Shoe Making Sneakers Short Course
Course description
Course overview
This course covers all aspects of design and making a pair of casual sneakers. You will create your own design and draw onto the last a men;s or women's casual sneaker. You will develop your new pattern techniques and select your own upper materials which will take you into clicking/closing. Under the guidance of your tutor, you will design and construct your own unit/sole with existing materials.
You will begin by discussing your design ideas and then sketching your sneaker 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. You will also be shown different types of edge treatments.
Based at our Golden Lane site, 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 sole units.
Please note: While every effort will be made to meet your size requirements, please be aware that it may not always be possible to make the shoe in your desired size. This is not a design course and the shoe style you make will be determined by the capabilities of the studio.
Who this course is for
This course is suitable for anyone, aged 18 and older, interested in making sneakers, regardless of prior experience. Beginners are welcome, as are those looking to expand existing knowledge.
Key information
Topics covered
- Materials and leathers and appropriateness of selection
- Explanation of specialist equipment and machinery and treatments which may be achieved
- Basic understanding of terminology and foot anatomy
- Drawing onto the last
- Last taping
- Making an inside and outside/ mean form and design standard
- Pattern cutting
- Closing (stitching the upper)
- Preparing the insole
- Lasting (shaping the leather)
- Attaching the sole unit
Learning outcomes
- Make a pair of sneakers within the guidelines set by your tutor
- Learn the essential elements of taping the last up and drawing the 2d designs on to the 3d last allowing them to see how the designs translate from paper
- Learn the foundation knowledge of footwear and the terminology
- Learn how to use specific footwear machinery in the workshop
- How to pattern cut your sneaker sectional pieces that consists of the upper and lining
- Learn and complete the different processes involved in clicking and cutting your upper in leather, gluing them and stitching them together using the post machines and then lasting them to create a pair of shoes
- How to make and attach a sole
- Digital badge and certificate of attendance
Materials
- HB pencils, eraser and pencil sharpener
- A roll of masking tape (1 inch wide) All other specialist equipment will be provided
We will provide leather for your sneakers.
Tutor
Nafi Mustafa
Nafi Mustafa began his career at an early age working alongside his father who was a shoemaker. He studied at the Cordwainers College in East London where he gained a diploma in footwear design and a Royal Society of Arts bursaries and City & Guilds qualification in boot and shoe manufacturing. Following his graduation he ventured to Italy, where he trained and worked in the footwear industry, developing his appreciation and expertise in the craft of footwear. Shortly afterwards he worked with a range of brands including Bally of Switzerland, H&M Raynes, John Hlustik Design, Levis, Wrangler, Arrow and Clarks. He then went on to set up his own design consultancy company based in London, where he provided footwear manufacturers and tanners with a comprehensive range of design ideas for men’s, women’s and children’s footwear; both in the UK and overseas.
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