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Hand-Sewing Leather: Small Goods to Tote Bags
Schedule & Options:
Sunday Half-Day (Small/Medium Projects): October 12, 1pm - 5pm
Monday Half-Day (Small/Medium Projects): October 13, 8am - 1pm
Both Days (Large Projects): October 12, 1-5pm & October 13, 8am-12pm
Join us for a hands-on leatherworking experience rooted in tradition and craft. Students may sign up for one half-day session to complete two small projects or one medium project, or commit to both days for the opportunity to tackle a larger heirloom piece such as a tote bag, cribbage board, wine tote, or book satchel.
In each session, you’ll work from a pre-cut pattern and be responsible for bringing it to life through the traditional saddle stitch method of hand sewing. Students will mark, punch, and stitch their projects by hand, with guidance at every step. Along the way, you’ll also make light design choices — selecting your leather color, choosing thread, and adding minor tweaks that make your project uniquely yours.
Small goods include options like wallets, sunglass cases, keychains, luggage tags, and pencil cases — perfect quick makes that balance creativity and utility. Medium projects, such as clutches, wristlets, passport covers, or field note covers, provide more time to refine your skills while producing a lasting leather good. Students who want to do more may purchase additional projects at a discount to work on during class or take home to finish.
For those attending both days, the larger projects require pre-selection at signup. Choices include a market tote, single or double wine bag, book satchel / backpack, sketchbook cover, cribbage board, or even a backgammon set. These projects demand more focus and patience, but the reward is a handmade piece you’ll treasure for years.
No previous experience is required, and all tools and materials are provided. Whether you’re exploring leatherwork for the first time or deepening your craft, you’ll leave with a finished good (or more!) and the satisfaction of working with your hands.
What’s Included
All leather, thread, and hardware
Tools provided for use in class
Choice of leather colors and types (day-of for small/medium; pre-selected for larger projects)
Sign-Up Options
Sunday Only (1 - 5pm): Complete two small or one medium project. Additional projects available for purchase.
Tuition: $60
Materials: $35
Monday Only (8am - 12pm): Complete two small or one medium project. Additional projects available for purchase.
Tuition: $60
Materials: $35
Both Days: Pre-select and complete a larger project, including a sketchbook cover, cribbage board, or backgammon set. Please email info@avonhillsfolkschool.org with your chosen project.
Tuition: $105
Materials: $70
Both Days +: For an additional $30, pre-select a market tote, single or double wine bag, or book satchel / backpack. Please email info@avonhillsfolkschool.org with your chosen project.
Tuition: $105
Materials: $100
This course is for students 18+, or students 12+ with accompanying adults
Your Instructor
DAN HORAN
(he/him)
Dan Horan is the craftsman behind Merchant Leather, a self-taught maker who found in leather the perfect balance of creativity, function, and timeless craft. Based in Minnesota, he builds each piece entirely by hand, emphasizing simplicity, durability, and the honest beauty of traditional techniques.
Teaching is central to Dan’s work. He has shared leatherworking with more than 1,500 students—from children to adults—in settings ranging from folk schools to galleries to the American Craft Council. His classes are designed to be approachable for anyone picking up leather for the first time, while also structured to help students steadily build higher-level skills, confidence, and creativity with each project.
He’s excited to be back at Avon Hills and to share the craft once again!