InstagramTikTok
Three bespoke shoes in different leathers and finishes

Shoemaking workshops

Build a pair
by hand.

A multi-day, in-studio workshop where you build your own pair of leather shoes, from last to sole. The most personal way to wear something you made.
Plan your workshopSee past builds
Beginner friendlyMaterials providedIn-studio only

What you’ll do

Cut, stitch, last,
finish.

Shoemaking is slow on purpose. Across 3 to 5 days, you’ll draft a pattern, cut your upper, hand-stitch the welt, last the shoe, attach the sole, and finish the edges. By the final day, you’re wearing them.

  • No experience required
  • All materials & tools
  • 1-on-1 guidance
Bespoke shoe, close-up of stitching detail on the last

The five days

From flat hide
to first wear.

Workshops compress a months-long bespoke process into a focused, hands-on format. Most of the heavy work, leather selection, last shaping, is pre-staged so you spend your time at the bench.

1

Pattern

Draft and cut your upper pattern from full-grain leather.

2

Stitch

Hand-stitch the upper using waxed thread and saddle stitch.

3

Last

Pull and shape the upper over a last sized to your foot.

4

Sole

Attach the sole, trim and bevel the edges, set the heel.

5

Finish

Edge-paint, polish, and walk out wearing your build.

Included

Everything you need is here.

You bring focus and curiosity, I bring everything else.

  • ·All materials, tools, and lasts provided
  • ·Full-grain leather of your choosing
  • ·One-on-one guidance from Darsh, every step
  • ·Documentation photos of your build
  • ·You take home the shoes you make

Good to know

The fine print.

Format

In-studio only

Group size

1–3 makers per cohort

Duration

3–5 days, scheduled to fit you

Prerequisite

None, beginner friendly

FAQ

Common questions.

No. Workshops are designed to take a complete beginner from cutting their first piece of leather to a finished, wearable pair of shoes.

We typically build a derby or simple oxford as the workshop project, they're achievable in a multi-day format and let you focus on technique.

Private classes are 2–3 hour sessions for leather goods (wallets, belts, etc.). Shoemaking workshops are multi-day, in-studio, and result in finished footwear.

Yes. Solo workshops are available, many people prefer the focused, one-on-one format.

Darnestown, Maryland, about 30 minutes from downtown DC. Detailed directions go out once your workshop is confirmed.

We can split the workshop across non-consecutive days within a 4-week window. Tell me about your schedule in the inquiry.

Ready when you are

Build a pair
you’ll keep.

Tell me about your schedule and what kind of shoe you want to make. I'll come back with a workshop plan.

Plan your workshopSee past builds