Are you a sewing enthusiast who loves the look of custom leather?
Are you struggling with how to find the best sewing machine for leather?
Well, you’ve landed in the right place! This is a guide to find the best leather sewing machines to pursue your passion fully and wholeheartedly.
Leather is one of the toughest yet versatile fabrics used in fashion clothing. As popular as it is, leather is also difficult to handle and play around with. Which is why (if you’re not well-versed in sewing with it), you should check out this article as well: How To Sew Leather With A Sewing Machine.
In any case, here’s an explanation to why leather is difficult to handle.
The thick and resistant composition of the fabric makes the needle more prone to breakage, especially if a complex stitching pattern is underway.
On the flip side, using leather is very rewarding since it lets you create one-of-a-kind masterpieces. Additionally, it lets you experiment with your creations and helps you learn new skills to become a seasoned seamstress.
If you are trying to broaden your horizon with leather masterpieces, searching for the best sewing machine for leather work is important. So, how can you find the best sewing machine for leather?
Identifying Levels Of The Best Leather Sewing Machine
When searching for the best sewing machine for leather, questions like “What is a good sewing machine for leather?” Or “Can you sew leather with a regular sewing machine?” pop in mind.
Mostly, sewing enthusiasts and long-time hobbyists can easily sew leather on a home sewing machine by modifying the needle and foot. But then again, there are different levels of requirements that need to be identified.
Let’s have a look at some of the necessary requirements and how to go about them.
Occasional Leather Project:
For one of the cases, get a dedicated needle and foot that is fit to run leather, and you can use it with the best home sewing machine for leather you already have.
Routine Leather Sewing Capacity:
If you use a sewing machine more than once a month, you can opt for a mid-level sewing machine capable of handling leather well.
Full Capacity Leather Sewing:
If your workload calls for spending a couple of hours a week working with leather, then an industrial sewing machine will be best for the job.
Whether you’re a home user or a professional, irrespective of your skill level, it is vital that you opt for the optimal sewing machine suiting your needs for a hassle-free and creatively maneuvered product.
Characteristics Of The Best Sewing Machine For Leather
There is an extensive range of top-notch sewing machines spread across the internet that have many interesting quirks. Still, there are some specific features to be kept in mind if you want to know how to sew leather well with a sewing machine, as leather is a tricky fabric.
A specific leather piercing thread is used to sew leather. There are many types of leather, each of which requires different needles, so make sure to use the correct one. For example, if you are looking for the best sewing machine for leather handbags, ensure that the machine has a denim 90/14 needle or leather 100/16 needle that can handle the layers.
Stitch Length:
It’s necessary to keep note of the stitch length while handling leather; a tight stitch tends to break the thread. Using a large stitch at least 3-4mm (1/8in) long for leather is much more viable because shorter stitches can perforate the leather and result in a tear.
Presser Foot:
To work with a delicate fabric such as leather, it is suggested to use a presser foot that gives more control to the user and causes less friction between the foot and the feed.
A Leather Roller Presser Foot instills easy sewing, and its roller prevents the fabric from slipping.
Tension Control:
It is better to have more control over the machine when handling leather, so a heavy-duty machine with simpler features is ideal. With leather, you would want to control the speed properly because you can’t afford to make mistakes. This is because of two reasons:
Leather is pricy
There is no forgiveness once you make a hole in this material. It doesn’t contract and will always show.
Thread Quality:
Polyester (regular or upholstery) or nylon threads are the most commonly used threads for leather. Cotton threads are not recommended as they can be affected by tannins present in leather and perish in the long term.
How To Choose The Best Sewing Machine For Leather
Once you’ve identified your needs and reviewed the features defined above, it will be easy for you to pick the best sewing machine for leather.
To sum it up, if you are a regular user, an industrial flatbed sewing machine would be the most viable option. However, if you are working with lighter leathers, a heavy-duty domestic sewing machine can work better with the right needle and foot.
Tips And Tricks When Working With Leather
Leather does not have an engineered structure in comparison to woven or knit materials. This fabric is animal skin and varies in thickness and density depending on the kind of animal.
Picking the right tools for the leather that you are using can be challenging. Once pierced, the hole is permanent, so you need to be extremely careful when stitching.
Mentioned below are some things to keep in mind when working with leather:
Test The Type: Test your technique on a small piece of fabric first to get an idea of what works best on a given specific type of leather.
Check The Size: Make sure you double-check the size of the leather pieces before proceeding with the sewing.
Go For The Long Stitch: Smaller stitches can damage the leather; always go for the long stitch.
Don’t Use Pins: Pins used to hold the material can puncture the leather piece or ruin the texture. Use paper clips or, even better, double-sided tape for best results.
Check Thread Tension: Always check thread tension on a smaller piece to set the tension accordingly.
Use Marking Pen: A leather marking pen will help keep the surface clean and avoid any marks on the fabric.
Start Slow: Always start slow, especially initially, to get the hang of working and avoid making mistakes.
Hammer The Seams: Use a rubber mallet or regular metal hammer to hammer the seams for a smoother finish.
Fuel Your Passion, And Enjoy While You’re At It!
I hope that this guide has provided you with all the answers to your question: “How to find the best sewing machine for leather?”
Once you have shortlisted your best sewing machine for leather, get your hands on some leather and start working.
Using the correct blend of tools, you will be sewing like a pro in no time. Remember, there’s no rush to get everything right from the get-go. Never underestimate the power of taking your time and getting comfortable.
Experiment with versatile sewing techniques, stitch adjustment features, and sewing patterns to create something new and unique. Set your creativity free!
Hi, I’m Ewan Morrise, A fashion designer and passionate blogger. I specialize in reviewing best leather sewing machines on my blog, sharing insights and tips to aid fellow creators in choosing the right tools for their craft. Join me on this journey of creativity and discovery in the world of leatherwork!
