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5 Best Sewing Machines For Leather in 2024 – Expert Reviewed
Are you searching for a sewing machine that can handle leather? Leather items are esteemed as stylish brands on their own. Consumers cherish leather products due to their durability and highly appealing characteristics.
Sewers prioritize finding the best sewing machine for leather because leather behaves differently than most other fabrics when sewn. If you only have a basic sewing machine, be aware that sewing leather on it is nearly impossible.
Given that leather is a durable, clingy, and heavy fabric, you require a robust industrial sewing machine to work with leather-like materials. I’ve put together a list of the top sewing machines that are well-suited for leather. Take a look!
Our Top Picks For The Best Sewing Machines For Leather
- Best Overall: Singer
44 32 (jump to review) - Best for Beginners: Brother ST150HDH (jump to review)
- Best for Experts: Singer 7258 (jump to review)
- Best for Quilting (Industrial): Juki TL-2000Qi (jump to review)
- Best Industrial: Juki DU-1181N (jump to review)
Detailed Reviews Of The Best Sewing Machines For Leather
Best Overall: Singer 4432
Experience the power of the Singer Heavy-Duty 4432 sewing machine, designed for lasting durability with its heavy-duty metal frame. This versatile machine offers 110 stitch applications, from basic to decorative, conveniently displayed on the user-friendly Stitch Selector Dial. Benefit from features like automatic one-step buttonhole, automatic needle threader, and enhanced piercing power for sewing through multiple layers. With a faster motor, it sews up to 1,100 stitches per minute, making it ideal for larger projects. Explore creativity effortlessly with the Singer 4432, equipped with top-notch features for sewing enthusiasts.
- Versatile machine with box feed for continuous fabric pressure
- Adjustable feed and pressure settings
- Can sew heavy denim and handle different fabric weights
- Good for basic sewing tasks
- Reliable for occasional sewing and repairs
- Bobbin tension is not self-adjusting
- Confusing setup instructions and bobbin threading
- May struggle with very thick leather
Best for Beginners: Brother ST150HDH
The Brother ST150HDH caters to sewing enthusiasts tackling a spectrum of projects. Boasting a wide array of features, including 50 built-in stitches and advanced needle threading, it effortlessly handles various fabrics, from heavy-weight denim to delicate silks. The expanded needle-to-arm workspace accommodates bulkier projects, while the included accessories, such as 9 sewing feet and clear-view bobbin cover, enhance versatility. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a budding creative, this machine provides precise stitching control, making it an ideal companion for a diverse range of sewing endeavors.
- Beginner-friendly
- Durable and long-lasting
- Some users complained about the machine's quality
Best for Experts: Singer 7258
The Singer Stylist 7258 combines functionality with convenience. Ideal for enthusiasts ranging from beginners to intermediates, this computerized sewing marvel boasts 100 built-in stitches, making it a versatile companion for various projects. The heavy-duty metal frame ensures durability, while features like push-button stitch selection, LCD screen, and programmable options simplify tasks. With an array of accessories and user-friendly design, the 7258 addresses the needs of creative minds, providing an efficient solution for fashion, quilting, and home sewing endeavors.
- Affordable
- Excellent for professional sewers
- One user complained about the motor being burned after only 5 months
Best for Quilting (Industrial): Juki TL-2000Qi
More and more sewists are purchasing Juki TL-2000Qi Quilting Machine. Why? Because the features compel you to do so. The machine flaunts its speedy and hefty aluminium die-cast body that prevents excessive vibration, even if you are using it at its maximum capacity of 1500 stitches per minute. You can make the most out of the straight-stitch-only design as it provides you with exceptional results when quilting, constructing garments, or sewing home decoration projects.
- A large extension table
- Knee lifter to make free-motion quilting easier
- Automatic thread trimmer and an up/down needle to save time
- Lack of built-in decorative stitches can limit creativity
- Automatic needle threaders may hinder quilting for newbies
- Not versatile
Best Industrial: Juki DU-1181N
The Juki DU-1181N takes the spotlight as the best sewing machine with a walking foot, combining Juki's renowned quality with innovative features. This single-needle, straight stitch, top and bottom feed industrial sewing machine excels in handling medium-weight fabrics with finesse. The unique top and bottom feed technology, coupled with the presser foot, facilitates smooth sewing of medium-weight materials. Enhanced by a whisper-quiet servo sewing motor, this machine is tailor-made for in-home use. The complete unit, featuring the machine head, table, stand, motor, sewing light, drawer, and all necessary components, is ready to unleash its 2000 stitches per minute with a maximum stitch length of 9 mm.
- Bobbin winder and adjustable feed dogs
- Strong and versatile machine
- Has the option of clutch or servo motor
- Assembly can be difficult without proper instructions
Summary: The Best Sewing Machines to Sew Leather are
- Best Overall: Singer
44 32 (jump to review) - Best for Beginners: Brother ST150HDH (jump to review)
- Best for Experts: Singer 7258 (jump to review)
- Best for Quilting (Industrial): Juki TL-2000Qi (jump to review)
- Best Industrial: Juki DU-1181N (jump to review)
This post gives you a lot of information about what makes a good sewing machine for working with leather. Most users rank the Juki TL-2000Qi the best when it comes to leather. To help you make the best decision, we have a buying guide below.
Buying Guide – Sewing Machine for Leather
How to Sew Leather?
Sewing leather can be a bit different than sewing other fabrics, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done successfully. Here are some tips for sewing leather:
- Use a leather needle: Leather is a thick and tough material, so it’s important to use a heavy-duty needle that is designed specifically for leather. A leather needle has a sharper point and a larger eye than regular needles.
- Use the right thread: A strong and durable thread is essential when sewing leather. Nylon, polyester, and upholstery thread are good options.
- Use a walking foot: A walking foot helps to feed the leather evenly through the machine and prevents it from slipping or stretching.
- Use binder clips instead of pins: Pins can leave permanent holes in leather, so it’s best to use binder clips to hold the fabric together.
- Adjust the tension: Leather is thicker than most fabrics, so you may need to adjust the tension on your machine to get the best results.
- Use a longer stitch length: A longer stitch length is better for leather, as it reduces the number of perforations in the fabric and helps to prevent tearing.
- Test on scrap leather: Before sewing your project, it’s a good idea to test your machine settings and techniques on a scrap piece of leather to ensure that everything is working properly.
Types of Leather
All leather is not created equal. When it comes to sewing leather, there are almost a many different types and thicknesses of leather than you might think. If you have a standard sewing machine, you will be able to sew with garment weight leather with no trouble as long as you adhere to a few simple rules.
Most important – use garment weight leather on your standard home sewing machine. Garment weight leather can be used to make jackets, skirts, slacks, hats and bags of all sizes.
Heavier leather skins must be sewn on heavy duty or industrial sewing machines. Any attempt to sew heavy weight leather on a standard sewing machine could cause scratches on your leather and undue stress on your sewing machine.
Before you Begin to Sew
- Carefully examine each one of your skins to make sure the color is a perfect match on all pieces.
- Be sure there are no blemishes, scratches or holes in any of your skins.
- Remember… pin holes in leather do not go away. Use weights rather than pins to attach patterns to the leather.
- Cut out your leather pattern pieces with a rotary cutter, not scissors.
Now that you are ready to start sewing
- Use a sewing machine needle specifically designed to sew leather. Leather sewing needles are available at most sewing machine supply providers and fabric stores.
- Adjust your sewing machine’s tension to accommodate the added thickness and weight.
- Attach a Teflon or acrylic presser foot to assure that the leather passes between the presser foot and feed dogs effortlessly and smoothly.
A Teflon or acrylic presser foot greatly reduces the possibility of your leather getting scratched during the sewing process. If you have access to what some refer to as a ‘hump jumper’ or ‘magic tool’ place it beneath the presser foot to assist in smooth, trouble-free leather sewing. - Use longer than usual stitches.
- Use heavy-weight sewing thread.
Time to sew
- Make sure all seams are accurate before sewing [pin holes in leather do not go away].
- Use slow steady stitches.
- Snip the ends of each seam at a 45o angle.
- Finger press your seams open.
- Hold the seam edges in place with double stick tape or craft glue.
- If topstitching is desired, make sure you have plenty of thread in the bobbin before you start. One of the most distressing scenarios is for your bobbin to run out in the middle of a top stitching run. Restarting a topstitch run on leather without the start-stop points being obvious is nearly impossible.
Important Leather tips to Remember
- Pressing leather is advised only when absolutely necessary. Direct heat can damage skins. If it is necessary to press wrinkles out of your leather, always use a thick pressing cloth on the suede side.
Use the lowest possible setting on your iron to get rid of the wrinkles, and do not let the iron rest on any one spot for more than a few seconds. - It is not possible to press a crease in leather pants.
- Medium to heavy weight lining is best in any leather garment or accessory.
- Use craft glue or double stick tape to hem your leather garments.
What are Some Tips for Working with Leather?
There are several different leather thicknesses, ranging from 7 millimeters for bridle hide to 0.3 millimeters for snake leather. Utilizing the right technique for the type of leather you’re stitching is crucial.
Be careful with leather, because if you poke a hole in it, it will stay that way. Here are some important pointers you might find useful:
- Start by testing out the procedures and the sewing machinery on a small bit of leather. This will help you to get a glimpse of the type of your leather and the ideal sewing method.
- Before stitching, check your measurements repeatedly to make sure you have the proper size material.
- Always use longer stitches to keep the leather unharmed.
- Avoid using pins to secure the leather while sewing. The ideal solution is paper clips or double-sided tape.
- Use caution while choosing the thread tension, and also test it on a small area of the leather before starting to sew.
- Sometimes stains can be left on leather. To avoid this, investing in a marking chalk or pen meant for leather is a fantastic idea.
- Take everything very slowly. Try not to make many mistakes while you’re first starting out, and make yourself become accustomed to working with leather.
- Once you’re done, use a rubber mallet or a metal hammer to pound the seams. This guarantees that they will get a lovely finishing touch.
What are Some of the Traits of a Sewing Machine for Leather?
Your level of sewing experience is going to determine the finest sewing machine for leather. Regardless of your skill level, the following are some common things to keep an eye out for:
- Industrial Sewing Machines: If you’re just starting out, I recommend that you use a home sewing machine that is equipped with a leather piercing needle. However, when you’ve gained enough confidence, always go for industrial sewing machines. The ideal machines for sewing leather are either cylinder-arm or flatbed machines. An industrial Brother or Juki flatbed machine is great if you’re a frequent user of leather. The best sewing machine for experts working with leather is made by Pfaff or Durkapp Adler. But they are extremely pricey; they could even be thousands of dollars. So, go for those only if you’re a professional leather sewer.
- Heavy-Duty Sewing Machines: When working on bigger projects, such as those involving leather, it is actually mandatory to use a heavy-duty sewing machine that will permit leather to easily pass through.
How Do I Choose the Best Sewing Machine for Leather?
The right industrial sewing machine may be difficult for many people to choose. Still, if you have the right guide to heavy-duty sewing machines, you can choose the best machine for your budget.
Here are some things to think about before buying a sewing machine for leather:
- Speed Limitation: Purchase a sewing machine that has the option of speed control. It reduces the number of mistakes you make while sewing. As a beginner, you must keep your speed under control to avoid damaging the fabric and staying safe.
- Warranty: With any sewing machine, the warranty is a key document. The guarantee from the manufacturer says that the product is safe and of good quality. Also, if the machine breaks down, you can always send it back to the company if you are still within the warranty period.
- Power Supply: Identify the power source that the machine will require. If it will be subjected to heavy loads, you will require a dependable power source that will not break or spike while in use.
- Degree of Noise: You need sewing machines that have a low level of noise if you’re working from home to prevent additional distractions. Choose a sewing machine that makes little noise or is quiet.
- Budget: What you wish to buy depends greatly on your budget. If the sewing machine you want to purchase is out of your price range, find another one with comparable features at a lesser cost. However, do not always minimize the features. You can select many good brands that sell sewing machines with comparable qualities at various price ranges.
- Mechanical Construction: When selecting a sewing machine for leather, consider its durability. Make sure that spare parts are easy to find and do not require a lot of servicing and care.
Regardless of whether you are making a leather dress, skirt, jacket, pants, hat, vest, cap or bag, you will find that using the techniques described above will not only make your leather sewing project go smoothly, the end results will be absolutely perfect. Happy sewing.
If you are an advanced sewist, have a look at our best sewing machines, best sewing books and best sewing magazines posts and if you are looking to get a mechanical, heavy duty, quilting or industrial sewing machine, have a look at some of our great articles. If you are a beginner sewist, review our best sewing books for beginners, best sewing machines for beginners and best sewing machines under $200 to get started.
For brand related articles, check Best Bernette | Best Bernina | Best Brother | Best Husqvarna Viking | Best Janome | Best Juki | Best Singer |
For best accessories, check Best Chairs | Best tables | Best tracing paper | Best machine oils | Best scissors and shears | Best presser feet | Best needles | Best sewing kits |
Happy Stitching.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes and no. If you’re a professional sewer, you’ll need an industrial or heavy-duty sewing machine to sew leather.
However, for beginners, any decent conventional sewing machine should be capable of handling leather. What is required are a few adjustments to make the machine leather-ready.
A regular sewing machine can be purchased for around $200. But leather sewing machines need to be built with more robust parts. That’s why they might cost somewhere between $600 and $2500 on average.
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If you are an advanced sewist, have a look at our best sewing machines, best sewing books and best sewing magazines posts and if you are looking to get a mechanical, heavy duty, quilting or industrial sewing machine, have a look at some of our great articles. If you are a beginner sewist, review our best sewing books for beginners, best sewing machines for beginners and best sewing machines under $200 to get started.
For brand related articles, check Best Bernette | Best Bernina | Best Brother | Best Husqvarna Viking | Best Janome | Best Juki | Best Singer |
For best accessories, check Best Chairs | Best tables | Best tracing paper | Best machine oils | Best scissors and shears | Best presser feet | Best needles | Best sewing kits |
Happy Stitching.
I just finished reading the article, and I must say, it’s a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to find the best sewing machine for leather projects. As someone who loves working with leather, I truly appreciate the detailed insights provided here.
The in-depth reviews of each sewing machine, along with their pros and cons, help immensely in understanding which one would be the right fit for different needs. The fact that the article considers factors like stitching power, adjustable presser foot, and durability makes it even more valuable.
I particularly found the How Do I Choose the Best Sewing Machines for Leather very useful. It’s a quick reference guide that how to choose sewing machine, allowing readers to make an informed decision without having to scroll back and forth between different sections.
Overall, kudos to the team at Sewing Insight for putting together such a helpful resource. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced leather crafter, this article is a must-read before making that important sewing machine purchase. It has definitely become my go-to guide for all things related to sewing leather.