Best Leather Sewing Machines: Top 10 for 2023

This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.

Are you looking for the best leather sewing machine to add to your arsenal? With so many options available, it can be difficult to know which one will suit your needs. Whether you’re an experienced sewer or a beginner just starting out with leather crafting, having the right machine is essential for producing quality work.

In this article, we list our top 10 picks of 2023 and discuss what features you should look out for when buying a leather sewing machine.

So get ready as we dive into finding the perfect fit for your creative endeavor!

Top 10 Best Leather Sewing Machines

As an experienced leatherworker, you understand the importance of investing in the right tools for your craft. The best leather sewing machines allow you to easily bind edges, seam pieces, and complete durable repairs on leather goods, ranging from garments to furniture.

From heavy-duty Singers to industrial Jukis, top choices like the Janome HD3000 and Rex Walking Foot model can make quick work of thick hides using the proper needles, threads, adhesives, and accessories.

1. Singer Heavy Duty Sewing Machine Stitch Applications Beginners

View On Amazon
Mate, this workhorse can chew through leather like a buffalo grazing on prairie grass, yet its user-friendly design makes it smooth sailing for sewing newbies to take the wheel. With 23 stitches, strong metal construction, and a 25-year warranty, this machine is built to last.

The automatic needle threader saves your fingers, and its 1,100 stitches-per-minute speed leaves other machines in the dust.

While some users report tension troubles, adjusting the presser foot pressure and feed dogs optimizes performance.

2. Janome Heavy Duty Sewing Machine Stitches Hard Case

View On Amazon
You’ll appreciate the Janome HD3000’s sturdy construction and its ability to handle heavy fabrics like denim and leather for your sewing projects. The machine’s quality metal housing withstands heavy use, providing durability. It offers eight simple stitches that provide versatility for home décor, garments, and crafts.

With a manual threader and winder, you have control over the process. You can adjust the presser foot pressure and stitch length to find the sweet spot for leather thickness. This Janome sewing machine offers the power to punch through fabric layers with its 1.

0 amp motor. Whether you’re a quilter stitching intricate patterns or a garment maker finesse delicate fabrics, this machine can tackle rugged materials without hesitation.

3. Juki Lock Stitch Sewing Machine Heavy Material

View On Amazon
Your dreams of heavy leather and canvas sewing projects will be effortlessly achieved with Juki’s discontinued yet still coveted DDL-8700H lockstitch machine.

Peering through his workshop window, a lonely bowtie maker envisioned shirts and ties dancing in the wind as he imagined the masterpieces he could craft if only he had this discontinued darling.

Hands down, this single-needle workhorse, built like a tank, seamlessly stitches canvas, denim, and the thickest hides with its 25mm long stitches at up to 4,000 RPM.

The auto-oiling hooked bobbin and integrated thread stand epitomize smart design and trouble-free sewing.

4. Brother Sewing Machine ST371HD 37 Stitches 6 Feet Free Arm

View On Amazon
After Juki’s heavy-duty lockstitch machine, try this versatile Brother sewing machine for general sewing, hemming, and quilting. As an experienced sewer and leather crafter, I can appreciate the ST371HD’s sturdy metal construction and 37 built-in stitches for handling thick fabrics like denim and leather.

The automatic needle threader saves time, while the drop-in bobbin and multiple presser feet add convenience. Customers praise this Brother model’s reliability, ease of use, and smooth stitching. It’s a quality mid-range machine suitable for novices yet satisfying for more advanced sewing needs.

The heavy-duty motor powers through layered and heavy materials without hesitation.

While occasional maintenance is required, handy features like free arm sewing make garment construction a breeze. This Brother machine hits that sweet spot between budget options and expensive high-end tools.

5. Portable Walking Foot Sewing Machine Rex

View On Amazon
Considering your sewing needs for heavy materials like denim and canvas, the Portable Walking Foot Sewing Machine Rex, made of sturdy cast iron metal, has proven its capability to handle challenging projects with positive customer reviews highlighting its performance on thick upholstery materials and its ability to tackle materials that other walking foot machines struggle with.

The Rex’s full cast iron construction provides the durability and power needed for heavy-duty sewing jobs. Customers praise how it sews multiple upholstery layers and two layers of velvet with ease.

This portable machine ships with a sewn leather sample, demonstrating the Rex’s prowess for leatherwork straight out of the box. With proper technique, you’ll find it excelling at canvas, denim, and other heavy fabrics too.

This vintage-style Rex does have some downsides. The plastic foot pedal has quality issues, while speed control takes practice. But for those seeking a heavy-duty workhorse, the Portable Walking Foot Sewing Machine Rex empowers your creativity.

6. Schmetz Leather Sewing Machine Needles Size 100/16

View On Amazon
You’d be wise to purchase a 25-pack of German-made leather needles for all domestic sewing machines, giving 5 cards with 5 needles each for long-lasting sharpened durability. These Schmetz Size 100/16 needles are designed specifically for leather with their sharp cutting points and sturdy 130/705 H LL system.

Sliding smoothly through thick hides, they create clean, attractive seams while standing up to heavy use. Five needle cards provide bulk savings and a constant supply for all your leather projects. Compatible with most household brands, these needles bring quality stitchwork to Singer, Brother, Janome, and more.

While size specifics are lacking, the needles prove high-grade, delivering the even, durable stitches leatherwork demands. Any crafter would value these reliable, precision tools that bring masterful results with leather’s challenges.

7. Coats and Clark Dual Duty XP Heavy Thread Black 3 Spools

View On Amazon
Get strong, durable threads for your heavy-duty sewing projects with this pack of 3 black spools from Coats & Clark. Made of high-quality polyester, this heavyweight thread is ideal for upholstery, denim, canvas, leather, and more.

The dual-trap system provides secure storage for this lint- and snag-free thread that’s designed to hold up to the demands of hand and machine sewing.

Suitable for quilting, blanket-stitching, and rag rugs, these versatile spools deliver reliable performance and long-lasting seams.

8. Copydex Glue Bottle

View On Amazon
You absolutely gotta have this Copydex Glue Bottle for any leather project. It’s super strong and flexible bonds will amazingly repair or create any leather item you can imagine!

As an experienced leather crafter, this glue is my secret weapon for flawlessly constructing and mending leather goods of all kinds. With just a squeeze, it creates the strongest bonds to hold layered leather together or patch holes and tears while remaining flexible.

I’ve used it on everything from leather jackets, boots, purses, belts to even upholstery repairs. Once it dries, the bond is so tough, I haven’t had any of my leather projects come apart yet.

The handy bottle makes precision gluing a breeze. Just be warned, the built-in brush may clog when exposed to air between uses.

9. Fiebings Leathercraft Cement Leather Glue

View On Amazon
Fiebing’s Leathercraft Cement is ideal for bonding leather and other materials with its super-strong, permanent adhesion and quick-drying, clear finish. As an experienced leatherworker, I can attest that this glue provides reliable performance for crafts and repairs.

On leather surfaces roughed-up for maximum adhesion, Leathercraft Cement delivers flexible and long-lasting seams. Its fast drying time allows me to move quickly from gluing to the next steps of my projects.

For exotic leathers or smooth finishes, I sand surfaces to ensure proper bonding. While any contact cement requires careful application, Fiebing’s quality and strong tack make it my go-to for leather bags, shoes, jackets, and more.

10. Leather Press Edge Roller and Smoother

View On Amazon
The versatile Leather Press Edge Roller and Smoother’s sturdy construction smooths fabric edges while its comfortable wooden handle lets you customize your grip. This roller effortlessly glides along leather edges for clean folds without unintentional creasing.

Laying symmetrical adhesive lines becomes intuitive with the roller’s sturdy wheel and smooth rolling action. Quilters rejoice in its ability to maintain fabric shape as you stitch. With some conditioning oil on the wheel, you’ll find it glides across leather and fabric alike.

Sturdy yet lightweight at just 9 ounces, your forearm stays fresh during long crafting sessions. While one side appears a bit rough, the TIHOOD roller’s solid construction provides the heavy-duty performance expected from quality leatherworking tools.

What is the Best Leather Sewing Machine?

That durable Janome HD3000 handles thick fabrics easily! With its powerful motor, all-metal interior, and superior stitch quality, it’s a workhorse for leather.

Caring for leather takes patience. But the right heavy-duty machine empowers your creative vision in leathercraft to shine through.

What Do I Need to Sew Leather?

You’ll need a heavy-duty needle suited for leather and tough thread, like bonded nylon, to prevent needle breakage and skipped stitches when sewing thicker hides on a machine.

Proper tools are key for quality leatherwork. Consider the leather thickness and choose an appropriate needle size and thread. Adjust stitch length longer than normal. Prepare leather edges with an edge beveler first.

Use binder clips instead of pins. Walking foot attachments can help feed leather smoothly.

With care and the right gear, your machine can handle leatherwork with ease.

Tool	Purpose
Leather needles	Prevent needle breakage
Bonded nylon thread	High strength for leather
Walking foot	Helps feed thicker leather
Edge beveler	Prepares leather edges for sewing
Binder clips	Holds leather pieces without holes
Stitch length	Adjust longer for cleaner look
Leather scraps	Test settings before starting project

You’ll need the right needles, thread, attachments, and techniques to successfully sew leather on a standard machine. Investing in specialty leathersmithing tools helps ensure quality results on your projects.

With practice and patience, your home sewing machine can become an essential tool for custom leather goods.

Can You Use a Regular Sewing Machine for Leather?

Make leather crafts affordable by using your regular sewing machine to get started. Many standard sewing machines can handle basic leather projects with the right accessories.

• Use the correct needle – choose a sharp leather needle to pierce the material cleanly.
• Adjust tension settings – increase the tension slightly to account for leather’s thickness.
• Use a Teflon foot – prevents sticking for smooth sewing.
• Go slowly – work the leather through the machine methodically.
• Use longer stitches – 3-4mm stitch length prevents puckering.

With some adjustments and the right accessories, a regular sewing machine opens up leathercraft to beginners affordably. Experiment with scrap material to get the settings right before starting your project.

What Type of Sewing Machine Do I Need to Sew Leather?

Choosing a heavyweight industrial sewing machine, like the 74.8-pound discontinued Juki capable of 4,000 stitches per minute, will help you effortlessly sew through thick leather.

Look for machines with a powerful motor and sturdy metal frame to handle leather’s thickness.

Select the right needle, like a sharp leather needle, and high-quality thread to prevent skipped stitches.

Adjust the tension so the stitches don’t pucker.

Lengthen the stitch size for a cleaner look on leather’s surface.

Go slow and steady as you sew to ensure straight seams.

Invest in a walking foot, Teflon foot, or roller foot attachment.

Proper tools and techniques make sewing leather manageable.

With the right heavy-duty machine, you can create durable and stylish leather goods.

What to Look for When Buying a Leather Sewing Machine

When purchasing a leather sewing machine, prioritize a robust motor, heavy-duty construction, and specialized accessories.

Consider stitch quality – Clean, even stitches are important for professional results.

Research brand reputation – Established brands often have better quality control.

Determine your price range – Prices vary widely based on features.

Read user reviews – Learn from other buyers’ experiences.

A machine built for leatherwork will have the power, durability, and right components to handle thick hides. Investing in the proper equipment will give you professional-looking results on leather projects.

How to Sew Leather

You’re selecting the proper needle and thread before adjusting the tension and stitch length on your machine.

Test on scraps first to check tension. Make any needed adjustments before sewing your project.

Work slowly and deliberately as leather can be tricky. With the right preparation and sewing machine, you’ll achieve professional results on your leathercraft projects.

Take your time, follow key techniques, and your leather pieces will turn out beautifully stitched.

How Do I Choose the Best Sewing Machines for Leather?

Choosing a sewing machine that can handle leather requires evaluating power and motor strength, foot controls and comfort, and presser foot compatibility. You’ll want to ensure your machine has a sufficiently powerful motor to sew through thick leather materials and that the foot control and platform provide extended-use comfort for intensive projects.

Different presser foot types like walking feet, Teflon-coated feet, and roller feet are essential accessories for quality leather stitching.

Power and Motor Strength

Your mighty machine’s powerful motor must muscle through miles of tough hides. Seek substantial stopping power from robust rotary motors rated to routinely tackle the rugged materials that challenge viral machines.

Judge potential models not by the decibels they deliver, but by the depth their durable drives can drill into dense and durable fabrics. Let leather slide smoothly under the mechanical might of your mini manufacturing marvel.

Match materials and motors for mastery over your medium and materials. Just as wool is to scissors, leather is to sewing machines; make sure your metal mate is up for the challenge.

Foot Controls and Comfort

Foot controls on heavy-duty leather machines make extended sewing sessions comfortable.

1. Large, easy-to-use foot control pedal platforms.
2. Adjustable speed settings for precision control.
3. Comfortable, non-slip pedal surfaces.
4. Sturdy construction that can handle repeated pressing.

Larger foot platforms provide you space for your whole foot, reducing leg and foot fatigue. Adjustable speed and high-quality construction let you focus on your leatherworking, not fiddly foot controls.

Presser Foot Types

Rollin’ down the leather road, a Walkin’ Foot keeps your fabric neatly tucked while a Teflon Foot glides smoothly across the surface.

A Walking Foot prevents layers from shifting, ensuring uniform stitch length. The Teflon Foot is nonstick, so it glides smoothly over leather without sticking. An Open Toe Foot gives you visibility on each stitch. For heavyweight leather, a Roller Foot prevents it from getting stuck.

Choosing presser foot types for leather depends on your project and sewing machine.