Reviews

I spent a week learning with Nigel as part of my Heritage Crafts training bursary. Although I had previous experience working with leather, the week was a valuable reset, allowing me to revisit foundational skills, particularly pattern making, in ways I’d never explored before.

Over the course of the week, we created a bag pattern from scratch and brought it to life in leather. Nigel is a brilliant teacher: patient, generous with his knowledge, and always explains the why behind a technique, not just the how.

I came away with a beautiful, truly one-of-a-kind bag, as well as the confidence and skills to push my leatherwork practice further. I highly recommend learning with Nigel to anyone looking to develop their craft, whether they’re a beginner or an experienced leatherworker looking to refine their skills.

For a long time, I have been looking for a place where I could experience true craftsmanship. If you are looking for that too, you will find it at Nigel’s workshop.

Every spot or corner has something that catches your eye. But most importantly, the workshop and Nigel himself are in sync with each other.

The combination gives you, as a student, a distilled form of knowledge, not to mention the experience you gain. His teaching style feels genuine. He lets you think and work at your own pace. Sometimes, he lets you try first or come up with a tactic of your own. Not to make you feel wrong or self-conscious, but to see what stage you are at. Other times, you get to observe and learn by watching.

You receive feedback, and sometimes you may wonder why the hell you did it that way, especially when the solution seems so obvious in hindsight. This is where his years of experience come in. Every problem you encounter is something he has already tackled from multiple angles. No matter how difficult it may seem, he can break it down and simplify it, again and again. This is really reassuring when learning a new skill. Being a teacher must sometimes require a great deal of patience, and that is something Nigel definitely has.

You can feel that there is a method behind everything he teaches, a philosophy behind his craftsmanship. It is amazing to witness this firsthand and learn from it.

Nigel, I want to thank you for the amazing two days. I have learned a lot, and the experience has made me eager to learn more. Thank you for all the talks and stories we have shared, the laughs, and of course, the cigar we smoked together.

Until next time.

Top teaching session with Nigel and Sam yesterday. Gave the detail on why my existing technique resulted in so much variation and resulted in a consistent appearance both sides of the work piece, and have been able to repeat the technique when I got home. Loads of information on tool and thread selection which I have not been exposed to. Im not an fan of the internet but will spend more time on the Armitage web site.

Great bunch of people to chat with, great day Thanks.

This review is out of sync, I had uploaded it before but it didn’t upload properly. 26 – 31.07.2026.

I have learned so much this week, different seams, better stitching, cutting, shaping and building new projects. I have come away with a whole raft of new skills and a bag design to be proud of!

Nigel took me back to the very beginning of my craft. Critiquing my current works and sorting a plan to fix the issues arising. His honest feedback and keen eye helped me identify why I hadn’t been happy with my work. I learned about new tools, project planning, template making, and construction. I have come away confident I have the skills to finish the bag at home .

Incredible value for money, and an amazing opportunity thanks to heritage crafts. I learned so much and found it is backed up with the secrets from the workshop for the stuff I had forgotten.

Attended for a third week with Nigel on a one to one. It just keeps getting better.

Learning a whole raft of skills, but also being supported to reach for new experiences and push the envelope. So good!

Having someone with 40 years experience standing with you is priceless. Helping you to identify conflicts in your design, helping you to figure out how things might behave and getting excited by your designs and progress.

Don’t hesitate invest in a course with Nigel, I only wish I had done so sooner!

Part way through another fantastic week of training with Nigel. Just amazing. I have learned so much since my first review over a month ago! This is my third week. I am attempting things that are well beyond anything I thought I could do, when I first arrived at the workshop. Nigel is calm and patient, but most importantly honest about your both progress and needs. You will be a better leatherworker if you come on one of his courses.

I am working on an advanced project from my sketch book that is over ten years old. A dream I never thought I would reach. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned wrangler book a spot, have a chat and see what Nigel can do for you!!!

I love both his books, they are amazing and the secrets from the workshop are a game changer, when you get stuck̷0; Or are wanting to start something new… but in person courses for me is where it is at! Nigel’s helping to push my boundaries each step of the way and once pushed, helping me to deliver. Thank you Nigel!

I attended the second part of my one to one training, picked up so many skills, so much information. Nigel honest and kind tuition meant every step was clear, and mistakes were important learning points. It was fantastic and I am already looking forward to part three. Having a mentor that not only knows the skills but also the industry is amazing. Using science, maths and engineering to make templates you know will work, and work again…takes all the guesswork out of leather wrangling. Looking forward to many more visits.

I attended the beginners course on the 12th July. I wouldn’t consider myself a total beginner as I have made a few items. I’d previously watched many of Nigels videos online and had also purchased a bytesize course on making a notepad cover. The course lived up to my expectations and more. I have never been confident at using a knife when cutting templates/leather but Nigels clear instructions and help has given me much more confidence. Mention must also go to Sam who kept things ticking along nicely and was a good foil to Nigel. I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone from total beginners to those with a bit more experience. I think everyone achieved the course aims by the end of the day and went away with brains packed with knowledge. Now to put it all in to practice!!

Attended the Beginners Course on Saturday and it was excellent!

Really informative – an introduction to different types of leather, then the importance of templates and how they are made. then stitching – all delivered with great humour!

The day was really fun, and passed so quickly, I really enjoyed it – so much so I booked for a template making course as soon as I got home!

Me 68 never ever stitched in my life before and am right handed (see end Bit)

but needed to learn about cutting sewing leather and associated actions

so went on template making course beginners prior to spending 3 days with Nigel watched the 4 sewing videos on you tube but didn’t attempt any sewing at all

ie did not want to learn bad habits

on the very first morning did a full row of stitching and included a back stitch i am going to put the photo up so any one who thinks they cant you are wrong you can after doing that asked what i would like to make small notebook cover is always great for me so started with template then leather etc i chose dark green however i wear glasses when we got to marking stitches with pricking irons Nigel noted i was struggling to see previously lightly marked stitches locations and went through. In wrong location (Nigel Sorted it LoL) so if this is you choose lighter colour leather

so set of slightly stronger magnification glasses already ordered specifically for this, the notebook you will also see i sewed it all with input from Nigel if I wasn’t sure about something .

The other thing i enjoyed i brought some of the tools i purchased and Nigel very kindly showed me how to care and look after them properly also there were also question and answer sessions regarding what you were doing and leatherwork in general you were not sure about

From 1st sentence within last 3 months had an op because little and ring finger curling inward not so much now but bits of limitations Nigel works with you to achieve i can cut card leather sew only difference the technique i use is slightly different without me telling you this have a look at the stitching and tell me you could tell i have an issue with my right hand so please please have no doubt whatsoever that you can and will definitely learn , you will and shall learn from the best

Nigel and Sam thank you

( Sam helped me on other template course)

Ps photos of what i did available didn’t realise you couldn’t submit on reviews Nigel took photos of notebook

Absolutely incredible how detailed and informative the information is. I couldn’t be happier or more grateful for all the effort thats put into the courses.

I spent 5 days, one on one with Nigel. I am subscribed to the Secrets From The Workshop and working my way through the Development of a Bag series. I had made it as far as a flat pouch, but had not attempted a gusset. Nigel assessed my progress on day one, then we were into designing a bag, creating a template and at the end of day 5 I had a bag that I was extremely pleased with (my wife has already tried to steal it). Throughout the five days we addressed techniques I was uncomfortable with and new skills that I need to complete the work. Nigel is a great teacher and shares his knowledge freely. I have come away from the five days knowing that I have basis of the skills needed to make bags and other leather items. I can only say if you want to improve your leather work skills, spend some time with Nigel.

What a great day!

Fabulous one to one course with Nigel.

It was informative, interesting, relevant and fun.

It enabled me to pick up new skills and techniques rapidly.

Nigel is a great teacher with a well considered and thoughtful approach.

I can’t recommend highly enough.

Thank you, Nigel!

I recently attended Nigel’s 5-Day Bag Making Course, having previously completed his One-Day Pattern Making Course, and I can honestly say it was an outstanding experience.

The time spent learning alongside Nigel, Sam, and the rest of the group was incredibly enjoyable. Nigel’s teaching style is clear, direct, and highly effective. What you’re really getting is decades of experience distilled into a few intensive days—practical knowledge, hard-earned wisdom, and proven techniques all wrapped into one course.

What sets Nigel apart is not only that he teaches you the right way to do things, but that he explains why each method works. Understanding the reasoning behind the techniques gives you the confidence to apply them beyond the workshop and continue developing your skills independently.

The course is packed with valuable insights, tips, and techniques that extend far beyond bag making itself. There is a lot to take in, but the balance between practical exercises and theory makes the learning process both engaging and effective.

I came away with a far deeper understanding of bag construction, pattern making, and craftsmanship as a whole. It’s an excellent way to learn professional bag-making techniques quickly and correctly.

I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it and will definitely be back for more. I think it’s time for a Bag Making Course Part 2, Nigel! Until then, the Box Stitching Course is next on my list.

Thank you, Nigel and Sam, for a fantastic learning experience.

The dust has settled after a 5 day bag making course at Armitage leather with Nigel, Sam and a fantastic group of now friends.

With out doubt it was one of the best five days learning I have ever had. Hands on work, expert guidance, tuition, and the collective collaboration of others in the learning experience.

If you are a beginner, or novice like me or an accomplished leather worker I would highly recommend spending some time with Nigel at his workshop for either a group course or a one -to- one.

His knowledge of the craft is extensive and together with his many years experience, makes the learning all encompassing.

We worked hard but also had a lot of fun, I made new friends and drank loads of coffee.

Myself and the rest of our group are planning to do another course in the near future.

Go for it you wont be disappointed.