasting
- Hand knife techniques
- Making welting thread
- Hand welting
Learning outcomes
- Use a shoemaker's knife with control
- Sharpen a shoemaker's knife
- Create a holdfast/feather in a leather insole
- Make a welting thread by hand
- Use lasting pliers
- Use a welting awl
- Sew a welt
- Use a shoemaker's hammer
- Digital badge and certificate of attendance.
Materials
Required materials:
- An apron to protect clothing in class
Recommended materials:
- Notebook and pen
- Mobile phone/camera to capture techniques demonstrated
Tutor
Deborah Carre
Deborah switched careers from marketeer to maker when she won a prestigious Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust award.
Deborah spent eight years working in PR across FMCG and luxury brand accounts before re-training as a shoemaker with master shoemaker, Paul Wilson. She learned to ride a motorbike for the commute to his workshop and taught accessory design and handsewn shoemaking at Cordwainers Technical College and London College of Fashion from 1999 to 2004.
When she completed her training, Deborah set up her own business making shoes and accessories and in 2004, she co-founded Carréducker with James Ducker. Together they create handsewn bespoke shoe for private customers around the world.
Since 2006, Carréducker has taught handsewn shoemaking to hundreds of students across the globe at their specialist courses in London and New York. They were one of the first to share their skills and techniques online via their shoemaking blog and they continue to share their knowledge and expertise of the craft at events; via social media; YouTube; and through their display in the permanent collection at the Design Museum, London. Both Deborah and James are Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers and provide mentoring and support to aspiring makers in the UK.
Deborah Carré and James Ducker (CARREDUCKER) were recently featured in the British Footwear Association''s â ''Footwear50'' list celebrating 50 influential and inspiring figures in the footwear industry.
James Ducker
James Ducker switched careers to follow his dream of becoming a master shoemaker.
Previously a TEFL teacher in Spain, James attended the Shoemakers Guild School, Barcelona before completing a three-year shoemaking apprenticeship for John Lobb, London. He worked for Lobb as a handsewn shoemaker until 2004, when he co-founded bespoke shoemakers Carréducker.
James taught handsewn shoemaking at Cordwainers Technical College and London College of Fashion from 1999 to 2004.
Since 2006, Carréducker has taught handsewn shoemaking to hundreds of students across the globe at their specialist courses in London and New York. Carréducker was one of the first to share its skills and techniques online via a blog which it started in 2006. James and Deborah continue to share their knowledge and expertise of the craft at events; via social media; YouTube; and through their display in the permanent collection at the Design Museum, London.
James is Head of Bespoke at Carréducker and is responsible for making handsewn bespoke shoes at their workshop at Oxo Tower Wharf on London's iconic South Bank combining the quality of traditional English handsewn shoemaking with a contemporary design ethos.
Deborah Carré and James Ducker (CARREDUCKER) were recently featured in the British Footwear Association's â 'Footwear50' list celebrating 50 influential and inspiring figures in the footwear industry.
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