Sewing machine for medium to heavy leather?

I am a relatively new to sewing but want to sew some leather tool holders( a prototype for my brother.) I have a basic sewing machine ( Baby Lock Denium Pro) but if I wanted one that could do very heavy materials such as leather, where and what would I look for? I would like to purchase used but what should I look for in a machine that does heavy material and what would be a ballpark of a price I should expect to pay. I have read other posts about the type of needles, etc but I assume the job would be easiest with a commercial machine(if that is what you would call it.) I also want to repair horse blankets so it would get some use.

Reply to
slyee
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You'll need a proper leather sewing machine. Look on ebay - but NOT at the things touted as 'industrial strength'. Those are a scam: ordinary domestic machines written up as if they were capable of more, and with 'samples' I suspect are not made by the machine they are shown with. You need the sort of machine used for sewing luggage.

Remember that not all industrial machines will do this: most are built for speed piecing clothing, and you need something for heavy duty work. I have no idea what you will pay for it, having no interest in that type of machine, but ebay will give you an idea of what they go for.

Reply to
Kate Dicey

You maybe able to do the job with an older secondhand machine. I have a wonderful old Singer from the 1940's-1950's. It does plain stitch and that's it. But the big thing about it is it is strong. It happily sews through vynyl, multilayer canvas and I suspect, if I had any, leather. Since it is so heavy to move I hardly use it any more but when I have heavy duty materials to sew out it comes. Now way would I get rid of it even if my somewhat newer machine can do zigzag etc and is better with the lighter weight fabrics. Try secondhand shops, you may be able to get one or ask older relatives and friends who may have one if you can borrow.

Liz w

Reply to
Liz W

You can buy many tool belts for the cost of the machine to do the work your looking into. You will want a compound feed walking foot industrial machine, then there are considerations. They are designed for specific thickness of material. The least expensive and easiest to find will sew up to 3/8 inch with the proper needle. I suspect that should be adequate for the tool belts at least the ones I have seen, also good for the Horse blankets. You can look to spend from about $1250.00 up for a new machine like that probably $700.00-$1,000.00 for a good used one. Be wary of used ones, these are likely in a bad state if repair. Usually these are held onto until they are costing more money to keep them up than they are worth.

Reply to
Ron Anderson

Look for a Singer 31 15 or a 115. I use both to sew leather up to and including belt leather. Stay away ---- Far Far away from anyone on E-Bay who is selling Semi Industrial or Industrial Strength machines. They are just ordinary machines with this label. A good 31 15 or 115 will get you through leather of a moderate thickness. My 115 was used for putting the double soles on moose hide moccasins....a fairly soft leather, but I have also applied crepe soles with it too. The Singer

31 15 IS an industrial machine----older and often found in a treadle base. I got mine for $75.00 with a roller foot in a motorized treadle base. It has done everything from regalia out of deer hides to fixing the halters/reins and racing tack for a friends horses. I can use both the treadle OR the industrial motor as they are both there. There are several other incarnations of the 31 series, most are small industrials. Try looking at closing repair shops or upholsters often they will have something in the back room for sale. Also shoe repair places, or small clothing manufacturers that are going out of business. Check the Free cycle ads, on line classifieds in your area etc. Get talking to the tailors and alterations people in you town....that is how I got mine. Here is a link to the various 31's.
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Reply to
Hanna's Mum

Where do you get the best deals on leather? Locally or on-line? This is just something I want to play with so for under a few hundred or less, I would be very happy. Thanks for the help.

Reply to
slyee

I can't buy leather locally in any quantity, other than the little swatches that come with craft kits.

Just Leather and Brettun's Village offer good prices and free shipping.

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you're not sure exactly what to ask for, scan through the customer project gallery and/or links until you find something similar to what you're trying to make. Both vendors are very good about answering e-mails and if you send them a link to photo or page, they'll be able to tell you what type, temper and weight you'll need for your project. Kathleen

Reply to
Kathleen

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