"Going Pro" Series: Techniques of the Fileteuse workshop with Isabela Felix

Workshop Requirements:

• Skill level: Intermediate Bag Maker
• Prerequisite: None
• Sewing machine requirement: Semi-industrial or industrial sewing machine
• Other machine requirements: Fileteuse + handle + tips (a recommendation will be provided). A skiver is not required, but very helpful.
• All supplies required are mentioned in the supply list which will be provided upon registration.

In the world of luxury leather craft, edge finishing is where refinement meets artistry. We will focus on one of the most distinctive and essential skills in high-end leather working: preparing clean, elegant edges and mastering the fileteuse.

A fileteuse is one of the most iconic tools in luxury leather working, but owning one is only the beginning.

This hands-on Techniques workshop is designed to demystify the fileteuse and teach you the time-honored edge finishing methods that transform a simple leather project into a refined, elegant piece. You’ll learn not just how to use the tool, but how to control it - with the finesse and precision passed down through generations of European leather artisans.

This hands-on workshop will focus on proper technique and skill building and we will do so while completing a padded laptop (or tablet) case.

This is more than a workshop; it’s an invitation into a tradition of craftsmanship that’s rarely taught outside the private studios of Europe.

 Skills developed:

• Learn the intricacies of luxury leathers
  
• Learn how to prepare leather edges the right way - the essential groundwork for a professional finish
  
• Understand the nuances of the fileteuse: choosing the right tip, managing heat settings, and working with different types of leather
  
• Develop the muscle memory and control needed to create clean, consistent creases
  
• Avoid common mistakes that even experienced crafters make with heated creasing tools
  

About the Instructor:

Isabela Felix brings years of experience gained through extensive travel and hands-on training across Europe, learning directly from masters. This workshop brings a rare blend of old-world tradition and modern insight to the U.S. leather working scene. With a deep respect for heritage techniques and a commitment to precision, Isabela has combined years of mentorship, studio practice, and hands-on learning into a focused and accessible workshop.