WORKSHOPS
Learn how to make your own unique pair of shoes in our range of workshops including the most popular 1-Day Shoe Making workshop.
I offer various courses where you can learn the basics of pattern making, cutting, sewing and making your own pair of shoes. The most popular is the 1-day course; During the 1-day workshop, you can choose from four different shoe styles to make which include a heeled slingback, a flat ballet and two types of heeled sandal. Prior to the sessions over email you will decide your style and choose the fabric for your unique shoes for the one day course.
During the 1-day workshop, you can choose from four different shoe styles to make which include a heeled slingback, a flat ballet and two types of heeled sandal. Prior to the sessions over email you will decide your style and choose the fabric for your unique shoes for the one day course.
As well as selecting your fabric, you will choose the heel shape and leather to cover it, and the inner sock inside your shoe. On the day you will learn the lasting process where you mould the upper over your last to create the shoe shape. You will experience how to attach the sole and what to look for when picking your heel. You will be provided with all the tools and components you will need for your shoe making experience. Hetty is on hand the entire experience to offer her expertise and knowledge of 20 years making shoes.
For the more intensive 2/4/8 day courses you can choose the fabric on the day and cut, stitch and make your uppers yourself using Hetty's industrial sewing machine and tools. You will be given the chance to ask lots of questions and really hone your skills in a relaxed and immersive environment.
Contact Hetty if you would like to suggest a date or see our private shoe making day where you can specify a date and have the workshop in your home if more convenient. The 1-day class runs from 10am-4pm, based at Hetty's home studio in Maidstone, Kent (around an hour from London). Please book your space using our SHOE MAKING COURSE BOOKING link.
If you are interested in bringing a group to your own private workshop just ask Hetty to arrange a date to suit you. It is a unique experience for a hen party, group of friends or colleagues looking for a new skill to learn or simply a fun day out. 
"My first time making my own shoes and I couldn’t recommend it more highly. Hetty creates an amazing workshop full of beautiful materials and fabrics for you to choose from and is on hand throughout to ensure you walk away with something you are not only proud of but cannot wait to wear! I can’t wait to make my next pair!"
Kay
"I’ve been on 2 courses with Hetty now. Despite being a little nervous on my first course having zero shoe making experience Hetty put me at my ease within minutes, I loved it! The pace and style of teaching and learning is perfect and I have picked up skills I never thought possible"
Natasha
"I have been going to Hetty's courses for 8 years and have loved every one. A great teacher and a really fun way to spend precious time!"
Mandy
"Making my wedding shoes at Hetty's workshop was such a great experience! I love how I have become part of making something for the wedding and the colours in the fabric really looked fantastic with my flowers and dress. I love them!"
Caroline