Apprentice to Artisan
Online Course
Apprentice to Artisan: Leather working 101
A complete introduction and foundation in traditional leatherwork, taught through self-paced online lessons by qualified saddler and harness maker Katy Warriner.
After fifteen years at the workbench, I have gathered together the knowledge, skills and techniques that I wish I'd known when I first began. This online leatherworking course has been created for those who want to understand not only how leatherwork is done, but why. Together we'll explore leather, tools, materials, traditional techniques and the foundations of good craftsmanship, helping you develop confidence at the workbench and a deeper understanding of the craft itself.
Winter 2026 Enrolment
The next enrolment for Apprentice to Artisan: Leatherworking 101 will open in early December.
I open enrolment only a few times a year, so I can properly support everyone in the student group.
Early bird: £350, for waitlist members only, with access before the public opening.
Standard price: £380 once enrolment opens to everyone.
Join the waitlist below to be the first to hear when enrolment opens.
Why I Created This Course
My journey began with a two-day course over fifteen years ago. What followed was years of books, practice, mistakes, experiments, formal training and countless hours at the workbench.
I realised that many courses teach you how to make one project, but very few explain why particular techniques, materials and methods are chosen. I wanted to create something that went beyond following instructions, giving you an understanding of the principles behind traditional leatherwork and the confidence to develop your own skills long after the course is complete.
What You'll Learn
Understanding Leather
Learn what leather actually is, how tanning works, how to identify different types of leather, understand hide structure, and choose the right leather for the job. Understanding your material is one of the most important foundations of good leatherwork.
Tools & Equipment
Discover the tools used in traditional leatherworking, what is genuinely worth investing in, what can wait until later, and how to sharpen and care for your tools so they last a lifetime.
Stitching & Construction
Learn traditional hand stitching techniques, threads, needles, awls, marking out, construction methods and the principles behind strong, durable leather goods.
Hardware & Materials
Buckles, rivets, fittings, glues and fastenings — when to use them, when not to, and how to select quality materials that complement your work.
Finishing Techniques
Edge finishing, burnishing, polishing and the small details that elevate handmade leather goods from functional items into beautifully crafted pieces.
Practical Projects
Throughout this online leatherworking course you'll work through a series of guided projects designed to help you apply the techniques you've learned.
I'll provide measurements, guidance and demonstrations, but I don't want you to simply copy what I do. I want you to understand why decisions are being made, where mistakes can happen, and how to solve problems when they do.
Some of the greatest lessons in leatherwork come from the projects that don't quite go to plan.
My aim is to help you develop the confidence to think for yourself at the workbench, adapt techniques to your own ideas, and continue growing long after the course is complete.
Included In The Course
Self-paced video lessons with lifetime access and future updates
Downloadable workbooks and reference guides
Private Facebook student group for four weeks of each enrolment
Weekly live Q&A sessions during those four weeks, all recorded
Who This Course Is For
This course is suitable for complete beginners, and equally valuable for experienced makers who want a deeper understanding of the craft.
If you’ve ever wondered why one leather behaves differently from another, why one thread is chosen over another, why a tool works the way it does, or why a traditional technique has stood the test of time, this course was created for you.
Whether you want to make belts, bags, accessories, repairs, dog collars or saddlery, or simply enjoy the craft, you’ll build a strong foundation for your future work.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. The course has been designed to provide a strong foundation in traditional leatherwork, making it suitable for those completely new to the craft. However, it is not exclusively for beginners. The course focuses on understanding materials, tools, techniques and the principles behind them, making it equally valuable for those looking to deepen their existing knowledge.
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Absolutely. Even experienced makers can have gaps in their knowledge. The course explores the reasoning behind traditional techniques, helping you refine your skills and make more informed decisions at the workbench.
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The course itself is completely self-paced, allowing you to learn whenever suits you. During each enrolment, you'll also have access to a private Facebook student group for four weeks, with weekly live online Q&A sessions where you can ask questions, share your progress and connect with fellow students. All live sessions are recorded, so you can catch up whenever suits you
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The leatherworking course includes pre-recorded video lessons, downloadable PDF worksheets and guides, and occasional short quizzes. During each enrolment, you'll also have access to a private Facebook student group for four weeks, with weekly live online Q&A sessions. All sessions are recorded, so you can catch up whenever suits you.
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Yes. The course includes a series of practical projects designed to help you apply the techniques being taught.
Whilst measurements and guidance are provided, the emphasis is not on simply copying my work. Instead, you'll learn how to understand the decisions behind a project, solve problems as they arise, and develop the confidence to adapt techniques to your own ideas and designs.
You’ll have the skills to make items such as card holders, wallets, belts, small pouches, notebook covers, and other leather accessories — and the confidence to adapt your new skills to your own projects. -
You do not need a workshop full of expensive tools to begin. A recommended tool list will be provided before the course starts, along with guidance on what is genuinely useful and what can wait until later. One of the aims of the course is to help you make informed decisions before spending money on equipment.
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You will receive lifetime access to the course, including any future updates that are added. There is no deadline to complete the lessons and no pressure to work at a particular pace.
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Yes. The course is available worldwide and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
What Students Say
“I was destroying so many projects… nothing ever informed me about the way the hide behaves in a given direction. This course and Katy’s teaching style cured my ineptness. Everything starts as the ‘Why of it’ then the how.”
— Chris Wiley
“This is a great course and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to try leatherwork for the first time, and those who are more experienced. Katy is very knowledgeable and shares this knowledge in an easy to understand way.”
— Roslyn
“I love the details and the explanations regarding the ‘why’ not just the ‘how’ of the process. You can sense the genuine passion in her work. Katy is extremely is engaging and easy to follow. Worth every penny!
— Ingeborg
“Learning the old ways is deeply satisfying; these tried-and-true practices have stood the test of time and are proof of quality craftsmanship. Katy was generous with her knowledge, sharing skills and techniques which helped to lift my work to the next level.”
— Nicole
“Katy is a natural teacher—patient, knowledgeable, and wonderfully encouraging. She breaks down the foundational techniques into easy-to-understand steps, making what felt like an intimidating craft completely approachable.”
— Keith Jones
“Most of all it provides for a lovely community of like-minded people who just want to support and help each other… you just might find yourself with a whole bunch of new ‘friends’ from all over the world. I have!!”
— Anmarie
Join the Apprentice to Artisan Waitlist
Enrolment for Apprentice to Artisan: Leatherworking 101 opens in early December. Join the waitlist for early access and the £350 early bird price (£380 once enrolment opens to everyone).
By joining, you agree to receive emails about this course. You can unsubscribe at any time
About your tutor, Katy
By the age of twelve, I knew I wanted to be a saddler. My leatherwork journey began over fifteen years ago with a two-day course. I taught myself from books and videos, then trained with a Master Saddler.
I’m a qualified Bridle Maker, Saddle Maker and Harness Maker with the Society of Master Saddlers, and my work has won national and international awards. In 2024 I won the Abbey England Scholarship, supporting my work preserving traditional harness-making and tanning skills.
I’ve also spent over twelve years making saddlery, harness and props for film and TV, including Netflix, Warner Brothers, the BBC and ITV. In 2018 I founded Warriner Leather, and from my Dartmoor workshop I make everything by hand, using vintage tools and oak-bark-tanned leather, from everyday pieces to bespoke commissions.
Teaching has always been a passion. I believe the best leatherwork comes from understanding your materials, not just following instructions, and I’m thrilled to share the craft with you.