Sewing leather can be a challenging task. You need a machine that can deliver strength and precision to handle your leathercraft. You have to keep in mind that it is very different from sewing fabric, and a standard sewing machine will be no match against the thick and tough leather. Whether you are into making bags, belts, wallets, leather upholstery, and other leathercraft, you need a machine that is designed for leather and tough materials. Consider your sewing machine as an investment as it will be your trusty partner in your craft. Here, we’ll share some helpful tips on how to make a good investment by choosing the right sewing machine for your leathercraft.
Map Out Your Requirements
To make a definitive bullet list of the sewing machine specifications, you must first know what you need from the machine. You have to know what materials you will be working with, how thick is the leather you will be sewing, what kind of projects you will be working with, and other stuff related to the work you will do using your sewing machine. Once you know the answers to these questions, you can create specifications that work best for you and choose from among the best leather sewing machines that are available in the market. There are various resources, reviews, and guides that are available on the internet that can help you decide which machine meets your requirements and needs best.
Determine if It’s for Domestic or Industrial Use
Another influencing factor for your purchase decision when it comes to a leather sewing machine is its intended purpose. If you are starting a hobby or occasionally receiving orders for leathercrafts, you can choose a machine that is designed for domestic use. It can handle thin and medium thickness of leather and can produce a few finished products within a day. If you are in the business of leathercraft, it is recommended that you go for an industrial sewing machine to handle thick and heavy-duty leather and long operating hours to produce many finished products.
Consider the Durability of the Machine
As mentioned earlier, your sewing machine purchase is a significant investment, which is why you need to select a machine that can work with you as long as possible. Choose high-quality machine models or a machine that is made of durable materials such as metal. Your top priorities are the needle durability, the leather foot set versatility and the adequacy of the motor strength. Your projects may change from time to time and it is cost-efficient to have a single machine handle your various projects. Also, you can save money from regularly changing machine parts or replacing the entire machine in just a short time. A strong and durable machine can last for decades if operated within its specifications and maintained regularly.
Check the Machine Dimension and Assembly Requirements
Your workspace will also have to be considered when choosing your sewing machine. Ideally, your workspace should have plenty of breathing room where you can freely move and operate the machine and the leather pieces. Your machine dimension consideration should also include the table and chair sizes in proportion to the workspace area. If you have a workspace with a limited area, you can choose a compact sewing machine that can fit a small work table.
Most sewing machines come in a completely assembled package, but there are sewing machines that need assembling. Depending on your proficiency level and your familiarity with the machine parts, you can opt for the disassembled option to get the satisfaction of building your machine or simply go for the readily assembled option for convenience. What’s important is you can get to test the various functionalities of the machine and check for malfunctions and defects.
Working with leather takes a harmonious balance of strength and precision. You will need a tough needle to work efficiently with thick and tough leather and a delicate walking foot that doesn’t damage the leather and helps perform even the most intricate stitches. Being able to create high-quality leathercraft is what every serious leatherworker, businessperson, or hobbyist is aiming for, and having a machine that can deliver your sewing needs can help you achieve it.