Leather is a tough material to sew, and if you’ve ever worked with it you’ll know you can’t really make mistakes.
You’ll definitely need a reliable machine for any type of leather work.
You don’t need to spend a fortune on a sewing machine for leather sewing projects, and you can absolutely use a domestic sewing machine.
Today, I’ve put together an in-depth review of a number of potential machine matches for you! I’ve looked at 6 products on the market to help you find the best sewing machine for leather.
Which leather sewing machine is best for me?
In this article we have the top 6 sewing machines for leather that are available on the market right now.
But before we proceed to that.
I’ve rounded it up further into some categories for you down below.
Top Pick
Brother ST371HD
An inexpensive heavy-duty sewing machine, designed for light and heavyweight materials.
Brother ST371HD
My top pick is the Brother ST371HD for overall performance when it comes to a sewing machine for leather.
It has a dual needle function for dual hemming, and it has two heavyweight needles that can handle multiple layers of thick fabrics.
Needle Size
It comes with #16 needles that are suitable for leather sewing but can be used with canvas, denim and other thick materials.
Stitches are uniform and tight on this machine that performs well as a heavy duty sewing machine and a domestic sewing machine.
Features
The features it comes with include a jam resistant drop-in top load bobbin, an automatic cutter, and needle threader. The presser foot will lift extra high so you can handle multiple layers without any issues.
Best for Heavy Duty Leather Projects
Singer 4432
A powerful machine that can sew through tough fabrics. Ideal for beginner or intermediate sewers.
Singer 4432
The Singer 4432 is my choice for the best heavy-duty sewing and also the best beginner sewing machine.
This heavy-duty machine will easily sew through multiple layers of leather, canvas, and denim. It comes with an electric servo-motor.
Personally, I like the drop feed features on this machine that can really make sewing much easier.
Portability
The machine comes with a dust cover for protection during storage and transportation.
While it is at the heavier end of machines, users will be pleased with the stability during high production leather sewing.
You can slow down and speed up sewing with the foot pedal, making it comfortable to use, as after all it’s designed for intermediate sewers and total beginners.
Best Industrial Leather Sewing Machine
Juki DNU 1541S
The Juki DNU – 1541S is the best industrial leather sewing machine.
This machine storms ahead at an extremely fast 2,500 – it’s honestly the fastest machine I’ve reviewed, ever!
It’s a simple machine, boasting only one straight stitch, but a stitch that it does very well—they do say less is more, after all.
Maintenance
The industrial sewing machine is self lubricating, so you don’t have to keep oiling it.
It’s really made to last with it’s highly durable structure and has a quiet motor that can be used at all times, day and night without worrying about distracting or waking anyone up!
Top Sewing Machines For Leather
Here is the whole lineup…
Best Sewing Machine for Heavy Duty Leather Projects
Singer 4432
A powerful machine that can sew through layers of tough fabrics. Ideal for beginner or intermediate sewers.
Singer 4432
Let’s start with the Singer 4432 Sewing Machine.
The simple frame and outer layer are made from metal, meaning a longer shelf life and more durability.
It will clock up to an industrial 1,100 stitches per minute. The motor is 60% stronger and is useful for greater piercing power which is necessary for thick seams. It’s the best Singer sewing machine for heavy duty use.
Feed Dogs
It has box feed dogs instead of arc feed dogs, meaning instead of moving the fabric in a curve, the feed dogs move with the fabric with continuous pressure.
This is good for thin leather and thicker fabrics.
Its own feed dog is adjustable, giving you a choice of pressure depending on how fast you sew.
Feed Teeth
The feed teeth can be lowered too for free motion sewing.
It comes with extra high adjustable presser feet which can be raised for thick leather work. The sewing accessories bundle includes a teflon sewing foot, which is essential for leather sewing projects, a walking foot and a one step buttonhole foot.
Free Arm
The storage unit can be removed to reveal a free arm for smaller leather sewing, such as for purses or other tubular projects.
Other features include a top drop in bobbin, built in automatic threader, adjustable stitch length, and thread cutter.
Specs
- Built in stitches: 32
- Stitches per minute: 1100
- Unit dimensions: 15.5” x 6.25” x 12”
- Weight: 14.6lbs
Pros
- Engineered with resistant nylon gears.
- 110 applications.
- Host of features
Cons
- Not many included accessories.
- Speed can be hard to control.
Best Industrial Leather Sewing Machine
JUKI DNU-1541S
The Juki DNU – 1541S industrial machine has a simple yet old fashioned aesthetic. It is at an industrial standard and will rapidly sew through leather fabric at a maximum sewing speed of 2,500 stitches per minute.
Build
It comes with a high foot lift, allowing you to squeeze thicker projects under the needle.
The servo motor is speed adjustable, especially helpful for beginners and for leather projects that don’t need high speed stitching.
Stitch
The machine only hosts one straight stitch, but reviews state that it does that well.
Sewists who prefer a mechanical type industrial machine will love this stitch dial operated Juki machine and the needle up/down hand wheel.
It hosts a large workspace of 18” x 7”, sizable enough for all your homemade leather goods. It holds an L bobbin, meaning less fiddly thread changes during high production, heavy-duty sewing.
Features
Despite looking like a traditional device, this machine comes with modern features like a reverse stitch button and a trimmer.
The presser foot will reach two heights, 9mm with a hand lift, and 16mm when using the knee lifter (one of my favorite features on a modern sewing machine).
Even if you don’t consider yourself a stitching master, this is a machine that can grow with you and can handle a higher spm.
Specs
- Built in stitches: 1 straight stitch
- Stitches per minute: 2500
- Unit dimensions: 48 x 48 x 36
- Weight: 80.4lbs
- Maximum stitch length: 6mm
Pros
- Has a self lubricating system so does not need to oil the ports.
- Industrial design.
- Quiet to operate.
Cons
- Learning curve.
- More costly than other options.
Janome HD3000
This unit has a strong motor and a high presser foot to ensure that it will sew seamlessly through heavy fabrics without missing a stitch.
Janome HD3000
Janome are famous for their high quality sewing machines and the HD3000 is the perfect hybrid between a domestic and industrial sewing machine for leather.
The Janome HD3000 is a mechanical machine made from a lightweight aluminum, with all-metal working parts.
This heavy-duty sewing machine comes with a plethora of features.
The machine comes with two packs of needles for leather and a snap on ultra-glide foot to prevent leather from sticking.
Motor
It has a strong motor and a high presser foot to ensure that it will sew seamlessly through heavy fabrics without missing a stitch.
The motor in the Janome HD3000 is 1.0amp, capable of sewing through thick layers of fabric.
It’s important for you to know the power of a heavy-duty sewing machine to make sure it can handle heavy-duty tasks.
Hard Cover
This machine includes a hard cover with a handle to protect it from dust and to make it easily transportable.
The automatic leveling walking foot is a great machine feature to be used with heavy duty fabrics. And, the adjustable pressure on the Janome HD3000 material foot is useful for applique and knit fabrics.
Display
In place of an LCD screen on similar models is a stitch selection dial and sliders to adjust the width and length.
A drop top bobbin is featured, along with an automatic needle threader and cutter
The free arm is easily accessible for tubular leather projects.
Specs
- Built in stitches: 18
- Stitches per minute: 860
- Unit dimensions: 19” x 10” x 14.7”
- Weight: 21lbs
Pros
- Lightweight, easily moveable.
- Extra high foot lift for thicker fabrics.
- Long cord 50” from the device to the pedal.
Cons
- Cutters are positioned on the side of Janome HD3000
- Limited stitch features.
Top Pick
Brother ST371HD
An inexpensive heavy-duty sewing machine, designed for light and heavyweight materials.
Brother ST371HD
The Brother ST371HD is surprisingly powerful for a small home sewing machine. It’s an inexpensive heavy-duty sewing machine, designed for lightweight fabrics and heavyweight materials.
The metal needle plate is best known for smoother fabric feeding. No matter the thickness of your fabric, it will sew at 800 stitches per minute with an excellent stitch quality.
The Brother ST371HD sewing machine features 37 inbuilt stitches to provide strength while adding a decorative touch.
Needle Threader
There is no automatic built in needle threader on this machine, but you can follow the instructions easily when threading the machine.
It has a stitch selection dial, drop feed dogs for free motion sewing, and a free arm.
The top drop-in bobbin with clear casing means you can see how much you have left before starting your next leather sewing project.
Accessories
Its accessories include needles, such as three #16’s, different sized needles for heavyweight fabrics, and a non-stick foot for stitching leather.
Customers say the LED light is good enough to light up the workspace without the glare. Additionally, the clear instruction manual with pictures, a table of contents, and DVD ensure an easy, quick setup.
The built in handle helps move the Brother ST371HD sewing machine from the cupboard to the sewing area effortlessly.
These industrial sewing machines come with Brother’s signature limited warranty for 25 years.
Specs
- Built in stitches: 37
- Stitches per minute: 800
- Weight: 14.5lbs
- Unit dimensions: 8” x 16” x 12
Pros
- Drop feed dog feature.
- Consistent high quality stitching.
- Easily sews through heavy material.
Cons
- No up / down button for pivoting fabrics.
- Mostly plastic framework.
Juki TL-2010Q
Made from aluminum die-casting, making it lightweight and portable. though it only boasts one straight stitch, it does so at 1500 spm.
Juki TL-2010Q
Build
The Juki TL 2010Q is made from aluminum die-casting, making it lightweight and portable, similar to some smaller machines. Though it only boasts one straight stitch, it does so at 1500 spm – relatively fast for a heavy duty home sewing machine!
These industrial machines are sturdy enough to hold still at maximum sewing speed without wobbling, which could be catastrophic for leather work.
LED
The LED light illuminates the large 23” workspace.
The presser foot can be raised by 1.2mm with a knee lift so you have both hands free to guide leather through the machine.
One thing to note is that the sewing speed control is employed with a foot pedal, which may take some time to get used to for beginners.
Features
Other features include an automatic needle threader and a built in cutter to save you from grabbing the scissors.
It comes with an automatic tension controller, which could prevent stress and extra spending, as sewing on leather can definitely be unforgiving sometimes.
This machine is also one of the best midarm quilting machines in its price range.
Oil Ports
Easy access oil ports can make for an easier squeaky clean.
You can add a protection plan warranty with this model, depending on which supplier you buy from. Juki makes some of the best sewing machines for sewing leather.
For the price, you can get a top of the line piece of engineering.
Specs
- Built-in stitches: 1
- Stitches per minute: 1500
- Unit dimensions: 17.8” x 8.6” x 13.8”
- Weight: 37.8 lbs
Pros
- Powerful LED light so you can see what you’re doing
- Extension cable for more extensive work
- Knee lift-lever
Cons
- Customers have reported issues with the feed dogs.
- Can be time consuming to source repair parts if required
Singer Quantum Stylist 9960
A computerized, powerful sewing machine. The high heavy motor means users can sew over humps, bumps, and thicker materials such as leather without the device slowing or sticking.
Singer Quantum Stylist 9960
The Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 is a computerized, powerful sewing machine. The high heavy motor means users can sew over humps, bumps, and thicker materials such as leather and faux leather without the device slowing or sticking.
The Singer metal frame has been created for longer durability on the heaviest of projects, up to 850 stitches per minute.
It comes with an impressively smooth fabric feed, strong feed dogs, and an extension table that is quite handy if you’re working on larger projects.
Features
It is an easy to use semi-automated Singer sewing machine with an automatic needle threader, automatic width and length adjustment, trimmer, and automatic tension control. It comes with 600 built in stitches, including blind hem stitches, decorative, applique stitches, and lots of editing and customization options.
Useful if you’re making leather clothes with this device!
Controls
Buttons on the front of the sewing machine include a reverse stitch, a stop start button to use when the pedal isn’t in use, and a needle up down button.
The easy to load drop-in top bobbin comes with a clear plastic cover so you can see exactly what you have left on your spool before you begin.
Accessories
The Singer accessory bundle has a darning foot, zipper foot, button sewing foot and walking foot included.
The feed dog can be dropped for free motion decorative stitches on your leather projects.
We also rated this singer unit as one of the best free-motion quilting machines in our review here.
If you like to make clothes primarily, this could be the best sewing machine for you.
Specs
- Stitches per minute: 850
- Built in stitches: 600
- Unit dimensions: 17.2” x 8.2” x 12”
- Weight: 18.2lbs
Pros
- Automated tension control.
- Stitch library on flip up panel
- Extension table.
Cons
- Maybe too many features for a simple leather stitching work.
- Un-adjustable presser feet pressure.
What type of sewing machine is needed for leather sewing?
There are two types of machines suitable for different leather sewing needs.
Domestic leather sewing machines could be used when working with leather if they have a high presser foot lift.
Powerful Motor
A powerful motor is needed to help guide the sewing needle through. Luckily, these leather sewing machines are reasonably priced, and can be cheap to service.
Or, you can buy an industrial leather sewing machine.
These typically specialize in high production sewing and can sew through thick and bulky materials easily.
A larger workspace is generally needed and can be louder when in use than a domestic sewing machine when sewing leather.
Accessories
As long as you have the right yarn, a leather needle, and the right foot, a domestic leather sewing machine should sew through leather.
Either could be the best sewing machines, depending on your needs.
What needle should I use in leather sewing machines?
Needles have a number which matches the size of the needle.
The smaller the number, the finer the needle. The sewing needle size is calculated by its diameter, e.g. 90 = 0.9mm.
When sewing leather, you need a heavy-duty needle with a sharp tip that will easily pierce the material.
Here’s an informative video about leather sewing machine needles…
Size
A leather needle will be 110 or 120, depending on the thickness of the leather.
Leather needles are spear-shaped to help cut the leather as the stitch is being formed.
If you were to try to use a size 90, which is meant for sewing linen together, it would struggle and could snap.
If you need more info regarding needle size, you can read this guide about sewing machine needle sizes.
How can I stop the leather from sticking to the sewing machine?
Leather is an unforgiving fabric when sewing, and if you make a hole in it, it’s there forever.
No matter the power of the motor of the leather machine you buy, if you don’t have the right equipment, thicker materials could get jammed or stick to the foot during the sewing leather process.
Foot
Luckily, this is remedied easily by changing over the foot on your leather sewing machine to a teflon foot or a roller foot, which will glide easily over leather materials.
Some users even suggest using masking tape on the leather where stitches will be made, to prevent sticking (I wouldn’t take the risk though!).
TIP
Make the stitch length and width longer on industrial leather sewing machines than you normally would to prevent bunching on the foot plate.
What type of thread do I need to sew leather?
Before you start sewing with leather, it’s really important you find the right thread.
Never use cotton thread on leather, as the tannins in the leather will erode the yarn over time.
Here’s a short video to give you an idea on how different threads can affect the finished product.
Use polyester or nylon for a long lasting and strong hold.
Leather also looks better (I think) when it’s been sewn together with a heavy yarn.
Things to consider
For the best sewing machine to be able to get through leather, there are many things to consider.
I’ve made a list of the most important things to add to your checklist.
Price
The leather sewing machine cost is only one thing to consider; you will also need to purchase the right feet, leather needles, and yarn (plus material!) before you can start sewing leather.
Industrial machines will be typically more expensive than your average domestic sewing machine for leather.
Purpose
Consider if you will be using your machine regularly for home sewing as well.
An industrial machine will power up and sew leather and thinner fabrics well, but might not be the best buy if you won’t use it often.
TIP
If you sew regularly and will only occasionally use it to sew leather, you could consider a domestic sewing machine for leather.
Warranty
Like all equipment and machinery, the best sewing machine for leather can be an investment.
You might want to make sure you have a warranty that will cover you for all the support you need.
You definitely don’t want to buy without checking that you’re covered with a comprehensive warranty for parts and repairs.
Singer and Brother offers a limited warranty of 25 years on their sewing machines for leather.
Body
For the machine to handle sewing thick leather materials, the machine must have a heavy-duty body.
The overall construction should be made of a heavy metal for it to power through thick materials without skipping stitches.
Stitches per minute
The faster the machine can go, the more powerful and easier it will be to sew through thick materials.
The average sewing machine for leather will work around 600 – 800 spm, but heavy duty and industrial sewing machines will sew at 1,100 stitches per minute.
Tension
Tension is something you’ll need to keep an eye on when sewing leather.
Standard leather sewing machines will break the thread as they try to sew tighter, so check if your machine has an automatic thread tension control before starting!
Thread
You want to use something that is stronger than standard cotton thread, something synthetic like nylon, polyester, or rayon are good choices for leather sewing work.
However, you can expect to pay more for thick high quality yarn material.
Needles
Leather will dull and ruin the point of needles much faster than other fabrics.
You will want to use a sharp needle when sewing with leather every time.
NOTE
By not changing the needle, or using an unsuitable needle for your materials can cause the leather sewing machine to jam or break, which could outright ruin your leather project!
Motor
There are typically two motor types when it comes to a leather sewing machine: either a clutch motor which will operate at a fixed speed depending on the machine type or a servo motor that’s fully power control adjustable.
Servos consume 90% less energy than clutch motors, and the adjusted speed remains the same no matter how hard you press the pedal.
FAQs
How do I maintain a sewing machine for leather?
Sewing machines for leather can handle more, and will work efficiently if they are oiled and cleaned regularly.
The lint and thick thread that gets stuck in the machine should be removed after every use and only sewing machine oil should be used, that can be found in haberdasheries or fabric shops.
Cleaning
Most sewing machines for leather are effortless to clean and maintain.
They can be wiped down with a clean cloth (I like microfiber cloths). There should be a cleaning brush that comes with the sewing machine used to dust and clean inside the bobbin case.
How do I secure leather for sewing?
Pins should NEVER be used when sewing leather, no matter the types of leather sewing.
Pins leave a permanent hole in leather, and you would need to sew more to conceal them (or expect to pay for more leather!).
TIP
When you are working with leather, use double-sided tape or glue to hold the leather in place before sewing.
Conclusion
So we’ve learned that if you make products from leather, you don’t have to buy an expensive sewing machine for leather (yay!), you can use a regular sewing machine.
But, all it takes to ruin this expensive material is one stitch in the wrong direction!
Top Pick
Just to recap, my top pick for best leather sewing machine is Brother ST371HD for overall performance.
The best leather sewing machine will have a dual needle and uniform stitch length like this one. An extra high presser foot makes this a winner for sewing leather.
Best Industrial
The best of the industrial sewing machines is Juki DNU-1541S. It’s one of the fastest industrial leather sewing machines at 2,500 spm.
It has one straight stitch, crucial for sewing leather!
Juki makes some of the best multi needle embroidery machines around, it’s no wonder they make great machines for leather too.
Best Heavy Duty
The best leather sewing machine for heavy duty jobs is the Singer 4432. This Singer heavy duty machine will glide over multiple layers of leather at a high speed and is comfortable for a beginner to use.
Happy Sewing!
The products reviewed here are the best leather sewing machines available, all with high power and capable of handling even the thickest of leather sewing projects
Make sure to take a small scrap of the material that you want to use, and see how the sewing machine behaves before you start on your leather sewing project.
Good luck, and I hope you really enjoy working with leather! If you need embroidery machines, Singer also has some wonderful choices in their lineup.
