- A walking foot
- Accommodate heavy-duty synthetic threads
- Variable speed control
- A presser foot with a high up position
- Adjustable stitch width and length
- Beginners should look out for a machine with drop-in bobbin
- A built-in tape measure on the working area is ideal
- An automatic threader and thread cutter is ideal
- A strong and heavy frame to handle the strain of sewing leahter
Let's take a look at a few things that a good leather sewing machine should have.
Why Can't I Just Sew Leather with a Regular Sewing Machine?
A regular machine may be capable of handling faux leather but not tough leather fabrics. While you may sew faux leather with a consumer machine, making some items like saddles, belts, and purses may require a specialty leather sewing machine.
You should also consider getting a specialty machine if you want to make commercial products.
Why Do I Need a Leather Sewing Machine?
You need to ask yourself this question before venturing out to spend money on a machine. It is essential that you know why you want that machine because it will help you spend your money wisely. Beginners and hobbyists may find a good machine for around $150 while those looking to sew leather goods commercially can expert to spend upwards of $500 for a semi-descent machine or $1,000+ for a good machine.
The most serious sewers that want to turn their hobby into a business should consider purchasing a suitable industrial machine.
Some Considerations
1. There's no One-Size Fits All Machines: You can't get a single machine that does everything your project requires. For instance, some machines are more suitable to working with thick leather than thin leather and vice versa. Your projects may require a combination of thick and thin leather fabrics, in which case you need two machines. One for punching through thick leather and the other for working with the more delicately thin materials.
You could get a machine that is versatile but the best machines are the ones that are designed to work with a specific type of leather. In the end, the choice to get multiple machines or a single machine depends entirely on what you'll be working on and your budget.
2. What is Your Budget: Like anything else under the sun, leather sewing machines are available in different price ranges. People with smaller budgets may want to focus on one type of leather craft and expand as money starts coming in.
A low-budget leather sewing machine may be good for small hobby-businesses, but those wanting to go into serious mass production will have to consider an industrial leather sewing machine. And industrial machines do not come cheap.
What are the Best Leather Sewing Machines?
The best leather sewing machine is the one that helps you accomplish your projects in an efficient manner. They are durable and preferably heavy. This is important when you have to work with thick leather materials like those used to make saddles. The Sewbroidery website features reviews looking at the best leather sewing machines but they seem to only feature consumer machines that can only handle think leather. Read around, watch YouTube videos and check the leather craft sections of communities like those on Reddit.
