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8 Best Leather Sewing Machine – Reviews & Buyers’ Guide
Sep
Leather is a thick material and not easy to needle into, but with a suitable leather sewing machine, you can sew and create a masterpiece. Not all sewing machines can handle leather, and you must choose based on your specific needs.
With many a leather stitching machine available in the markets, it cannot be easy to choose. We have selected the most impressive eight leather stitcher machines and listed their features, pros, and cons so that you can make an informed choice.
In this article:
Our Picks for the Best Leather Sewing Machine
How to Choose a Leather Sewing Machine?
How Much Does a Leather Sewing Machine Cost?
Do I Need a Special Sewing Machine for Leather?
What Size Needle Do I Need to Sew Leather?
Our Picks for the Best Leather Sewing Machine
Best for Beginners – SINGER Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine (4432) Includes Accessory Kit
Budget Pick – SINGER Sewing Machine (SM0240) Includes Accessory Kit
Best Overall – Brother Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine (CS7000X)
Top Pick – SINGER Sewing Machine With Accessory Kit & Foot Pedal (MX60)
The Best Value – Janome Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine (HD3000)
Premium – Juki 1-Needle, Lockstitch, Portable Sewing Machine (TL-2010Q)
Most Versatile – JUKI Industrial Top and Bottom Feed Sewing Machine (DU-1181N)
Best Features – Janome Black Edition Sewing Machine (HD1000)
SINGER Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine for Sale (4432) Includes Accessory Kit
Colour: Gray
Size: 15.2″W x 12″H x 6.2″D
Material: Felt
Item Weight: 17.42 lbs.
Rating: 4.6
The SINGER Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine is ideal for tackling thick materials, and you can get professional stitching done within minutes. The stainless-steel bed plate ensures that the fabric flow is smooth. The heavy-duty interior metal frame enables you to do skip-free sewing.
The Chinese cobbler sewing machine has 110 stitch applications which can get used for different types of simple and complex sewing designs. With 1,100 stitches per minute, the cobbler machine is high-speed.
Threading the machine is effortless as this feature will help you thread the eye of the needle automatically. The bobbin gets loaded from the top. The transparent cover of the bobbin system will enable you to check the bobbin thread supply.
The many accessories of this heavy duty sewing machine for leather include a buttonhole foot, zipper foot, all-purpose foot, spool pin felt, auxiliary spool pin, screwdriver, bobbin, needles, and button sewing foot.
Pros
- 110 stitch applications for basic and decorative sewing.
- 1,100 stitches per minute.
- The four-presser feet feature enhances capability.
- Heavy-duty metal frame makes the leather machine durable.
Cons
- The bobbing and thread might get jammed.
- Adjusting the speed might be an issue at times.
- There is no LCD screen.
SINGER Weaver Vintage Leather Sewing Machine (SM0240) Includes Accessory Kit
Colour: Green
Size: 6.7 x 13.4 x 11.8 inches
Material: Metal
Item Weight: 12.79 lbs.
Rating: 4.5
The SINGER Sewing Machine (SM0240), with 97 stitch applications and 27 stitches, is best to handle basic sewing, alterations, home projects, and more. The many stitch applications will enable you to get the correct stitch for any fabric. Stitch selection gets easy as the stitches are displayed on the front of the sewing machine.
The many free accessories included with this leather sewing machine include three pack needles, four bobbins, a hem guide for the presser foot, sewing foot, button, zipper foot, and buttonhole foot.
The stitch length can be adjusted and customized as per your specific stitching needs. Threading the needle is automatic, and this helps avoid eye strain. The sewing area is large, which makes sewing and quilting easy. The all-metal frame of the sewing machine ensures stability at any speed.
Pros
- 97 stitch applications.
- 24 stitch options that enable you to make enhancements and simple repairs.
- Durable all metal frame.
- 4-step buttonhole feature.
Cons
- The bobbin thread tends to get tangled.
- The Chinese leather sewing machine isn’t powerful with thicker fabric.
- The lighting isn’t adequate.
- The manual is a big letdown as most people don’t find it helpful.
Brother Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine Best Sewing Machine for Canvas and Leather (CS7000X)
Colour: White
Size: 16.26 x 6.65 x 12.21 inches
Material: Metal
Item Weight: 14.0 lbs.
Rating: 4.7
The Brother Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine (CS7000X) has many convenient features, making it an ideal choice for beginners and experienced sewers.
The unique features of this sewing machine include adjustable sewing speed control, quick set bobbin system, automatic needle threader, and LCD display. The leather stitching machine provides value by enabling you to sew and quilt.
The wide table can be detached, which is useful when doing big sewing and quilt projects. A hard protective case will keep the sewing machine safe during transportation. A walking foot attachment gets included with the device, saving you the trouble of ordering it separately.
Pros
- 70 built-in stitches.
- Automatic needle threader.
- Large workspace enables you to work on big quilt projects.
- The metal frame makes the leather sewing machine durable.
- The speed can be adjusted as per your specific needs. The machine sews up to 750 stitches per minute.
Cons
- The stitching needle might not last long.
- There is no automatic thread cutter.
- Even though there is an LED bulb, it doesn’t provide adequate lighting.
Tailoring SINGER Sewing Machine With Accessory Kit & Foot Pedal (MX60)
Colour: White
Size: 14.57 x 7.12 x 13.6 inches
Material: Metal
Item Weight: 11.82 lbs.
Rating: 4.5
The SINGER Sewing Machine (MX60) is easy to use and control. The manual leather sewing machine has six built-in stitches, which gets used for primary and decorative stitching. The heavy-duty frame makes the sewing machine durable.
The reverse lever feature will enable you to sew in reverse. The reverse stitch usually gets done at the beginning or end of the seam to prevent unravelling. The buttonholes get sewn in four easy steps.
Based on your thread and fabric selection, you can use the thread tension dial to adjust and set the tension of the stitch. The lightweight frame makes it easy to carry the sewing machine wherever you want.
Pros
- Front loading bobbin.
- 57 stitch applications.
- Full metal frame and LED lighting.
- Four-step buttonholes.
- Lightweight and portable.
Cons
- There is no speed control.
- The tension settings aren’t precise.
- It doesn’t include a manual.
Janome Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine Leather Equipment Saddle Sewing Machine (HD3000)
Colour: White
Size: 10 x 19 x 15 inches
Material: Metal
Item Weight: 18.7 lbs.
Rating: 4.6
The Janome Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine (HD3000) is a heavy-duty hand operated leather sewing machine built to last. The six different needle positions will enable you to stitch precisely what you want.
The aluminum frame is sturdy and lasts long. The free arm feature will enable you to sew quickly. There are over 18 built-in stitches, which you can use for different types of stitching.
There is very little noise when you stitch, enabling you to work efficiently. The height of the presser foot can be adjusted with a lever.
Pros
- Six needle positions for high stitch quality.
- Stitch balance adjustment will help you stitch precisely.
- Automatic needle threader.
- The presser foot pressure can get easily adjusted.
Cons
- The built-in lighting isn’t bright.
- Winding the bobbin might be difficult.
- The cord of the foot pedal is short.
Juki 1-Needle, Lockstitch, Handheld Portable Sewing Machine Leatherwork Sewing Machine (TL-2010Q)
Colour: White
Size: 25.7 x 14 x 18 inches
Material: Aluminum
Item Weight: 38.0 lbs.
Rating: 4.7
The Juki 1-Needle Portable Sewing Machine (TL-2010Q) is an industrial leather sewing machine built to last. The hand leather sewing machine has many advanced features, including a variable speed control slider and an industrial sub-tension system.
The hand crank leather sewing machine has a large work area (23 inches) with an attached auxiliary table. The large working area enables you to handle big sewing projects.
The high-performance leather stitching machine model has a single needle lockstitch, allowing you to sew unique straight stitches. The bobbin is placed on the left of the sewing machine, and the needle threads from left to right. It ensures even stitching at all times.
The industrial leather sewing machine has been designed to work on materials such as leather, plastic, velvet, satin, cotton, upholstery, fur, denim, suede, and knits.
The powerful sewing machine can achieve 1,500 stitches per minute. The sturdy structure of the machine makes it durable. Apart from sewing, the Juki TL-2010Q is also a good choice for quilt projects.
Pros
- Automatic thread trimmer.
- Knee lift lever.
- Automatic needle threader.
- Easy bobbin replacement.
- Presser foot pressure adjustment.
- Thread tension scale.
- Lightweight and portable.
Cons
- The bobbin winder makes noise.
- The LED light isn’t bright, which might cause discomfort when working in low light conditions.
- The sewing machine model is expensive.
JUKI Industrial Top and Bottom Feed Sewing Machine Harness Leather Sewing Machine (DU-1181N)
Colour: White
Size: 48 x 36 x 48 inches
Material: Metal
Item Weight: 250.0 lbs.
Rating: 4.1
The JUKI Industrial Top and Bottom Feed Sewing Machine (DU-1181N) is ideal for professionals. The heavy-duty shoe sewing machine and cobbler sewing machine do 2,000 stitches per minute. The speed adjustment dial lets you change the speed, which helps you get impressive results.
The industrial cobbler machine comes as a complete set with many accessories. The accessories include a table, sewing light, drawer, and stand. The patcher sewing machine will enable you to sew heavy materials easily.
The leather stitching machine has a large bobbin capacity. The bobbin will hold twice the thread that other sewing machines can hold, saving you the trouble of threading the needle at regular intervals.
Pros
- 2,000 stitches per minute.
- Speed adjustment dial on the motor.
- The stitch length is up to 9 mm.
Cons
- Extremely heavy.
- The manual is vague.
Janome Black Edition Sewing Machine Inexpensive Embossing Machine for Leather(HD1000)
Colour: Black
Size: 16 x 7.2 x 11.3 inches
Material: Plastic and Metal.
Item Weight: 23.7 lbs.
Rating: 4.4
The Janome Black Edition Sewing Machine (HD1000) is a heavy-duty leather sewing machine that enables you to do a wide range of stitching. The leather stitcher has a removable free arm. It is helpful for small sewing openings like hemming leather pants.
The elegant black colour body and sturdy construction make this leather stitcher stand out from its competitors. The heavy-duty aluminum frame makes the leather stitching machine durable.
A built-in needle threader and additional presser foot ensure the sewing is efficient. The informative reference chart on the sewing machine allows you to use the correct stitch and foot for all sewing projects.
The length and width of the sewing can be easily adjusted to 4mm and 6.5mm. The quilt kit adds excellent value to the Janome Black Edition sewing machine. You can do free-motion quilting with this machine.
The quilting and fashion accessories available with the heavy-duty sewing machine for leather include zigzag foot, open toe satin stitch foot, zipper foot, overcast foot, blind hem foot, rolled hem foot, automatic buttonhole foot, darning foot, two-needle packs, walking foot, and ultra-guide foot.
Pros
- Heavy-duty aluminum body.
- 18 stitches which include a four-step buttonhole.
- Removable free arm.
- Built-in needle threader.
- Bonus accessories include a hard case and quilting feet.
Cons
- The automatic needle threader might create issues at times.
- Threading the bobbin isn’t easy.
How to Choose a Leather Sewing Machine?
If you are working with leather material, you should know that a regular sewing machine will not be able to do the job. Thick leather material requires an industrial leather sewing machine, which does long stitches and works continuously without overheating.
Each leather sewing machine has been designed for different applications. When shopping for an industrial leather sewing machine, you should determine the type of sewing you intend to do with the machine. It will help you choose the suitable machine for your needs.
The different types of leather sewing machines include:
Flatbed Machine – A flatbed is the most common leather sewing machine used to sew wallets, belts, and leather clothes. A flatbed machine’s distinct advantage is that the sewn product gets laid on a flat surface, providing support for efficient sewing.
Cylinder Arm Machines – This sewing machine is an ideal choice for sewing hard-to-reach corners or areas of the leather products such as bags. The open space of the sewing arm machine makes it easy to turn the leather product in any direction and complete the sewing process.
Post-Bed Machines – These sewing machine types are also popularly known as shoe sewing machine or cobbler sewing machine as they get used to sewing shoes and other footwear. You will find a roller foot feature in this cobbler machine that helps sew intricate curves and shapes. It also helps sew the edges of the material.
There are several factors to consider when choosing a leather sewing machine.
- Types of Feed Mechanism
The leather sewing machine has different types of feeding mechanisms. The feed mechanism pulls the leather and feeds it to the machine when stitching. The different types of feed mechanisms include walking foot, compound foot, drop feed, regular feed, and needle feed.
The walking foot mechanism pulls the leather through the machine when the sewing process is done. It is a crucial feature you need to look for when buying an industrial leather sewing machine.
The walking foot has a unique design that provides an additional feed for the top of the leather product that is sewn. It makes leather manageable to sew, as leather is often heavy and slips easily. If the walking foot doesn’t hold the leather in place, it will slide, making it challenging to sew correctly.
In a compound feed, the presser feet push the leather material into the machine, and the needle moves back and forth to complete the sewing.
The compound walking foot sewing machine keeps downward pressure on the material, preventing shifting when sewing. This feature makes the compound walking foot machines the most popular leather sewing machine choice for beginners and professionals.
- Thread Type and Size
The thread that gets used in a hand leather sewing machine is different. The thread size for most leather products is 69 – 138. Some leather machines use thread sizes 207 – 277.
If you are using a heavy duty sewing machine for leather or industrial leather sewing machine, the thread size used is 415. If you are sewing leather products such as bags and wallets, the thread size is 69 or 92.
- Needle Size
Some leather sewing machines use regular size needles, whereas others use large-sized needles. The needle chosen will depend on the type of sewing application you intend to use.
The light and medium leather stitching machine use a needle size of 18 – 24. The heavy-duty sewing machines use a needle size of 27. You should choose a needle depending on the type of leather material used.
- Sewing Thickness
Some leather sewing machines have been designed to sew light and medium leather, whereas others have the potential to sew thick leather. Choosing a leather stitching machine would be best depending on the leather product you will constantly be working on.
- Extension Table
The extension table of the leather sewing machine you buy should be large enough to accommodate big sewing projects. If the extension is significant, you can sew the leather products efficiently.
- LED Screen
It is best to choose a hand operated leather sewing machine with a large LED screen. You might not see your sewing design pattern if the screen is too small. Apart from this, look for a leather stitching machine with editing and navigation features.
- Built-In Stitches
The number of built-in stitches is also an important feature you need to consider, as it will help you choose different types of stitches depending on the project. Most often, only straight stitches get used in leather products. Different stitch styles get applied when the leather material is thin or medium.
- Speed Control
When sewing leather products, you should be able to control the speed of the stitch. A variable speed motor with a speed reducer pulley is used in combination to control the speed of the stitch. Most often, the rate gets reduced to only one stitch per second.
Beginners prefer the speed control feature as they are yet to gain the experience of sewing quickly. Depending on your project and experience, you can choose a speed of 200 – 1500 stitches per minute.
Industrial sewing machines are fast, but you can control your sewing better when you slow them. A servo or clutch motor is the best way to slow down a sewing machine. Servo motors are ideal for domestic use.
A clutch motor often gets used on industrial sewing machines. When you reduce the speed of the leather sewing machine, you can pay attention to even small details you need to include in your project.
- Add-Ons and Special Features
A leather sewing machine with many unique and add-on features will be advantageous for beginners and professionals and will enable them to complete the sewing efficiently. They can try different stitching styles and patterns, making the leather products look special.
- Pressor Foot
The pressor foot is another essential feature you need to look for in a stitching machine. It holds the leather material flat when you are stitching. The presser foot should be placed high so you can sew even thick leather.
- Warranty
You should consider the warranty if you choose an industrial leather sewing machine. When a stitching machine is employed for commercial use, there is much wear and tear; a good warranty will help cover this aspect.
How Much Does a Leather Sewing Machine Cost?
The price of a leather sewing machine will vary depending on the features and the number of applications the machine gets used for when sewing. Depending on the leather machine you need, the cost will be a few hundred dollars to a thousand and above.
Do I Need a Special Sewing Machine for Leather?
If you want to sew leather, you will need an industrial leather sewing machine as it will help sew thick material too. Machines with solid motors and dedicated needles will help pierce leather and do any stitching you want.
What Size Needle Do I Need to Sew Leather?
The sewing needles used to sew leather are different from the normal ones. It is because leather is a thick material compared to cloth and other similar materials.
For most leather sewing projects, you can choose sizes 90/14 and 100/16. If you are sewing thick leather, you will need a needle size 110/18.
Conclusion
The leather sewing machine you choose should be a heavy-duty machine that can handle many leather materials and sewing types. Depending on your experience and sewing knowledge, you can select a leather machine for beginners or professionals. Our buyer’s guide will enable you to choose wisely.
