Can You Sew Leather in a Sewing Machine?

There’s something undeniably appealing about leather apparel and accessories, from skirts and shirts to hats and purses. Unfortunately, for consumers, as intriguing as these products are, they aren’t always the most budget-friendly when purchased in the store.

The hefty price tag linked to leather products often leaves people wondering, could I make that myself using my sewing machine? While the short answer is yes, you can, the more practical fact of the matter is that it only works if you have the right upgrades in place.

While there’s no need to go out and buy an industrial sewing machine when you’re looking to start sewing leather products, you will need to invest in a few specialty items to make the process a success. The following are some essential and inexpensive tools to have on hand when you’re using a domestic sewing machine to craft leather products at home.

Purchase a Leather Sewing Needle

Even if you use the most pliable version of leather material out there, a traditional needle just isn’t going to get the job done. So when your plans have you sewing with leather, you’re going to have to upgrade to a specialized leather sewing needle.

Unlike standard sewing needles, leather needles are designed with a cutting wedge point to make stitching tougher materials more manageable. They allow you to stitch leather together without leaving noticeable holes behind and can be purchased in varying sizes to match the thickness level of the leather you’re using.

Upgrade the Sewing Machine Presser Feet You’re Using

When sewing leather, an often overlooked detail is that standard presser feet are likely to stick to the material. Upgrading to anything Teflon-based is essential when using sewing machine feet that are strong enough to stand up to those tricky surfaces.

A Teflon walking foot complete with a built-in feeding feature is helpful when you’re looking to avoid a layer underneath leather from bunching up while you’re sewing. It helps move the leather forward with ease and can keep stitches more aligned, as well.

Make Sure Your Thread Is Strong

When you’re working with leather, sewing with traditional cotton thread just won’t do. You’ll want to be sure to upgrade to solid polyester thread. If you’re not sure where exactly to start on this front, use the size of the needle eye as an indicator of what size thread you should select.

GoldStar Tool

At GoldStar Tool, we’re all about taking your sewing skills to the next level, and working with leather is an exciting step. Let us help you gather the materials and accessories you need to make your projects a success. You’ll find more tips on our blog and can keep up to date with items and projects we’re excited about on our social media. Feel free to reach out to learn more!