Shoe Making: Pumps or Heels

On this shoe making course you will cover all aspects of design and making of a pair of heels or ballet pumps, starting with the foot anatomy and measurements using a contemporary last. You’ll then be taken step by step through creating different patterns for a variety of styles.

Once you have chosen your style, you’ll move onto creating your own pattern, before being shown the different processes involved in constructing a completed pair of shoes. You’ll then be able to make your pair of shoes using a variety of industrial machines in our extensive workshops. We’ll also demonstrate the hand cutting and stitching techniques that are often used for bespoke shoe making.

Although not a design course, there will be the opportunity to make lots of creative choices on your style of heels or ballet pumps, and you’ll also be given the opportunity to add your own trims and embellishments.

Leather is provided for your shoe, but you can also choose to buy your own under the guidance of the tutor.

The course includes:

• Understanding pattern cutting for heels or ballet pumps
• Understanding leather quality and the various materials used for shoe construction
• Lasting procedure (shaping and moulding the leather)
• Understanding of closing machine and techniques
• Attaching heels and soles
• Hand cutting and stitching techniques

You will make either a pair of heels or ballet pumps. 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.

Beginners. You should have an interest in the subject area and a desire to learn but no previous experience is required.

Your course place is confirmed once you have booked online or via the phone using a credit or debit card. There is no deadline for booking. Places are offered on a first come, first served basis, and all courses have a maximum number of students. We suggest you book early to avoid disappointment.

London College of Fashion joined forces with the world-renowned Cordwainers College in 2000, forming a union of unique specialist expertise in footwear and accessories. This collaboration has broadened LCF’s portfolio of specialist courses and since its formation has trained some of London’s most interesting shoe designers.