make a baguette bag
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, learning every step from panel cutting to final burnishing. Over two full days, participants will learn to select leather, cut bag panels from paper patterns, master the saddle-stitching technique, attach magnets and rivets, and apply professional edge finishing methods.
The intensive format ensures skill development alongside completing a finished bag in the two classes.
Limited to four students to maintain individual mentorship and attention throughout. The course assumes no prior leather-working background, but some sewing or craft skills as a foundation would be ideal.
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 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 4th July 2026
Saturday 11th July 2026
Time: 9:00am - 3:30pm, 30 minute lunch break [many cafes nearby]
Location: simétrie atelier, 7-11 Dawson Street, Brunswick
Special offer: Early bird pricing closes 31st January 2026.
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.