For everyone who wants to try their hand at shoemaking
The Shoemakers Guild
The Shoemakers Guild
It is a completely online "shoe school."
Through over 100 video teaching materials
Learn how to make shoes from a professional in the comfort of your own home.
Authentic video teaching materials
He has a history of placing 7th in the World Shoemaker Championships.
Full-scale video teaching materials supervised by So Tsuchiya
Safe for those making shoes for the first time
fulfillment Separately sold teaching materials
Started selling pattern videos
The core of shoemaking, "pattern making," is not the process of copying a shape, but a "thinking technique" that designs the structure of a shoe.
Authentic video teaching materials
He has a history of placing 7th in the World Shoemaker Championships.
Full-scale video teaching materials supervised by So Tsuchiya
FAQ
Q.
I have no experience with leather crafting, is that okay?
A.
Yes, that's okay! In the Guild's beginner level, you can master the basics by making three types of shoes: babouches, baby shoes, and derby sandals. Although these are aimed at beginners, they are packed with important processes that form the foundation of shoemaking. If you're confident, you can start by making derby sandals and then apply to be promoted to the intermediate level.
Q.
If I have any questions during the production process, can I ask them?
A.
Yes, that's possible! You can ask questions through our members-only chat service (Discord). Past Q&A logs are also stored as assets, so you can search and find the answer you need. In order to protect the value of technology and cultivate an independent artisan perspective, we don't just provide answers, but also advice on how to think about things.
Q.
How much budget do I need to buy the minimum equipment needed for beginners?
A.
It depends on what you're making, but for reference, if you were to purchase all the tools needed to make beginner-level babouches new, the total would probably cost just under 7,000 yen at most. [Reference] Required Tools and Approximate Prices Cardboard for Patterns: ¥110 (Available at 100-yen shops, etc.) Cutter Knife: ¥110 (Available at 100-yen shops, etc.) Metal Ruler: ¥500 Ballpoint Pen: ¥110 (Available at 100-yen shops, etc.) Awl: ¥500 Rubber Glue: ¥500-¥1,000 Rubber Glue Brush: ¥200 1.5mm Hole Punch: ¥500 Hammer: ¥500-¥1,000 Mini Rubber Sheet: ¥500-¥1,000 Leathercraft Needle: ¥500 Nylon-Based: ¥500 Scissors: ¥110 (Available at 100-yen shops, etc.) Sandpaper: ¥500 Compass: ¥110 (Available at 100-yen shops, etc.)
Q.
Where can I buy leather? What kind of leather do you recommend?
A.
We definitely recommend buying online when you're first starting out. If you search, you'll find lots of shops, so it's hard to say which one is best, but one of the shops our staff often shop at is Phoenix. They have a wide variety of products and the descriptions are easy to understand, so it's worth taking a look for reference. Also, in terms of leather, if you're making babouche slippers, we recommend soft, thick leather (such as cowhide with a soft finish).
Q.
Does the intermediate content include how to make wooden patterns and templates?
A.
No, pattern making is available as a separate content item. If you would like to learn the techniques of pattern making, please purchase the pattern making video separately. Guild members receive a special price, so please check here for details. https://www.theshoemakersguild.com/services-7 While we do not currently offer wooden shoe making as content, we plan to produce and sell it in the future. Please see the roadmap for an overview. https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3b8cad_7fa4e286b46c4d5cbe9a87d72c6f6518~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_1176,h_1662,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/%E3%83%AD%E3%83%BC%E3%83%89%E3%83%9E%E3%83%83%E3%83%9720251011.jpg
Q.
I would like to make shoes, but I don't know how to make a shoe tree or pattern.
A.
Exclusively for Guild members, we are selling a set of pre-made shoe lasts and patterns, supervised and created by world-renowned shoemaker So Tsuchiya. Even if you don't have the skills to create or craft patterns, you can use these lasts and patterns to "try making a pair" first. We offer a wide range of sizes, from 23.5cm to 28cm for men and 21.5cm to 25.5cm for women, so please consider purchasing one.
Q.
What are the benefits of joining with a long-term contract?
A.
You can purchase separately sold content at the long-term membership price (preferential price). Based on our Guild policy of "We don't sell our skills cheaply, but we want to provide them generously to those who are committed to shoemaking long-term," we have set prices that give preferential treatment to those who are serious about learning.
Q.
Until when will the pre-opening price (3,000 yen per month) be applied?
A.
If you are currently a member, the discount will continue to apply until you cancel your membership.
Q.
What happens if I join at the pre-opening price (3,000 yen per month), then temporarily cancel my membership and then rejoin?
A.
Basically, "cancellation = forfeiture of rights." Therefore, the monthly fee will be applied when you rejoin. In order to simplify the operation system, we do not have a system for temporary suspension.
Q.
I have experience making shoes. Can I use photos of shoes I have made in the past when applying for intermediate promotion?
A.
Yes, that's OK! You can apply with shoes you've made previously (even ones that show signs of wear), so experienced sewers can immediately move up to the intermediate level after joining. The only two conditions are that the shoes must be hand-sewn welted and that you have watched all of the beginner level videos (as this is prerequisite knowledge for the intermediate level and beyond). The design and sewing method are not important.
Q.
I have a question that is not listed here.
A.
Please feel free to contact us at the following email address: so.tsuchiya.project@gmail.com
You may not have the tools, you may not have the knowledge, or you may be clumsy...
It's okay if you have such concerns.
The fun of making things and the joy of improving your skills start here.