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- Best Overall
- Singer Heavy Duty 4452 Sewing Machine
- 110 stitch applications
- Designed with drop feed
- 1-step buttonhole
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- Premium Choice
- Brother CS6000i Sewing and Quilting Machine
- LCD display
- Complete accessories
- Easy to learn and use
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- Great Value
- Singer CG590 Sewing Machine
- Commercial grade machine
- Heavy duty metal frame
- Self adjusting tension
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Sewing garments, household items, crafts, and home decor is only as fun as whether your sewing machine can handle the rigorous job of punching needles through thick and heavy fabrics such as leather.
But oftentimes, a regular sewing machine can’t do the job quite right. What you need is something a bit more heavy duty and high performing, and definitely one that is more durable and reliable so your needles, threads, or the machine itself won’t break as you sew.
To help you out, check out these best leather sewing machines that we’ve found, all of which are sure to meet and exceed your expectations. We even added a brief and informative buying guide at the end to help you make the right decision on which machine is best for you.
Our favorite leather sewing machine
Take a look at our ten best picks for leather sewing machines that guarantee heavy duty and long lasting performance when it comes to sewing thick and heavy fabrics. We’ve got plenty of options for you to choose from, and we also listed down our favorite features from each one for your browsing convenience.
Singer Heavy Duty 4452 Sewing Machine
Our best recommendation for you when it comes to sewing machines for leather is the Singer heavy duty 4452 sewing machine, a true powerhouse packed with an array of exciting features that are sure to make your sewing experience fun and exciting.
Among these are 32 built-in stitches for all types of crafts and sewing projects, a maximum sewing speed of 1,100 stitches per minute to let you finish projects fast, an automatic needle threader so you never have to worry about threading needles, and so much more.
Of course, it also boasts of a 60% stronger motor which is what makes it so perfect for sewing heavyweight fabrics and other materials such as leather, denim, and so on. All in all, it’s a superior sewing machine that you’ll definitely fall in love with.
- Equipped with 110 stitch applications
- Designed with drop feed and top drop-in bobbin
- With 7 presser feet and 1-step buttonhole
- Made with stainless steel and metal
- Complete accessories set included
- Comes with warranty (US)
Brother CS6000i Sewing and Quilting Machine
Alternatively, you might want to go with Brother’s sewing and quilting machine, which is a strong competitor if you’re looking for a great sewing machine for heavyweight fabrics such as leather, especially one that has a wide table that allows for larger projects.
It features 60 uniquely different built-in stitches including seven auto-sized buttonholes and a number of decorative stitches. It also makes use of an automatic needle threader for your ease and convenience, and even has a top drop-in bobbin for a jam free threading.
What’s more is that it’s designed with a sleek two inch LCD screen that easily allows you to select your stitches, control other machine functions, and view your selections, so you can take away the guesswork as you work on your projects.
- Wide work table and LCD display
- Complete accessories set included
- Comes with a 25 year limited warranty
- Easy to learn and use
- Versatile sewing machine
- Great option for beginners
Singer CG590 Commercial Grade Sewing Machine
In third place is the Singer CG590, a commercial grade sewing machine that looks and works like a true professional, producing high quality stitches in a fraction of the time with its maximum sewing speed of 1,100 stitches per minute.
It may not be as versatile as the first two machines on this list with only 18 built-in stitches, but it’s definitely built to perform, especially with its four-step buttonhole and a free arm capability that lets you easily work on hard to sew garments such as cuffs and pant legs.
Plus, it makes use of a drop feed system to make special sewing works such as old fashioned darning and free motion quilting a fun and easy task. It also comes with an electronic foot control with a regulating dial, making it perfect for the demands of a professional sewist.
- Commercial grade machine with powerful motor
- Made with stainless steel (for the bedplate)
- Heavy duty metal frame
- Comes with an exclusive electronic foot control
- Features self adjusting tension
Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 Computerized Sewing Machine
Another excellent option by Singer is their quantum stylist 9960 computerized portable sewing machine, one of the smaller yet more versatile machines that Singer has in store for you, which is perfect if you want something more in line with customizing projects.
Among its wide variety of easy to use features include an astounding 600 stitches and a great selection of fonts to allow you full customizability for working on your garments, quilts, crafts, and home decor.
It’s also equipped with 13 built-in buttonholes, an exclusive buttonhole underplate, an automatic needle threader, mirror imaging, stitch elongation, an auto-pilot mode, a wide extension table, and all the accessories you could ever ask for.
- Comes with 13 presser feet
- Comes with extension table
- Complete accessories set included
- Portable and versatile
- Easy to learn and use
Juki DDL-5550 Industrial Straight Stitch Sewing Machine
If you want to try a different brand, but one that’s also reliable and trustworthy, we highly suggest Juki’s DDL-5550 straight stitch sewing machine, a no-frills industrial grade manual leather sewing machine with by far the fastest sewing speed at 5,500 stitches per minute.
This is made possible with its heavy duty industrial clutch motor that’s also what makes the machine perfect for sewing heavyweight fabrics like denim and leather. It can even accommodate a variety of needle sizes depending on your needs.
Moreover, it’s also engineered for reduced vibration to ensure a smoother, quieter, and more comfortable operation. You can get this a complete unit that comes with a machine head and motor, table and stand, sewing light, drawer, and a pack of accessories.
- Industrial grade sewing machine
- Single needle straight stitch capability
- Makes use of a servo clutch motor
- Can be used for free motion quilting
- Suitable for hobbyists and professionals
Brother ST371HD Strong & Tough Sewing Machine
Our second pick by Brother is the ST371HD strong and tough sewing machine, an intimidating looking device that is durable, reliable, and made to last. With its metal needle plate, heavy weight needles, and an assortment of exciting features, this one certainly packs a punch.
It’s specifically designed for heavy duty sewing tasks in mind, so you don’t have to worry about crafting leatherworks, mending thick and heavy outdoor fabrics, or even working on delicate silks and the like.
It even features 37 built-in utility and decorative stitches that allow you to work on everything from hems, stretch stitches, zippers, buttonholes, and more. It also boasts of a drop feed feature that lets you do some free motion sewing, and comes with a built-in needle threader.
- Guaranteed quality and efficient leather stitching
- Designed with a top drop-in bobbin
- Complete accessories set included
- Comes with six sewing feet including a walking foot
- Comes with a 25 year limited warranty
Janome Industrial-Grade HD1000 Sewing Machine
Further down this list is one more industrial grade sewing machine in the form of the Janome HD1000- black edition. By the looks alone, it screams power and performance, and that’s exactly what you’re bound to get with all the features this machine comes with.
Among these are 14 different built-in stitches and a four-step buttonhole for versatility and efficiency, an automatic needle threader for your convenience, a front loading bobbin system, and a capability for adjusting the stitching length and width.
It’s also designed with free motion sewing in mind with its drop feed featuring three piece feed dogs, and it’s equipped with a free arm to let you work on sleeves and cuffs seamlessly. And with an aluminum interior and exterior frame, it’s definitely built to last for a long time.
- Heavy duty industrial grade machine
- Designed with drop feed and free arm
- Suitable for quilting and free motion sewing
- Front-loading vertical-oscillating hook bobbin
- Complete accessories set included
Singer Tradition 2277 Sewing Machine
Yet another one by Singer is the tradition 2277 sewing machine, a small and portable sewing machine that’s easy to use and perfect for beginners and hobbyists. You can get this in 23 stitches to enjoy 97 stitch applications, although a 19 stitch option is also available.
Its main feature is an automatic embroidery needle that is a definite time saver and a fun tool to have, and it also boasts of an adjustable stitch length and width to ensure strong seams without bunching fabric.
Moreover, there’s also the fully automatic one-step buttonhole that’s fast and easy to use and guarantees professional results. Plus, this machine is built with a heavy duty metal frame to guarantee performance and durability.
- Free arm with on board storage
- Comes with a 90 day to 25 year warranty
- Small and portable machine
- Easy to use and learn
- Great option for beginners
Singer 7258 100-Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine
From Singer again is the 7258 computerized sewing machine, a more conservative version of the Singer quantum stylist 9960. You can get this either with a programmable needle, an accessory kit with storage, or a machine tote.
What’s really exciting about this is that it features 100 stitches with which you can choose from at just the touch of a button. It’s even got optimum stitch settings for length, width, and tension, and all of these are fully customizable.
- Equipped with an LCD display and LED light
- Auto tie-off function for straight stitching
- Adjustable stitch length and width
- Can be purchased with an accessory kit
- Comes with a 25 year warranty
Fisters Cobbler Shoe Repair Hand Sewing Machine
Finally, if you’re really committed to working with leather especially when it comes to footwear, you might also want to consider the Fister cobbler shoe repair hand sewing machine. It’s a specialized hand crank leather sewing machine that’s suitable for a wide variety of applications.
These include working with fabrics and materials such as leather, rubber, and cloth, as well as shoes and other items such as sneakers, high heels, bags, raincoats, trousers, and other garments.
It works perfectly with nylon and cotton wire, and is sure to last you a long time. It may be a tad intimidating especially with the long legs and the unique arm, but these are exactly what lets you work on places you simply can’t with a regular sewing machine, so it’s a great deal.
- Specialized shoe repair machine
- Can be used with standard needles
- Wear resistant full metal construction
- Easy to install and assemble
- Convenient and user friendly
Leather sewing machine buying guide
In need of a specialized leather sewing machine but not quite sure how to go about choosing the right one for your needs and requirements? Don’t worry, we are here to help. We’ve listed down below the most important considerations that you should take into account before deciding on a sewing machine for leather.
We will be talking about the two main types of leather sewing machines, their differences, and which one is better for you depending on your needs, as well as a couple of other important factors to consider.
Domestic vs industrial sewing machine for leather
First of all, you need to be clear on whether you need a typical sewing machine for home use- one that’s a little more heavy duty and is suitable for using with heavy fabrics like leather, or you would benefit better from an industrial grade option.
This will affect a lot of things, such as how much the machine will cost, how versatile it can be or how many features you can enjoy from it, and most importantly, how durable and efficient the machine is when it comes to leatherwork.
The most common differences between a domestic and industrial sewing machine for leather include the number of stitches they have, wherein industrial machines feature a much lesser number of stitches, yet a much more efficient and professional performance.
Using a standard sewing machine to sew leather
If you are thinking about using your existing sewing machine to sew leather items, the good news is that it’s definitely possible. You can do it without any sort of modifications, but be prepared for a really slow work pace and an unpolished finished product.
Of course, you can easily make a few changes to your good old sewing machine so that it can better handle leatherwork, such as switching to special leather point needles that punch holes to the leather in order for the thread to pass through.
That said, there are newer models of regular sewing machines that already come with leather specific stitching functions, so you don’t have to worry about changing from one mode to another each time you need to work with leather.
How often will you work with leather?
Now, you need to figure out how often you will most likely be working with leather and other heavy fabrics, since this will largely determine what type and grade of sewing machine you will need.
If you work on leather only occasionally, you’ll benefit better from a typical sewing machine with heavy duty capabilities, but if you have a more in demand work, then an exclusive leather machine is what you should consider investing in.
After all, there is a wide difference in terms of price range for home use and commercial grade leather sewing machines, and buying an industrial machine when you don’t really need it is just burning through your savings for no good reason.
Leather sewing machine needles
As we mentioned earlier, one of the most important things to remember when it comes to sewing leather is that you will need special leather point needles, since ordinary ones are too fragile and don’t have the same capacity as special leather needles have.
That said, there are still many different types of leather needles, such as R point Groz-Beckert needles which are great for a variety of leathers and other fabric types, and the cutting point needle, which is better suited for thicker pieces of leather.
In relation to the needles are the threads that you should use. In this case, never use regular cotton threads to sew leather as this simply won’t work. Either the thread will break or get eroded after time. Instead, only use nylon and polyester, especially heavier threads.
Budget
If we are being honest, perhaps the main thing you’re really worried about is just how much a sewing machine for leather will cost you. This is also why it’s really important to know which type of leather sewing machine you need.
To give you an idea, these machines can cost anywhere from a hundred to upwards of a thousand dollars depending on brand, type, capabilities, and features. For example, a simple shoe cobbler can be as cheap as $100, while a commercial grade machine can go for as high as $1500.
Again, if you won’t be working with leather as much, a good and inexpensive option that’s also versatile is a heavy duty sewing machine for home use. These are convenient, user friendly, and customizable sewing machines that will give you a wide range of applications.
Warranty
As with any large purchase, you also need to take into account the product warranty, since this is what protects you from letting your investment go to waste in case the sewing machine you purchase malfunctions or doesn’t live up to its promise.
A good practice here is to buy directly from the product manufacturer or from a certified distributor to make sure that whatever warranty the product comes with will stand. Moreover, don’t just go with anything that promises a 25 year warranty or the like- oftentimes, this is just for parts that are pretty much unbreakable, such as an all metal frame.
Rather, make sure that you have good coverage for the more delicate and prone to wearing parts and components both inside and outside the machine, such as the motor, needle threader, display screen, and so on.
Final tips
When it comes to sewing with leather, there are many glaring differences as compared to when sewing other types of textiles. For example, leather is thick and stubborn and sticks to the presser foot. It also requires slow stitching with longer stitches using thicker threads. And, the same goes for faux leather.
This is why buying a dedicated leather sewing machine is often the go to solution of many sewists, crafters, and cobblers. As long as you know the right things to look out for when buying a sewing machine for leather, you’re sure to find the best option that meets your needs.
Consequently, you should also be mindful of the correct practices when working with leather, such as taking into account the thread tension, accounting for any irregularities on the material, using the right threads, needles, and markers, and going about ironing leather the right way.
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