Leather Backpack - Two-Day Workshop
Saturday 30th & Sunday 31st October 2027 - Cober Hill with Cathy Edwards - Weekend Break Available
Available spaces
Join us for an immersive two-day leather craft workshop at Cober Hill, led by Catherine Edwards, a skilled boot and shoemaker with years of experience and a residency at the Royal Armouries, where she crafted her first collection of unique leather goods. This beginner-friendly workshop welcomes all skill levels, guiding you to create a beautiful leather backpack with solid brass or chrome buckle and fittings, using smooth natural hide. You’ll learn essential leatherworking techniques including, pattern cutting, stitching, punching, edge finishing, riveting, dyeing, and mark making, while personalising your satchel with original designs. Leather craft, dating back to ancient Egypt around 3000 BC, has been used to create durable goods like clothing, armour, and bags, with techniques refined across cultures, from medieval European saddlery to intricate Native American beadwork. The Industrial Revolution introduced tools like punches and rivets, making leatherwork more accessible, while modern artisans value its versatility for fashion, accessories and art. This workshop introduces you to the tactile art of leatherworking, empowering you to craft a stylish satchel that blends traditional techniques with personal flair, perfect for everyday use or as a unique gift. Day 1 - You’ll explore leather types and tools, learning to cut patterns from smooth natural hide using templates provided by Catherine. You’ll practice punching holes for stitching, riveting for fittings, and dyeing leather to achieve rich colours, with Catherine demonstrating safe techniques for handling tools like awls and cutters. Day 2 - You’ll focus on hand-stitching your satchel with waxed thread, adding solid brass or chrome buckles and fittings, and finishing edges for a polished look. You’ll also experiment with mark making to personalise your design. Catherine’s encouraging approach ensures beginners feel confident, while experienced crafters can explore advanced detailing. This class takes place at: Cober Hill Cloughton Scarborough YO13 0AR The workshop runs from 10am to 4pm. Please arrive at Cober Hill between 9.30am and 9.45am for refreshments before heading to the studio for a prompt 10am start. Turn this workshop into a three-night stay at Cober Hill’s historic mansion house. The residential package costs an additional £405 per person. Check-in from 3pm Friday 29th October, check-out by 10.30am Monday 1st November. Please select the accommodation option on the booking form.
Cancellation Policy
Booking & Cancellation Policy Payment Options You can pay in full at the time of booking via card, Google Pay, Apple Pay or PayPal, or choose to pay a 25% deposit and pay the remaining balance 45 days before the event. Cash payment can be made in person at the school, shop or venue. Deposits A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place on Workshops, Courses and Residentials. This deposit is non-refundable in all circumstances. Balance Due If you pay by deposit, the remaining 75% balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the start date. We will send you a reminder email with a payment link. Cancellation Policy Courses & Workshops More than 8 weeks before start: Full refund minus £20 admin fee. 4–8 weeks before: 70% refund. 2–4 weeks before: 50% refund. Less than 2 weeks before or after start: No refund.