Build Better Bags: Master Leather Bag Design & Prototyping

Instructor: Sarah Garvey
Course Length: 4.5 hours | Lessons: 47
Skill Level: Intermediate

Design. Test. Perfect.
If you’ve ever dreamed of creating your own custom bag designs—from clutch to briefcase—this course shows you how to make it happen. In Creating Bag Prototypes, professional leather artist Sarah Garvey guides you through the entire design and prototyping process, helping you turn creative concepts into precise, functional bags.

You’ll learn how to sketch and plan your ideas, then build four complete prototypes: a clutch, a single gusset bag, a double gusset bag, and a briefcase-style design. Each build teaches new principles of patterning, structure, and proportion so you can develop your own signature bag styles with confidence.

Whether you’re designing for clients or your own product line, this course gives you the tools, workflow, and creative insight to bring your ideas to life before ever cutting into your best leather.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to plan, sketch, and refine original bag designs
• The fundamentals of creating functional, well-proportioned prototypes
• Techniques for building different bag styles (clutch, gusseted, and briefcase)
• How to test structure, fit, and usability before final builds
• Expert tips for pattern drafting, assembly, and design adjustments

Inside the Course:

• Supplies checklist + design planning guide
• Prototyping four bag styles from start to finish
• Pattern development + structure testing
• Clutch, single gusset, double gusset, and briefcase builds
• Design evaluation + next-step guidance
• Community support + project share

Included with Membership:
✅ 140+ professionally filmed courses
✅ Downloadable patterns & checklists
✅ Monthly live Q&As with expert instructors
✅ Supportive artisan community
✅ Ongoing new course drops

About the Instructor:
Sarah Garvey is a full-time leather artist and designer based in Arizona, known for her intricately tooled purses and accessories under the brand Western Skies Handmade. Since 2008, Sarah has been creating and teaching her signature blend of traditional leather artistry and modern design. Her deep understanding of form, proportion, and pattern development makes her one of Illume’s go-to experts for advanced leather bag design.