Leather Tote Bag Workshop in Leiden: Make & Take Home

Pick your leather, build your bag, walk out with it finished.

Learn leathercraft basics and make a genuine leather tote bag in a three-hour workshop inside a monumental 1875 building in Leiden. You choose the leather from a range of colors and thicknesses, work through the construction step by step with guidance, personalize it with engraving options, and take your finished bag home. Coffee or tea is included. All tools and materials are provided. The guide speaks English, Spanish or Dutch.

The experience

The workshop starts in a cozy leather workspace filled with colorful hides in different weights and tones. After coffee or tea, your guide walks you through the tools and the process ahead, then you browse the "leather market" to pick the piece that speaks to you. Vegan leather is also available if you prefer it.

You work step by step through the bag construction, with your guide watching your progress and stepping in when you need a hand to keep the work professional. The monumental building itself, constructed in 1875, surrounds you while you work, adding to the atmosphere without getting in the way. At the end, you have the option to personalize your finished bag with engraving.

You leave with a handmade leather tote that is entirely yours: the leather you chose, the construction you did, the customization you picked. No kit-assembly feeling, no taking it to a finisher later. The bag is done.

What’s included

• All tools and materials for leathercraft.
• genuine leather hides in a range of colors and thicknesses (or vegan leather if you prefer).
• coffee and tea.
• step-by-step guidance from your instructor.
• engraving personalization options.

Before you book

Days and timesFriday to Sunday21 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 19:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (under 5)

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Dutch

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by LEERzaam Leiden

Is this one for you?The three-hour session is hands-on from start to finish (you're working the whole time, not watching a demo), so come ready to focus and make something. If you want a finished piece to carry home the day you make it, this is the workshop that delivers it.

Traveler reviews

4.90★★★★★★★★★★

10 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Dutch.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (under 5).

Can I do this workshop if the listed times don't work for my schedule?

Yes. The guide offers flexibility with timing. Message ahead to arrange a session that fits your plans.

What if I want to use vegan leather instead of genuine leather?

Vegan leather is available as an option during the workshop, so you can choose it when you pick your material.

Do I need any leatherworking experience to join?

No. The workshop teaches the basics in an accessible way and suits all fitness levels. The guide helps you through each step.

What exactly can I personalize on my finished bag?

You can add engraving to your bag at the end of the workshop to make it uniquely yours.

Is the leather tote bag I make actually finished by the end of the three hours?

Yes. You take home a completed, wearable leather tote bag the same day you make it.