Top 5 Machine Features for Sewing Leather

Leather_Sewing_Machine

By Willie Sandry
Willie Sandry is a Freelance Writer, blogger, and crafter who loves having the right tool for the job.  

This article is intended for educational purposes only.  Leather Hide Store does not recommend or endorse any leather sewing products.

You've chosen the perfect leather, consulted The Ultimate Reupholstery Guide, and you're ready to jump into your project.  Whether you are a seasoned leathercrafter, or new to the game, these tips for choosing the right sewing machine can help make your future projects a cinch.

Walking_Foot_Sewing_Machine

1. A Walking Foot.  Sewing leather opens up a number of avenues for crafters and upholstery enthusiasts. The problem is, a home sewing machine doesn’t have the right feeding mechanism to handle leather. A domestic machine is limited to drop feed, which means the material is pulled through by feed dogs alone. Not only can this fail to adequately feed the material through the machine (which causes shortened stitches) but it also tends to advance the layers unevenly (leading to uneven edges and wrinkles sewn into your project). The number one most important feature to sew leather is a walking foot mechanism. Let me be perfectly clear here… I’m not talking about a walking foot attachment for your home sewing machine. A true walking foot is an integral mechanism on a sewing machine that pulls material from both the top and bottom for even feeding. A walking foot has feed dogs below, and alternating presser feet above, to consistently feed leather without issues.

 

variable_speed_servo_motor

2. A Servo Motor. Let’s talk motors for a minute. A home sewing machine has a small variable speed motor that can handle light and medium-weight materials. The fact that it has variable speed is good, but it just doesn’t have the power for sewing leather.

A large industrial machine might have an old-fashioned clutch-style motor. You’ll know it’s a clutch motor if it hums whenever it’s powered on. While clutch motors are certainly powerful, they’ve fallen out of favor because they’re very difficult to control.

The solution to these problems is a variable speed servo motor. With plenty of punching power, while still being easy to control, a modern servo is a crowd favorite. Typically rated at 550 watts (3/4 h.p.) they won’t miss a beat with multiple layers of leather.

 

sewing_speed_reducer

3. Speed Reducer. Have you ever tried to climb a hill on a BMX bike? You know the kind with only one gear? A speed reducer changes that experience to cruising in low gear without breaking a sweat. Basically, a speed reducer is a pair of pulleys and belts that further slow the sewing experience for the ultimate in control. The speed reducer acts as a torque multiplier, which is an added benefit when sewing thick leather. This is especially beneficial when walking over seams and transitions in leather.

Traditionally, a speed reducer was an add-on feature, but some manufacturers are now including it with sewing machine packages designed for leather work.

 

clearance_under_presser_foot

4. Clearance Under Presser Foot. Make sure the foot lifts high enough on your machine to allow clearance for thick assemblies. If the presser foot lifts nice and high, it will let you place and begin sewing leather with minimal effort. Luckily, leather compresses somewhat as it’s sewn, so as long as the layers slide under the presser foot, you should be good to go.

 

adjustable_stitch_length

5. Ability to Equalize Forward and Reverse Stitch Length. Leatherworkers want the forward and reverse stitches to plunk right into the same holes for the cleanest possible look. Every time you terminate a visible seam, you’ll back-tack a few stitches to lock it in place. This is where equal forward and reverse stitch length is so important.

Some machines have this feature, however the adjustment process is so complicated you’d have to be a sewing machine mechanic to get it right. Recently, manufacturers have addressed this common complaint, and solved the issue with easy to adjust stitch length. Simply set forward and reverse stitch length equally and test on a scrap of leather. On this machine, the adjustment is made with two knurled thumbscrews on the front of the machine. The thumbscrews limit travel of the spring-loaded reverse lever as you sew.

 

precise_stitch_control

Precise Stitch-by-Stitch Control. The combination of a speed reducer and variable speed servo motor result in a relaxed experience behind the sewing machine. With the right equipment, sewing leather can be an incredibly rewarding pursuit.

 

simple_leather_coaster

Start Simple. As with any new craft, start with beginner projects that let you experiment with the machine settings. Here, two layers of leather are sewn together with contrasting thread for a rustic drink coaster. Once you’re familiar with your new machine, go wild with more advanced and functional projects!

Check out Willie's Tutorial on Reupholstering a Bar Stool! 

Leather DIY: How to Reupholster a Dining Room Chair

By Willie Sandry

 

Reupholstering a dining room chair is a great DIY project. If you have a few basic tools and a desire to learn, a slip seat is an approachable project for even a novice. Never tackled an upholstery project before? Never worked with leather? No problem! These simple steps will guide you through the process, and I’ll even wager you find success on your very first project.

First and foremost, decide on the type of slip seat you want to make. Some dining chair cushions are tall with lots of padding, and others have a slim profile. Some have sewn or folded corners, while others have a stretched cover for a clean look, without pleats. The method shown here is for  reupholstering dining room chair slip seats with about 2” of foam padding. There are no seams to sew with this technique, and the result is a tight, trim seat cushion without pleats. This method will work fine if your seat rests on top of the chair frame, but it works equally well if the slip seat drops into a recess in the chair frame. If you need to fit the cushion inside a frame recess, make sure the seat frame is about 3/8” smaller than the opening in all directions. The example we’re working on today sits on top of the chair frame, so size is less critical.

 

 

Padding Requirements. Most dining chairs or slim-profile slip seats will have 2” of foam padding and a layer of polyester batting on top. If your cushion has 3” or more of foam padding, consider a sewn cover instead. The foam padding can be about ½” wider than the wood base in all directions. The batting should be large enough to cover the edge of the wood as it’s installed. This prevents damage to the leather over time.

 

 

When You Have Too Much Slack. Sometimes you’ll find there’s too much leather between a center tack and one corner. You may have difficulty getting the leather to lie smoothly without visible wrinkles. This often happens at the back corners of angled seats, because the corner angles are greater than 90 degrees. When this happens, simply remove some of the staples and try again. I typically remove staples from the trouble corner, back to the center tack. Remove the center tack too, if you feel it will give you a better approach to the corner. We know there’s simply too much material between point A and point B, so how do we manage the slack? The answer is micro-pleats.

 

 

Remove Excess Leather, and Add a Dust Cover. Trim the leather underneath the cushion to remove unwanted bulk. It’s okay to trim right up to the staples. Finally, add a non-woven dust cambric to tidy up the cushion for a professional appearance. If your fabric store doesn’t sell cambric, there’s an easy alternative to be found at any local hardware store. Landscaping weed barrier fabric is a thin non-woven material that makes a perfect dust cover. It’s usually black or dark brown in color, which is great for household furniture applications.

 

 

Inspired to give your own dining room chairs a DIY makeover?  Depending on the size of your dining room chairs, and the number of chairs, our Leather Remnants can be a great choice.  Be sure to consult our Reupholstery Guide to determine how much leather you will need- and don't forget to order samples before you choose your leather! 

Now you know how to reupholster a dining room chair!

 

Three Fun DIY Projects with Leather Scraps

 

 

Using leftover leather pieces is a sustainable way to create beautiful accessories and custom items.  Leather adds a luxurious feel to even the simplest DIY or craft, and is easier to work with than you might think!  Many projects using leather- from handbags to upholstering furniture, require large, geometric, cuts. This results in leftover pieces of all shapes and sizes.  While these leather scraps are not generally able to be pieced together for a larger project, they are perfect for small goods, accessories, or even accent items for your home.

We’ll walk you through three of our favorite DIYs- and have you crafting in no time! 

Using Leather Scraps for Earrings 

The sky's the limit for these fun earrings!  This oval style is simple, fun, and can utilize a wide range of colors and textures.  For a really creative take, incorporate contrasting colors or patterns- check out our talented customer’s earrings pictured below for a little inspiration:
 

Customer Earrings

 

What You Will Need: 

  • Leather 
  • Earring Hooks
  • Jump Ring
  • Thumbtack
  • Pliers 
  • Craft Scissors

See, we told you it would be easy!

Step 1: Cut Your Leather

Simply print out a pattern in the desired shapes and sizes.  Trace these patterns, and carefully cut them out.  Then, place your pieces on top of one another, and trim if needed.  No one wants uneven earrings! 

Cut Leather Pieces
 

Step 2: Create Holes for Jump Rings

Mark the ideal spot for your jump rings using a pen.  After placing your leather pieces on a protected surface (like a craft mat or cutting board), push your thumbtack through until it makes a clean perforation.  

 

Create Holes for Jump Rings

 

Step 3: Add Earring Hook 

With your pliers, open your jump ring, and place through the hole, and through the ring of your earring hook.  Close the ring completely. 

 

Add Earring Hooks

 

Step 4: Enjoy!

These earrings are a gorgeous, and versatile accessory.  You can even add a drop of essential oil on the back for a little aromatherapy on the go!

 

Completed Earrings

 

Using leather scraps for jewelry opens up a world of creativity.  Whether it is odds and ends left from a larger project you’ve just completed, or you’re on the hunt for the perfect combination, it gives this beautiful material a second life. Check out our leather scraps for sale to get started, or to add to your own collection

 

Crafting Bookmarks 

Bookmarks are a wonderful way to repurpose leather left from a larger project.  This style is classic, functional, and guaranteed to hold your page.  You cannot get much simpler than this fun (and kid friendly!) DIY.

What You Will Need: 

  • Leather
  • Needle & Thread 
  • OR Krazy Glue 

 

Step 1: Cut Your Leather 

Cut (2) 2.5 Inch Squares, and then take 1 of those squares and cut it diagonally. 

 

Cut Leather Squares

 

Step 2: Assemble Your Bookmarks 

Place your cut square on top of your full square and either sew, or glue, your pieces together.  While either works, sewing your bookmark will give it more structure, and durability. 

 

Assemble Bookmark Pieces

 

Step 3: Decorate! 

Add a cute button, or a few additional stitches to make your bookmark your own.  This craft is so easy, even kids can get in on the fun.  These bookmarks are just begging for some googly eyes if you ask us…. 

 

Finished Bookmark

 

The simplicity of this DIY really speaks to how much you can do with “leftovers.”  Whether it is finding an entirely new use, or incorporating them into a tried and true craft you love- don’t be afraid to add something new into your mix of go-to mediums.  

 

Making Trinket Dishes with Your Leftover Leather

Who doesn’t love a DIY that looks hard… but is mind blowingly easy?  Don’t worry, we’ll let you take all the crafting credit you’ll surely get with this awesome trinket dish.  As we said earlier, these scraps come in all shapes and sizes.  Some of those larger pieces would be perfect for this stylish accent piece.  

 

What You Will Need:

  • Multi Hole Punch Tool
  • Leather
  • Scissor 
  • Studs
  • Ruler

Step 1: Cut Your Triangle

You will want to lay your leather face down, and trace a triangle on the back- we recommend measuring first to determine the best size.  All three sides of your triangle need to be the same length.  Once you have traced your triangle, carefully cut it out.

 

Cut Leather Triangle

 

 

Step 2: Punch Holes in the Corners

Punch two holes in each corner of your triangle- about half an inch apart.  This is where your studs will connect the leather, so it is important these holes are aligned well.  Place your holes about a half inch in from the edge.  Be sure they are both aligned with one another, and an equal distance from the tip of the triangle.

 

Punch Holes for Studs

 

Step 3: Add Your Studs

Place the bottom of your stud through one hole, and as you fold the leather your trinket dish will begin to take shape.  This is the most important step, as your alignment of the studs helps balance your dish.  Make sure the holes are matched up as *perfectly* as you can, and add the top of the stud.  Complete this on the other two sides… and Voila!  You have a new wow-worthy trinket dish.  

 

Add Studs to Trinket Dish

 

Working with leather brings a real sense of satisfaction- from the smell, to the durability and character, that comes from working with natural materials.  We encourage you to try working with leather scraps to see for yourself. 

 

Completed Trinket Dish

 

Feeling inspired?  If you need larger leather pieces for crafting or small furniture projects, check out our leather remnants and pieces