Are you getting leather sewing projects regularly? You will need a sewing machine for thick sewing fabrics to work on these projects.
Leather is a piece of heavy upholstery fabric. Before buying a sewing machine, you have to learn to sew leather with it.
However, sewing leather items like a bag, belt, and purse can be tricky.
Because once you make a mistake, it is pretty challenging to rectify it. You need to focus on the sewing projects more passionately.
Also, you have to look into the features and materials.
We know it isn’t easy to find a suitable sewing machine for leather. To ease your hassle, we have studied thousands of customer reviews and experts’ suggestions for sewing machines. Here we have listed the 5 best sewing machines for leather. Along with that, we have added a buying guide for a leather sewing machine.
Our Top 3 Recommendations – Leather Sewing Machines
“Following are the top three recommended products based on personal experience and customer feedback”
- Janome HD3000 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine – (Premium Pick)
- SINGER 9960 Sewing & Quilting Machine – (Runners Up)
- Juki TL-2010Q 1-Needle, Lockstitch – (Editors’ Choice)
Top 5 Best Sewing Machines for Leather Reviews
1. SINGER 4423 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine
| Brand | SINGER |
| Built-in Stitches | 23 |
| Stitches Per Minute | 100 |
| Buttonhole | Automatic 1-Step |
| Stitch Applications | 97 |
| Weight | 14.5 Pounds |
| Dimensions | 6.25″D x 15.5″W x 12″H |
We keep the Singer 4423 heavy-duty sewing machine on the top of our list. It has some helpful features. This gray-colored sewing machine comes up with 97 built-in stitch applications like basic, utility, straight, and decorative.
With the stitch selector knob, you can choose the stitch you want. Along with that, it has the top drop-in bobbin system that helps to load the bobbins without any hassle.
The extra-high presser foot lift allows you to work with heavy fabrics like leather, denim, and canvas. However, it offers a metal frame that ensures its sturdiness. You will get threading diagrams that save your time.
If your leather jacket requires buttonholes, it provides an automatic 1 step buttonhole style. It has a maximum sewing speed of 1,100 stitches per minute.
Singer 4423 is considered the best home sewing machine for leather. Furthermore, this sewing machine offers a powerful engine and elegant sewing quality.
It includes presser feet like all-purpose foot, button sewing, zipper, and buttonhole foot. However, you will get accessories like a quilting guide, needles, bobbins, screwdriver, soft-sided dust cover, spool pin, and lint brush. Singer ensures 25 years warranty for the sewing machine.
Features at a glance
- Automatic needle threader
- Specialized presser foot
- 1,100 stitches per minute
- One-step buttonholes
2. SINGER Sew Mate 5400 Sewing Machine
| Brand | SINGER |
| Built-in Stitches | 60 |
| Buttonhole | Automatic 1-Step |
| Decorative Stitche | 40 |
| Stitches per Minute | 750 |
| Weight | 13 Pounds |
| Dimensions | 7.75″D x 16.5″W x 13″H |
If you are searching for a handy sewing machine, Singer sew mate 5400 can be an excellent choice. To begin with the features, it provides an automatic needle threader.
This feature helps to thread your needles easily without eye frustration. Also, it has been made of a heavy-duty metal frame for longevity.
For exploring your creativity, you will get 60 built-in stitches, such as 8 stretch stitches, 40 decorative stitches, and 8 primary stitches.
Also, the sewing machine has 4 types of one-step buttonhole styles. It provides the most manageable threading capacity. However, you don’t need to worry about threading. You can adjust the stitch length and width with the adjuster button.
The sewing machine weighs 17.5 pounds. So, it is more lightweight than other leather sewing machines. With the push-button stitch selector, you can choose the stitch for sewing leather.
Also, it offers accessories like metal needles, class 15 transparent bobbins, LED lighting, a quick start guide, and a manual book. This sewing machine is one of the best budget sewing machines for leather.
Features at a glance
- Easy to set up
- Automatic tension
- 60 built-in stitches
- 13 needle positioners
- Automatic reverse button
- Free arm
- Value for money
- Great for beginners
- 25 years warranty
3. Janome HD3000 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine
| Brand | Janome |
| Color | White |
| Built-In Stitches | 18 |
| Buttonhole | One-Step |
| Stitches-Per-Minute | 860 |
| Weight | 21 Pounds |
| Dimensions | 10″D x 19″W x 14.7″H |
There are many reasons we have the Janome HD3000 sewing machine on our list. However, the sewing has been designed with a heavy aluminum frame and excellent features. This sewing machine provides a maximum sewing speed of 860 stitches per minute. Apart from that, it has an extra high foot lift and Snap-On presser feet.
Moreover, it offers 18 built-in stitches that help to experiment with different stitches on leather. Also, you can pick your desired one from the stitch panel.
This model provides an automatic needle threader and 1 step buttonhole style. Experts recommend buying the sewing machine for professionals. It is easy to set the stitch and width in the sewing machine. You can adjust the stitch width to 5 mm.
To brighten up the work area, it includes the LED lighting capacity. The drop feed allows you to work on free-motion sewing.
Also, it provides a push and pulls bobbin winder that helps to insert the bobbin correctly. This sewing machine also has user control for operating it. Janome comes up with an almost 25 years warranty. It is one of the best heavy-duty sewing machines for leather.
Features at a glance
- Auto declutch bobbin winder
- Adjustable stitch length
- 860 stitches per minute
- Aluminum body frame
- Budget-friendly
4. SINGER 9960 Sewing & Quilting Machine
| Brand | SINGER |
| Built-In Stitches | 600 |
| Alphanumeric Fonts | 5 |
| Buttonholes | 13 Fully Automatic 1-Step |
| Stitches-Per-Minute | 850 |
| Weight | 20 Pounds |
| Dimensions | 8.25″D x 17.25″W x 12″H |
We have included Singer 9960 sewing and quilting machine on our fourth recommendation. The sewing machine provides an automatic needle threader that ensures perfect threading. Apart from that, it has 600 built-in stitches such as straight, basic, utility, stretch, decorative, 5 alphanumeric fonts, and 13 automatic one-step buttonhole styles. You will get 25 years of warranty for this sewing machine.
Furthermore, it also offers a buttonhole underplate to secure your fabric. Singer 9960 is a multipurpose sewing machine. The maximum sewing speed is 850 stitches per minute. On the other hand, you will get mirror imaging and stitch elongation for working on creative sewing projects. It comes up with a needle positioner and horizontal threading. Thus, maximum customers find it helpful.
You can easily choose the stitch with a one-touch button with the stitch selector. Yet, it has a top drop-in bobbin capacity that helps change the bobbin without any hassle. The electric twin needle feature allows you to sew thick fabrics like leather. It offers 2 stays bright LED lighting and automatic tension. Singer provides an extended worktable, needles, bobbins, screwdrivers, and seam rippers.
Features at a glance
- Straight stitch
- Automatic bobbin winder
- 850 stitches per minute
- Automatic needle threader
- Easy to use
- Long-lasting
- Walking foot
5. Juki TL-2010Q Sewing Machine
| Brand | JUKI |
| Sewing Speed | 1,500 spm |
| Max. Stitch Length | 6mm |
| Needle | 130/705H |
| Presser Foot Lift | Manual |
| Weight | 38 Pounds |
| Dimensions | 14″D x 25.7″W x 18″H |
For excellent sewing quality, you can take a look at the Juki TL-2010Q sewing machine. Furthermore, you will get robust built-in materials and valuable features. This sewing machine is considered a workhorse.
It comes up with a strong motor for smoothness. Apart from that, it has been made with an aluminum die-casting body frame. The sewing machine has a straight stitch for sewing denim, canvas, leather, and upholstery.
In addition, it provides an extra high presser foot lift that helps sew multiple fabric layers in addition to these features.
This sewing machine has a maximum sewing speed of 1500 stitches per minute and a minimum sewing speed of 200 stitches per minute. One of the necessary features of the sewing machine is the sewing speed controller. Thus, it has a knee lifter lever, thread tension scale, and LED lighting.
Along with that, it offers a push lever automatic needle threader and thread trimmer capacity. The sewing machine has a quilting feature as well.
On the other hand, it is one of the best Juki sewing machines for leather. This sewing machine provides an even-feed foot, hemming foot, ¼-inch quilt foot, zipper foot, compensating foot, 1/5-inch quilt foot, and walking foot.
Features at a glance
- Easy threading
- Great stitch quality
- Excellent for leather
Things to Consider Before Buying a Sewing Machine For Leather
If you are sewing leather projects regularly, you will need a sturdy sewing machine. For choosing the perfect leather sewing machine, we have prepared a buying guide to help you out.
Types
You can buy an industrial sewing machine for leather. But it is not the only option for sewing leather projects.
If you can’t be able to buy the industrial one, you can purchase a heavy-duty sewing machine with various features. Even professionals can sew leather products with a heavy-duty sewing machine.
Motor capacity
After that, you have to look for a sewing machine with a durable motor. As leather is a heavy fabric, you can’t sew them without a powerful engine. It will give you a smooth sewing experience with leather.
Sewing speed
Most sewing machines offer the highest sewing speed. Moreover, it can be helpful for sewing leather-based projects. You should choose a sewing machine with top speed for sewing leathers.
Heavy-duty sewing machines provide 900 to 1,000 stitches per minute. Industrial sewing machines come up with 4,500 to 5,000 stitches per minute. It is better to select a sewing machine with an adjustable speed controller.
Stitch count
You can work on leather projects with a straight stitch. But it would be better to look into other stitches for working on other sewing projects.
Sewing quality
You have to check the sewing quality before buying a sewing machine for sewing leather. Along with that, you will need excellent sewing quality for leather projects.
Needles
If you are sewing leathers, you have to use specialized needles. Glovers’ needles are the perfect choice for leathers. Nevertheless, you can pick 100/16 for sewing leathers. Anyway, selecting the proper size needle is necessary for sewing leather projects.
LED lighting
Some sewing machines come up with LED lighting on them. If your sewing machine has built-in lights, you won’t need additional lights for working at night. So, look for LED lighting while choosing a sewing machine for leathers.
Feed dogs
Look into the feed dogs for sewing leathers. Because it helps you to work with even multiple layers of leather fabric. For this, you will need seven sturdy feeding dogs. Besides, it also secures your fabric.
Presser feet
While looking for a leather sewing machine, you must check the different presser feet. Furthermore, you will need walking foot for sewing leather. It helps you to feed your fabric correctly.
Weight
It depends on where you will store your sewing machine. If you have a separate sewing room, you can choose a heavy-weight sewing machine. In the case of a heavy-weight sewing machine, you can’t move it anywhere.
As you are going to sew leather, you will purchase a sewing machine with robust built quality. So, it will be heavier than other sewing machines. For this reason, prepare for a sewing machine corner before buying a sewing machine.
Installation process
The installation of a sewing machine should be more accessible. You will need a quick start guide or operation manual guidebook to maintain your sewing machine correctly. Besides, some sewing machines includes instructional DVD for better guidance.
Accessories
For operating a sewing machine, you will require some accessories. Check the accessories pack before you purchase the sewing machine for leather upholstery. Otherwise, you have to buy them from other sewing stores.
Additional features
Check the other features like an automatic needle threader, bobbin winder, thread tension, adjustable stitch length/width, and free arm. These features will make your sewing journey comfortable and frustration-free.
Needle threader, bobbin winder, and thread tension save your time and energy. On the other side, the free arm can sew the hard-to-reach corners of leather bags, shoes, and other products.
Warranty
It ensures the longevity of your sewing machine. Nevertheless, you must check the warranty confirmation before buying the sewing machine. You will find a sewing machine with 1 to 25 years of warranty.
Thus, we suggest purchasing a sewing machine with maximum warranty time. It can be profitable for you in the long run.
Price
Research and compare the market price of sewing machines for leather. The price range of leather sewing machines starts from $600 to $3000.
Conclusion
After all, you can consider the features before buying a sewing machine. If you want to purchase a powerful sewing machine, we suggest buying Juki TL-2010Q. Moreover, you can buy any Singer heavy-duty specialized sewing machines from our recommendations.
Along with that, Janome HD3000 can be great if you are searching for heavy-duty and affordable options. However, we hope these reviews of the best sewing machines for leather can help you decide on the suitable one. Take your sewing machine for servicing if needed. Always keep your sewing area clean. Have a happy sewing journey. Best of luck. Stay well.