Did you know you can use your regular sewing machine to sew leather? You don’t have to buy a new leather sewing machine if you want to start making some leather projects. Whether you have a heavy-duty industrial sewing machine or a regular sewing machine, you can make leather projects with ease. This article helps you learn the tips on how to sew leather with a machine.
How to sew leather with a regular sewing machine
To sew leather on a regular sewing machine, you need to get it ready to accommodate the tough texture of leather. You also need some tools to help with the thickness of the leather.
Some of the accessories you need to help you sew with leather include; leather needles, heavy-duty thread, non-stick presser foot, binders’ clip, tape, cutting tools.
A regular machine will also need you to use thinner and a bit stretchy leather. This way you will not be straining the machine while stitching.
Learn how to sew leather with a machine using these 8 tips
Machine sewing leather tips
1. Set the tension to the highest level.
Depending on the machine you have, you might find that you will need to adjust the tension to the maximum.
First, however, play around with it, testing on scrap leather until you get a perfect tension.
2. Adjust the stitch length.
Use a larger stitch length of 3.5mm to 4mm. use of regular stitch length can tear up the leather because each stitch leaves a permanent hole.
When stitches are very close to each other, the leather can be perforated.
3. Get the right leather needle.
When sewing with a regular machine, you need to change the sewing needle. However, there are specific needles used to sew leather that can be found at any sewing or craft store.
They have a spear-like edge that is used to pierce through the leather. These needles are of different sizes and used depending on the thickness of your leather.
4. Use quality thread.
Leather is quite a tough material and hence you might need to use stronger thread. Polyester or nylon threads are recommended for sewing leather because they are strong.
Don’t use cotton thread because the tannins in leather will disintegrate cotton over time.
4. Replace your presser foot.
Normal presser foot sticks on leather and prevents it from feeding in the machine while sewing. Instead, use a walking foot, Teflon foot, or a roller foot because they slide easily on leather.
5. You never pin your work in place.
Pins will leave permanent marks on leather, instead, use two-sided tape to hold the pieces together or use binder clips.
6. Generously trim the edges.
This means you will have to trim close to half the seam allowance to remove bulky hems.
7. You don’t iron your seam allowance.
So here’s how to lay them flat for a neat finish. First, use a scotch magic tape, lay it on the wrong side of the leather close to the seam allowance, peel the tape, and open the allowance to lay on separate sides. Then press it hard for it to stick to the tape.
8. Stitch slowly to avoid skipped stitches.
The regular machine is not designed to hold so much pressure. When sewing leather, sew while checking that there are no skipped stitches.
When learning how to sew leather with a machine, it’s important to know how to cut your leather pieces. The right or wrong cutting of leather can affect both the sewing process as well as the end product.
How to cut leather
It can be quite tricky when it comes to cutting leather as compared to cutting fabric. A slight slip when cutting your leather can mess up your whole project.
It affects your straight stitching lines and they become worse as you sew through the project.
Then, you realize that you lose the straight stitches as you go. But, the art of cutting leather is not challenging when learning how to sew leather. You just need to master tricks to attain the correct leather cut.
4 Points to Consider for Cutting the Leather
1. Use the right cutting tools.
To ensure you cut nice and clean edges on your leather, use the right cutting tools. Some common tools include; rotary cutter-for thinner leather, craft knife, or a utility knife-for much heavier leather.
These tools should be sharp. Dull tools will cut uneven and indented edges.
2. Cut each pattern at a time.
Leather is not flexible like fabric as it does not fold easily. Folding it in half to cut out pieces might not be the best idea. You will end up messing with your leather.
Instead, take your time and cut each pattern separately. Depending on the thickness of your leather, you might need to do a few passes to cut through completely.
3. Cut as close to the ruler as possible.
This is done to ensure you don’t mess up the pattern. If your pattern has curve edges, plan well before cutting out the pattern.
4. Keep your cutting tools sharp always.
Leather cutting can blunt your knives fast, hence it’s good to keep sharpening them.
Sewing on a regular sewing machine limits you from sewing projects with extra-thick leather. If you are planning to sew leather often, consider getting a heavy-duty industrial sewing machine.
When learning how to sew leather with a machine, test with scrap leather before you start sewing on your project.
Remember that once you sew, you leave permanent holes. So make sure the machine is well set on scrap leather before sewing the actual project.
Finally,
It is a great accomplishment to be able to make that leather project you have always wanted. However, learning how to sew leather with a machine requires a lot of patience.
Remember, unlike fabric where you can undo the stitches, leather leaves permanent marks. You will hence want to work to perfection from cutting the leather to stitching.
So take each step at a time and give yourself time to work through the whole process for the perfect end product.
Recommended Readings:
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