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make a baguette bag
make a baguette bag
make a baguette bag
make a baguette bag
Two people working on wooden chairs in a workshop setting.
Two people working on wooden chairs in a workshop setting.
make a baguette bag
make a baguette bag
Woman applying burnishing agent to the edges of the bag with a focus on her hands and face, blurred background
Woman applying burnishing agent to the edges of the bag with a focus on her hands and face, blurred background
make a baguette bag
make a baguette bag
make a baguette bag
make a baguette bag
make a baguette bag
make a baguette bag
A student saddle-stitching a red bag using a stitching pony.
A student saddle-stitching a red bag using a stitching pony.
make a baguette bag
make a baguette bag
make a baguette bag
make a baguette bag
make a baguette bag
make a baguette bag
make a baguette bag
make a baguette bag
make a baguette bag
make a baguette bag
make a baguette bag
make a baguette bag
make a baguette bag
make a baguette bag
Two people working on wooden chairs in a workshop setting.
Woman applying burnishing agent to the edges of the bag with a focus on her hands and face, blurred background
A student saddle-stitching a red bag using a stitching pony.
make a baguette bag
make a baguette bag
Two people working on wooden chairs in a workshop setting.
make a baguette bag
Woman applying burnishing agent to the edges of the bag with a focus on her hands and face, blurred background
make a baguette bag
make a baguette bag
make a baguette bag
A student saddle-stitching a red bag using a stitching pony.
make a baguette bag
make a baguette bag
make a baguette bag
make a baguette bag
make a baguette bag
make a baguette bag
make a baguette bag

make a baguette bag

MULTI-DAY INTENSIVE COURSE
$695.00
  • Sat Feb 14 & 21 2026 [both days]
  • Sat June 6 & Sat June 13 [both days]
  • Sat July 4 & 11 [both days]
  • Fri Sep 25 & Sat Sep 26 [both days]
  • Sat Nov 14 & Sat Nov 21 [both days]
  • Sat Oct 10 + 17 [both days]
  • Fri Oct 30 + Sat Oct 31 [both days]

Due to popular demand, two new courses in October have been added. 

Presented as part of the Paypal Melbourne Fashion Festival 2026 Independent Programme.

Make a Baguette Bag is a two-day intensive course at the newly launched simétrie school where students learn traditional bag construction by creating their own Bay Baguette ~ an exclusive design available only through the school curriculum. The course is designed for those interested in learning the craft of bag making.

Students work directly with founder Simone Agius through hands-on studio practice for twelve hours across two Saturdays, with some homework in between.

The Bay Baguette is 100% saddle-stitched, so there are many hours of hand-sewing involved. Students who already love sewing, embroidery, knitting or crochet tend to find this their favourite part of the course ~ it's the same rhythm and the same absorption, just in leather and linen thread. Most of the first Saturday is cutting and preparation, and it isn't until day two that the bag really comes together in the hands.

No prior leather-working background is required, but some sewing or hobbyist experience is a real advantage, as is comfort cutting with a scalpel or similar. Both days are compulsory. Limited to four students so Simone can give proper individual attention throughout. 

For those who would like to try saddle-stitching before committing to two full days, Make a Ravjul Bag Charm is a 2.5 hour evening class that teaches the same stitch on a smaller piece.

All materials, tools, and the completed Bay Baguette are included. Students leave with leatherworking capabilities and a handcrafted bag designed for longevity.

This intensive marks the formal launch of simétrie school ~ Simone’s long-term vision for preserving traditional craft techniques through thoughtful education. The programme contributes to broader craft preservation and mindful making practices while supporting local Victorian artisans and keeping traditional industries alive.


Curriculum Day 1:

~ Choose your simétrie leather colour, thread colour and hardware colour

~ Hand-cut your Bay Baguette [the shoulder strap is pre-cut]

~ Personalise your bag with your name

~ Basic machine skiving

~ Sanding and burnishing the shoulder strap edges

~ Apply the magnets

~ Saddle-stitching around the magnets, the flap, and the shoulder strap using pricking irons [the entire bag, including the strap, is 100% saddle-stitched]

~ Be prepared for some saddle-stitching homework between Class 1 and Class 2

 

Curriculum Day 2:

~ Assembly of the bag panels with saddle-stitching

~ Attaching the shoulder strap to the bag with rivets

~ Gluing the bag closed

~ Final saddle-stitching to close the bag

~ Final sanding and burnishing to finish the bag edges


What you get:

~ High-quality feedback with an intimate class size

~ All materials and tools provided

~ Your handcrafted Bay Baguette made by you

~ A simétrie school certificate


Perfect for:

~ Those wanting to upskill in leather or bag making

~ Fashion designers and students

~ Home sewers

~ Hobbyists, tinkerers and craft lovers


Bay Baguette details:

~ Australian bovine leather in your choice of colour: Black Rock, Red Rock, Shell, Mist Blue and Passata [pictured]

~ Linen thread

~ Long shoulder strap

~ Two main compartments, and one central card pocket

~ W30cm x H13cm x D7cm


Course 1: 

Saturday 14th February 2026

Saturday 21st February 2026


Course 2:  

Saturday 6th June 2026

Saturday 13th June 2026


Course 3: 

Saturday 4th July 2026

Saturday 11th July 2026


Course 4: 

Friday 25th September 2026 

Saturday 26th September 2026

 

Course 5: [newly added]

Saturday 10th October 2026 

Saturday 17th October 2026

 

Course 6: [newly added]

Friday 30th October 2026 

Saturday 31st October 2026


Course 7: 

Saturday 14th November 2026 

Saturday 21st November 2026


Time: 9:00am - 5:30pm, 30 minute lunch break [many cafes nearby]

Location: simétrie atelier, 7-11 Dawson Street, Brunswick


Looking for a special gift?

Book this course for someone creative in your life. If they are unable to attend, review the returns policy here.

All of our courses are designed and run by simétrie founder and craftswoman, Simone Agius. Learn more about her here.

Cancellations made with less than 7 days notice before the start of a course, will forfeit 100% of the paid course fee. In this instance, rescheduling to another course date is encouraged. Every effort will be made to make any exceptions or rescheduling requested with less than 7 days notice although it will be dependent on available time and materials in the given notice period. 

Cancellations made less than 14 days prior to class commencement will forfeit 50% of the workshop fee paid.

Any cancellations before 14 days will receive the full refund.

If for any reason a participant cannot attend any one of the courses, reimbursement cannot be made for that session. Materials and further instruction will be provided for the participant to catch up or complete the course. 

Transfers of the entire course to another participant is acceptable and encouraged.

Finding us
The atelier is inside the Melbourne Artists' Supplies warehouse. Enter through the art shop and ask staff to point you in the right direction.

Accessibility
There are two steps at the entrance. Need ramp access? Let us know in your checkout notes and we'll have it ready.

Standing or sitting?
Workbenches are standing height [90cm] with high stools available. If you need a lower desk, mention it in your checkout notes.

Parking
Paid parking out front is $11 per day. Free 2-hour parking on Michael Street if you don't mind moving your car during the course.

Public transport
The number 9 tram on Sydney Road and Jewell Station are both close.

What to bring
A water bottle and clothes you don't mind getting a bit dirty. You'll get an apron, but leather work can be messy. If you use reading glasses, bring them. Most importantly, bring patience and curiosity. You're welcome to bring lunch for the 30-minute break.

Required skills
Some sewing experience or interest is helpful. There's a lot of saddle-stitching involved. Experience cutting with a scalpel or similar tool is useful but not essential.

Materials
You'll work with the same Australian bovine leather from Packer in Queensland that we use for our collections, in our custom colours. Hand-sewing thread is linen. Glues are water-based, so no harsh solvent smells.

Homework
There may be saddle-stitching to catch up on in between Class 1 and Class 2. It shouldn't take more than an hour outside of class time.

Nearby cafés
New Age Coffee, Acústico, and Green Refectory are all within walking distance if you're not bringing lunch.

Get in touch via our chat feature - Simone typically responds within the same day.
  • 5 stars: 6 (100%)
  • 4 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
S
Simran
I cannot believe I made this bag!

This has to be one of the most hands-on courses I have ever attended, and to walk away with a bag that looks professionally made (even though I am no professional) was such a treat! I recommend anyone who is thinking about doing this course to sign up right away. The class size is small, so everyone gets plenty of attention and the colours and materials to choose from are beautiful! I learned so much and I am already excited to do another course at Simetrie School. I love using my new bag, it fits a lot and I have received so many compliments on it already!

Simran!! It was so lovely to meet you, teach you some new skills, and see your baguette bag come to life over the course. I am so glad you enjoyed it!

C
Caroline
The Perfect First Leathercraft Course for Pros and Hobbyist alike

I had a fantastic experience at Simone's Baguette Bag workshop. As my first leathercraft course, it exceeded my expectations.
Over two days, Simone did an excellent job teaching and demonstrating classic French leathercraft techniques, including traditional linen hand stitching, which was completely new to me. The workshop was well structured, hands-on, and full of practical tips and techniques that I can apply to future projects.
I came away with a beautiful handmade bag, greater confidence in my leathercraft skills, and a real appreciation for traditional craftsmanship. Thank you, Simone, for such an enjoyable and rewarding experience. I highly recommend this workshop to anyone interested in learning leather bag making.

N
Nicole
Baguette Bag

The two day Baguette Bag making course at Simétrie School delivered by Simone Agius was the most phenomenal experience I’ve honestly ever had the pleasure of participating in. Simone is a brilliant teacher, she was very welcoming and explained all steps in a clear and calm manner. Even when I made a few errors she immediately came up with a solution, without judgement and with plenty of giggles! The location, facilities and small class size was excellent, and all tools were supplied. I went in with absolutely no experience and left with a beautiful piece of art. I immediately wore my bag out to dinner and got so many compliments! I enjoyed myself so much I’ve signed up for the card holder course.

R
RENEE
Bay Baguette Bag

What an incredible two days! I walked in with no leather-working experience and walked out with a beautifully finished Bay Baguette bag I'm genuinely proud of. The two full-day format flew by — there was so much to learn and do that the time just disappeared.

Simone is a wonderful teacher. Patient, professional, and clearly passionate about the craft. The class was relaxed and fun, with a lovely group of people to get to know along the way. The small class size meant plenty of individual attention at every step, from cutting panels and saddle-stitching to the final edge burnishing.

The finish on my bag looks completely professional — it's hard to believe I made it myself. A truly special experience and the perfect way to connect with traditional craft. Highly recommend to anyone curious about leather work.

Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review, I am so glad you enjoyed the experience of making your own bag. I hope to see you again!

E
Ellen
Baguette Bag

I am so glad I finally had the opportunity to discover how to work with leather. A huge thank you to Simone for being so patient and professional while guiding me through every step of the process. With her help, I was able to create my own beautiful baguette bag from scratch.

I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in working with high-quality leather. I am totally fascinated and incredibly proud to be able to wear a leather bag that I made from A to Z!

Thanks so much for joining me Ellen. I am so happy you enjoyed the course!

J
Judy
Bay Baguette Bag

A wonderful experience! To learn traditional leather craft and to make my own bag that looks professional, being guided by Simone all the way through the process was an experience I will treasure. I'm looking forward to the next class to make a matching wallet. Highly recommended to anyone wanting to create a beautiful bag themselves.

Thanks so much Judy, I am so glad you enjoyed learning with me! x

We live and work on the land of Bulleke-bek, Naarm and acknowledge that this is stolen land of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people.

We pay our respects to their clans, and to all First Nations peoples and Elders whom are the traditional owners country wide.

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