9 Best Sewing Machines for Leather in 2023: Buying Guide
It can be challenging to select the best sewing machines for leather. We’ve compiled a list of the top nine leather sewing machines based on price and overall quality.
- Best Overall: Janome HD3000
- Best Budget: Singer Heavy Duty 4452
- Best Premium: Juki TL-2010Q
- Best Entry-Level: SINGER 4423
- Best for Denim and Leather: Heureux Z6
- Best With Free Arm: Brother ST371HD Sewing Machine
- Best With Auto Needle Threader: Janome HD1000 (Black Edition)
- Best for Commercial Use: Juki DU-1181N
- Best for Different Types of Leather: Brother PQ1500SL
Especially when it’s thick, leather can be difficult to work with. However, sewing machines appear to work with leather much more easily and produce noticeably better results. If you need to repair or upgrade leather items, you should think about investing in a high-quality leather sewing machine.
Not all sewing machines are created equal, which is why I’ve put together this list of the top nine leather sewing machines for the home sewer! Read More: 13 Different Types Of Sewing Machines
Best Sewing Machines for Leather
Best Overall: Janome HD3000
The HD3000 is undoubtedly one of Janome’s best products, which includes its top-tier sewing machines. For handling heavy fabrics, including leather, it comes highly recommended. This is due to the robust motor and all-metal body.
The full-metal body design is what gives the phrase “heavy duty” it’s meaning. Installing thicker needles and getting them to work tirelessly on leather or denim requires the right needle. A single attempt will allow you to pass through several layers of leather.
There are 18 built-in stitches available for you to choose from, giving you flexibility in selecting your preferred stitch. In case you require it, there is also a one-step buttonhole.
Best Budget: Singer Heavy Duty 4452
The Singer Heavy Duty 4452, which is our pick for those on a tighter budget, is the best heavy-duty leather sewing machine currently available on the market at a price that is affordable, even for hobbyists.
This sewing machine, which is very similar to the Singer 4423, is a straightforward design that is simple to use and has a few extra features that make it stand out from the competition.
The machine’s limited feature set, which makes it simple to learn even for beginners, appeals to many users. The mechanical selection stitch system was described as initially confusing by some users, but everything else has very clear labels.
Since the Singer Heavy Duty 4452 is mechanical, it might be a little less reliable than the other models we reviewed. You should also be aware that the machine doesn’t shut off on its own.
Best Premium: Juki TL-2010Q
A cutting-edge, high-performance device comparable to many entry-level industrial machines is the TL-2010Q.
It can sew a variety of materials, including leather because it is a single-needle lockstitch mechanical machine. Therefore, this high-end tool will serve you well whether you’re mending a leather belt or sewing a new pattern on a handbag.
It has a knee lifter lever to enable the processing of thicker layers. You can do this to raise the presser feet up to 12 mm. As a result, you can stitch together layers of fabric.
To expedite stitching, the TL-2010Q has an automatic needle threader and thread trimmer. While the latter trims the threads at the sewing end, the former allows you to thread the needle for sewing immediately.
Best Entry-Level: SINGER 4423
Most sewers can afford the Singer 4423, which is a sewing machine that’s good for beginners. However, the machine has a number of features that elevate it to the top echelon of heavy-duty sewing machines.
You can zip through thicker fabrics thanks to one of them, a superior motor. Compared to a typical sewing machine, it is 60% stronger. As a result, stitching layers of leather together is simple.
The purchase of this Singer leather sewing machine is also justified by the machine’s sturdy metal frame. A commercial-grade metal frame makes up the interior. The bed frame is stainless steel, which goes well with it.
These not only lengthen the product’s lifespan but also lessen the vibration that is common in plastic sewing machines while it is being used. As a result, stitching becomes more accurate.
Best for Denim and Leather: Heureux Z6
Look no further than the Heureux Z6 if you’re looking for a sewing machine that can make any type of stitch you can think of. It has a whopping 200 stitches, making it easy to bring any of your designs to life.
Because it can easily glide over multiple layers of fabric and allows you to sew through several layers of thick material, the Heureux Z6 is the best sewing machine for leather and denim you can buy.
The Heureux Z6 is a great option for those who want to make their own denim jackets or pants but also need a machine that can handle other types of thick materials, like leather, and has an automatic needle threader.
The machine comes with 8 built-in buttonhole styles that enable you to decorate various types of denim and leather differently. It can sew up to 10 layers of hard denim or 12 layers of soft denim.
Best With Free Arm: Brother ST371HD Sewing Machine
Thanks to its two heavyweight needles, which can handle multiple layers of heavyweight fabrics, the Brother ST371HD Sewing Machine packs a punch when it comes to thick fabrics. This machine’s metal needle plate does a great job of feeding the fabric smoothly, and the metal needle is strong and glides easily over multiple layers and thick seams.
This machine works well for decorative stitches, zigzag stitches, blind hems, and buttonholes and has a capacity of 37 built-in stitches.
The Brother ST371HD Sewing Machine’s excellent automatic needle threader eliminates the hassle of manually threading the needle, and it can sew up to 800 stitches per minute. The machine also has a stitch selector dial that is conveniently located on the side of the machine and is very simple to use.
Best With Auto Needle Threader: Janome HD1000 (Black Edition)
The Janome Industrial-Grade HD1000 Sewing Machine is a great option for those seeking a reliable sewing machine that offers a large number of stitches and a variety of extras.
The interior and exterior of this machine are made of aluminum for increased durability, and it has a 25-year limited warranty. With a weight of 22.7 lbs, it is one of the heavier machines we tested., so it wouldn’t be the best choice if you want a sewing machine you can travel with.
A 25-year limited warranty covering parts and labor is included for the first year with the Janome Industrial-Grade HD1000. This is crucial for those who view their sewing machine as an investment and are hesitant to replace it too frequently.
Best for Commercial Use: Juki DU-1181N
Do you require an affordable, reliable industrial workhorse? The Juki DU-1181N should be your only option. Industrial sewing equipment with a walking foot. These machines are perfect for sewing together multiple layers of fabric because they have a presser foot.
It also has a triple-feed mechanism. It has top, bottom, and needle feed mechanisms, which makes it perfect for working with a variety of materials, including leather.
As a result, the DU-1181N can be used to reliably sew any leather, regardless of thickness. It has a stitch length that can reach 9 mm.
The speed at which this enormous machine stitch is another impressive aspect. It can sew at a rate of 2,000 stitches per minute, greatly reducing the amount of time needed to finish the project. It is a very quiet machine for an industrial one. It won’t make a lot of noise for you to hear.
Best for Different Types of Leather: Brother PQ1500SL
There is no need to introduce the brand Brother. And it’s due to the premium sewing machines it manufactures. The PQ1500SL is one such device.
This sewing and quilting machine is of the highest caliber. You can practice free-hand quilting with a sizable workspace that you can expand with the extension table. You can work on the thick and heavy leather upholstery effectively thanks to the spacious workspace.
The four built-in feed dog positions will be useful when stitching longer leather or multiple layers. You could move the feed dog to a position that is more appropriate for the sewing project by adjusting the thread pressure dial. This not only results in consistent stitching but also saves time.
As a result, it’s ideal for sewing leather upholstery.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Machine for Sewing Leather
When looking for a high-quality sewing machine for leather, you should consider a number of features, including the speed and motor power, the strength of the needle, the number of built-in stitches, durability, additional accessories, and warranty.
Additionally, you should confirm that the machine you select is appropriate for the thread type you intend to use.
Speed and Motor Power
When looking for sewing machines for leather, motor power and speed are much more crucial considerations than when buying regular sewing machines. This is so that it can be stitched properly, as leather is a thick fabric that needs more force.
The majority of leather-specific sewing machines have heavy, powerful motors, which is why many of them are made of metal rather than plastic, adding to their weight.
Number of Built-in Stitches
The number of stitches is less crucial with these machines than it is with models used with thin fabrics because working with leather typically only necessitates a straight stitch.
If you anticipate using the machine for additional projects, such as working with denim, for example, you may want to choose a model that has a variety of built-in stitches, such as zig-zag or buttonhole, for example.
Thread Sizes
Sewing machines are constrained by the largest thread size they can handle, similar to how thick they can sew. While some units can operate with thread sizes up to 277, others are only intended for smaller threads.
The majority of heavy-duty sewing machines can handle thread sizes up to 415. They are suggested for sewing leather because of this.
Needle Sizes
Not least among other things, think about the largest possible needle size. The majority of leather types can be sewn with heavy-duty machines’ capacity for needle sizes up to 27. Domestic sewing machines, on the other hand, are only capable of using thread sizes 20 or 22. These could be insufficient.
You should focus on purchasing the best leather sewing machine based on the aforementioned factors.
Stitch Length and Width
When buying a sewing machine, try to find one that has adjustable stitch length and width because it gives you more options for your projects. Consider the size of our projects to determine whether it will be sufficient for you because some models have a fixed length and width.
Free Arm
On a sewing machine, you can extend the working area to make it easier to manipulate your fabric around the needle.
Many of the models we reviewed have a free arm, including our budget pick, the Singer Heavy Duty 4452, which is perfect for larger projects and sewing cuffs, sleeves, and bags.
Warranty
Many of the heavy-duty sewing machines made specifically for working with leather come with a long-term warranty of up to 25 years. Some of the models we reviewed above, like the Brother ST371HD and the Janome HD1000, have such a long warranty, but others only have one-year limited warranties.
In the first year only, this kind of warranty only covers parts and labor for your machine and covers any construction flaws.
Read More: Walking Foot Sewing Machine: Why, When, and How to Use?
Can You Use a Regular Sewing Machine for Leather?
Although you can attempt to sew leather using a regular sewing machine, you might find that the leather sticks, the feed dog marks the leather or the needle breaks.
This is frequently caused by a regular sewing machine lacking sufficient power to feed the needle and thread through the leather.
Recently, even when adhering to all the leather sewing guidelines, sewing suede on a Bernina 1008 has proven to be difficult.
Conclusion: What’s Your Best Sewing Machine for Leather?
You can pick the best sewing machine for leather from the options above.
Because it has all the power you may need to finish challenging projects quickly, we think the Janome HD3000 is the best sewing machine for leather available. If you are on a budget, you can buy Singer Heavy Duty 4452. Now, try to sew leather!
FAQs
How Much Does a Leather Sewing Machine Cost?
The cost of leather sewing machines varies greatly. The ones in this manual range in price from $150 to $650. You’d be looking at over $1500 if you chose a highly specialized industrial leather sewing machine from one of the more well-known industrial brands.
Do I Need a Walking Foot to Sew Leather?
No, a walking foot is not required to sew leather, but it does make the process simpler. At the very least, you should think about using a non-stick or Teflon foot and feed dog; these can be found for industrial machines and work well. This will help to reduce the sticking and marking of your leather.
What is the Best Stitching for Leather?
The best type of stitch for leatherwork is a saddle stitch. With a saddle stitch, every hole on both sides of your textile is connected, as opposed to connecting every other hole on alternating sides as you would with straight stitches. This results in one continuous line of gap-free stitches.
Can Bernina Sew Leather?
With the use of Bernina non-stick feet, sewing suedes, and leathers are a breeze! As you make a practical clutch purse out of soft leather, suede, or vinyl, you’ll gain an understanding of the fundamentals of sewing with these specialty fabrics.
