Are you looking for a sewing machine that can handle leather? If so, you may be wondering if there is a specific sewing machine that is better suited for this type of material. In this blog post, we will discuss the best leather sewing machine and provide you with a few recommendations.
Most any sewing machine can sew through thin leather with the right needle. However, when it comes to sewing medium weight leather even using the right needle many sewing machines will struggle. If you try to sew medium weight leather with a machine that isn’t designed for sewing thicker fabrics you can easily damage your machine, resulting in costly repairs that aren’t covered by your warranty. Because if this, it’s best to use a sewing machine that can handle sewing medium weight leather and thicker fabrics for your leather projects. Instead, you would want to use one of the heavy-duty machines we have selected below to sew your leather project.
Read on to find the right sewing machine for leather for you.
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Best Leather Sewing Machine
Best Choice for the Price
- Heavy duty metal frame. Improves durability and stability when sewing at high speeds.
- Includes multiple feet: an all purpose foot, zipper foot, buttonhole foot, and a button sewing foot.
- Soft sided dust cover included.
- Onboard accessory storage.
- 32 built in stitches.
- Adjustable stitch width and length.
- Adjustable feed dog height.
- Adjustable presser foot pressure.
- Limited 90 day / 2 year / 25 year warranty.
Best Choice for Serious Sewers
- Die-cast aluminum construction
- Detachable extension table
- One built-in stitch – straight
- 1,500 stitches per minute
- Has a sewing light
- Does NOT do free arm sewing
- Automatic thread trimmer
- Check dealer to confirm warranty
Best All Around
- Aluminum frame
- 18 built-in stitches
- 1-step buttonhole
- Built-in needle threading
- Side load bobbin
- Can do free arm sewing
- Five sewing feet included: Zigzag foot, blind hem foot, rolled hem foot, buttonhole foot, overedge foot
- 860 stitches per minute
- Sewing light
- Hard cover included
- 25 year limited warranty
1. Singer 4432 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine Details
The Singer 4432 is a highly reviewed and rated sewing machine in Singer’s heavy duty sewing machine line. This sewing machine is deemed a ‘true workhorse’ – and it lives up to that label! With it’s 60% stronger motor than normal sewing machines and heavy duty metal frame, this is a solid sewing machine that is very durable. It can sew at an amazing 1,100 stitches per minute. This is much faster than your average sewing machine’s speeds of 600 to 800 stitches per minute.
This sewing machine is good for sewing through a variety of fabrics, from denim and heavy canvas to the lightest tulles and sheers. It’s a workhorse with a strong motor and can sew quickly. It has a lot of features, like a built-in needle threader and a 1-step buttonhole. It’s also adjustable, so you can sew a variety of fabrics, and it comes with a bunch of feet.
This sewing machine comes with multiple different presser feet for different sewing tasks. It includes an all purpose foot, zipper foot, button hole foot and button sewing foot. These accessories can all be stored in the onboard accessory container. Remove the onboard accessory container, and this machine is ready for free arm sewing. Free arm sewing is great for sewing tight spaces like pants hems, sleeve cuffs, collars and kids clothes.
The Singer 4432 has 32 different built in sewing stitches. These include basic sewing stitches, stretch stitches, and decorative stitches. You can modify these stitches by setting different stitch length and widths (up to 6mm). This machine also has adjustable dog feed teeth and adjustable presser foot pressure. Being able to adjust the pressure the machine puts on your material means you can sew things like leather without leaving an imprint in the material. You can also adjust the needle position on this machine; left, right, and center. This can further modify the stitch you choose to use.
This heavy duty sewing machine is super easy to thread and use. It is a great mechanical sewing machine for beginners or for more advanced sewers looking to add a heavy duty machine to their sewing room.
View our full review here.
Product Features:
- Heavy duty metal frame. Improves durability and stability when sewing at high speeds.
- Includes multiple feet: an all purpose foot, zipper foot, buttonhole foot, and a button sewing foot.
- Soft sided dust cover included.
- Onboard accessory storage.
- 32 built in stitches.
- Adjustable stitch width and length.
- Adjustable feed dog height.
- Adjustable presser foot pressure.
- Limited 90 day / 2 year / 25 year warranty.
2. JUKI TL-2010Q High Speed Sewing & Quilting Machine Details
This Juki sewing machine has one stitch – straight. It does this stitch amazingly well. This machine is made of die-cast aluminum to ensure it’s sewing perfection. This is an industrial quality sewing machine, and it shows. It can sew at speeds of up to 1,500 stitches per minute, or you can throttle that down with the onboard speed control slider. This sewing speed slider technically connects to a micro computer to ensure perfect material feed and stitches, so this is not a 100% mechanical sewing machine. This machine does still use a foot pedal to control the speed of the machine.
This Juki sewing machine is perfect for quilters or clothing designers looking for a great sewing machine. It also makes a great leather sewing machine, easily sewing through light to medium weight leathers. It has advanced features like an industrial grade sub-tension system and automatic thread end cutting. When you stop sewing, this machine automatically leaves the needle down. This way when you are pivoting your material or doing free motion embroidering you can easily turn the fabric without having to worry about messing up your stitch alignment. It has a button that lets you easily set the needle up or down. This industrial machine even comes with a knee lift lever allowing you to lift the presser foot with your knee – and sew your projects even faster. This machine has a large throat and a extra large detachable extension table, making it perfect for working on large sewing or quilting projects.
Product Features:
- Die-cast aluminum construction
- Detachable extension table
- One built-in stitch – straight
- 1,500 stitches per minute
- Has a sewing light
- Does NOT do free arm sewing
- Automatic thread trimmer
- Check dealer to confirm warranty
3. Janome HD3000 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine Details
The HD3000 is Janome’s heavy duty machine. This sewing machine has tons of user reviews and a super high approval rating. Janome is also one of the high end brands for sewing machines. This machine has an aluminum body and gears for added durability. It is capable of sewing at 860 stitches per minute. This is a great sewing machine for sewing thick and sewing heavy fabrics. It also makes a great sewing machine for leather.
The Janome HD3000 comes with 18 different built in stitches. These stitches include basic, decorative, and stretch stitches. There is also a 1-step buttonhole stitch on this sewing machine. You can easily adjust both the stitch length and width with the sliders on the front of the machine. You can also adjust the thread tension, needle position, and the feed teeth height with this sewing machine. This machine comes with a side loading bobbin, and an automatic bobbin winding system hidden in the top cover. This machine is capable of doing free arm sewing, making hemming pants, setting in sleeves, and sewing kids clothes much easier.
This heavy duty Janome sewing machine comes with a hard carrying case. It also comes with five different presser feet: a zigzag foot, rolled hem foot, overedge foot, blind hem foot, and a buttonhole foot. This machine weighs 18.7 lbs and is 16 x 11.3 x 7.2 inches. This is one of the heaviest heavy duty sewing machines that we reviewed here. This machine comes with a warranty if it is sold by an authorized dealer, so make sure to verify with Janome that the seller is licensed to sell their machines.
Product Features:
- Aluminum frame
- 18 built-in stitches
- 1-step buttonhole
- Built-in needle threading
- Side load bobbin
- Can do free arm sewing
- Five sewing feet included: Zigzag foot, blind hem foot, rolled hem foot, buttonhole foot, overedge foot
- 860 stitches per minute
- Sewing light
- Hard cover included
- 25 year limited warranty
4. Janome HD1000 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine Details
The Janome HD1000 is another great heavy duty sewing machine by Janome. This is another heavy duty mechanical sewing machine. This machine is made from cast aluminum for extra durability. It also has a heavy duty motor, at 0.75 AMP. This is comparable to the motor in the Singer 4432 at 0.77 AMP. It sews at a quick 1,000 stitches per minute. This machine does a great job sewing thick materials and sewing heavy materials like demin, fleece, canvas, leather, and more. The Janome HD1000 comes in both a black and a white version.
The Janome HD1000 comes with 14 different built in stitches. This includes a four step buttonhole stitch. This machine is another heavy duty mechanical sewing machine. It has dials to control the different settings on the sewing machine. You can change the stitch selection, stitch length, stitch width, and thread tension. You can also change the needle position, presser foot pressure, and the feed teeth height with this sewing machine. This heavy duty Janome sewing machine is another side load bobbin sewing machine. It also has the capability to automatically wind a bobbin. This Janome machine can do free arm sewing if you remove the accessory storage container. This allows you to sew small projects like kids clothes or hem pants easily.
This heavy duty Janome HD 1000 comes with a hard carrying case. It comes with three different presser feet: a hemmer foot, buttonhole foot, and a zipper foot. This machine weighs in at 16.8 lbs, and is 15.6 x 12.4 x 6.3 inches. If this machine is sold by an authorized dealer, it is covered by Janome’s warranty. Make sure to confirm with the seller or with Janome that you are purchasing from an authorized seller.
Read our full review here.
Product Features:
- Made of cast aluminum
- 14 built-In stitches
- Four step buttonhole
- Built-in needle threading
- .75 AMP motor
- Can do free arm sewing
- Three feet included: Hemmer foot, buttonhole foot, and zipper foot
- 1,000 stitches per minute
- Sewing light
- Hard cover included
- 25 year limited warranty
5. JUKI TL-2000Qi Sewing and Quilting Machine Details
The Juki TL-2000Qi Sewing and Quilting machine is great for working with a wide range of fabrics. With it’s heavy duty motor and die-cast aluminum construction, it also makes a great leather sewing machine and denim sewing machine. This is an entry level industrial sewing machine and it shows in it’s durability and ease of use. At a quick 1,500 stitches per minute, this machine will make short work of your sewing projects.
This machine has only one stitch – the straight stitch, but it sews that amazingly well. It’s perfect for sewing together clothing, quilts, and so much more. The Juki TL-2000Qi comes with a detachable extension table and has a really large throat. This makes working with larger projects really easy. It has a knee lift lever which allows you to lift up the presser foot with your knee. This is great for making fast turns with your project. It also has an auto thread cutter that cuts the thread for you with just a short tail left behind. With it’s super bright LED light and tapered sewing head, this machine has excellent visibility as you sew.
Product Features:
- Die-cast aluminum construction
- Detachable extension table
- One built-in stitch – straight
- 1,500 stitches per minute
- LED sewing light
- Knee lift lever
- Does NOT do free arm sewing
- Automatic thread trimmer
- Automatic needle threader
- Check dealer to confirm warranty
6. Singer 4423 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine Details
The Singer 4423 heavy duty sewing machine is one of the best rated and reviewed heavy duty sewing machines available for home use. This heavy duty sewing machine has the same heavy interior metal frame and 60% stronger motor that the Singer 4432 has. This heavy duty Singer sewing machine has 23 different built-in stitches. The heavy duty Singer 4423 sewing machine has a one-step buttonhole stitch too.
This heavy duty mechanical sewing machine comes with 23 different built in stitches. This is 11 fewer than the Singer 4432 (and why we recommend the Singer 4432 as the best heavy duty sewing machine). The built-in stitches include basic stitches like straight stitch and zigzag stitch, stretch stitches, and decorative stitches. This heavy duty Singer sewing machine also comes with a built in 1-step buttonhole stitch. With this sewing machine you can control the stitch length, width, and upper thread tension. You can also adjust the feed dog teeth height and the presser foot pressure. This is really great when you are trying to do things like quilt or sew on vinyl or sew leather. This machine has the automatic bobbin winding and the drop in top bobbin that the Singer 4432 has. It also has the ability to do free arm sewing when you remove the accessory storage container.
The Singer heavy duty 4432 sewing machine comes with four presser feet: an all purpose foot, zipper foot, buttonhole foot, and a button sewing foot. This machine comes with a soft sided dust cover. This Singer sewing machine is covered by their 25 year limited warranty, so be sure to register on Singer’s website when you purchase it.
Read our full review here.
Product Features:
- Heavy duty metal frame
- 60% stronger motor
- 23 built-in stitches
- 1-step buttonhole
- Automatic needle threader
- Drop-in top bobbin
- Can do free arm sewing
- Four sewing feet: all-purpose foot, zipper foot, buttonhole foot, button sewing foot
- 1,100 stitches per minute
- Sewing light
- Soft dust cover included
- 25 year limited warranty
7. Brother ST371HD Sewing Machine Details
The Brother ST317HD sewing machine is Brother’s entry to the heavy duty sewing machine market. It has a super high user approval rating, but not nearly as many reviews. This Brother sewing machine has a metal interior frame. This Brother heavy duty sewing machine sews at 800 stitches per minute. This is a good sewing machine for sewing denim, canvas, leather and other thick materials.
The Brother ST317HD comes with 37 built-in stitches. These stitches include basic, stretch, and decorative stitches. This Brother sewing machine can also do a 1-step auto-size buttonhole. With this mechanical sewing machine you can adjust the stitch length, width and thread tension. You can also adjust the feed teeth height and the needle position. It has a drop-in top bobbin for easy bottom thread loading and an automatic bobbin winding system. With this sewing machine you can do free arm sewing, great for hemming pants, sewing sleeve cuffs, finishing collars, or sewing kids clothes.
This Brother sewing machine comes with six different sewing feet: a blind stitch foot, spring action zigzag foot, nonstick foot (prefect for sewing leather and sewing vinyl), a buttonhole foot, button sewing foot, and a zipper foot. This machine weights 14.52 lbs and is 7.87 x 16.1 x 12.21 inches. It comes with Brother’s 25 year limited warranty.
Product Features:
- Metal frame
- 37 built-in stitches
- 1-step buttonhole
- Automatic needle threading
- Drop in top bobbin
- Can do free arm sewing
- Six sewing feet: spring action zigzag foot, nonstick foot, blind stitch foot, zipper foot, buttonhole foot, button sewing foot
- 800 stitches per minute
- Sewing light
- 25 year limited warranty
Best Leather Sewing Machine FAQ
What do I need to sew leather?
Sewing leather is a bit more complex than sewing fabric. To start, you will want a sewing machine that can handle sewing leather. You will also want a leather needle. These special needles are flattened at the tip like a knife so they cut through the leather instead of puncturing it.
I would also recommend getting a roller for rolling down your leather seams, as well as potentially a leather burnisher and a hammer for banging thicker seams flat. You will also want thicker thread than normal for sewing leather.
Can you use a regular sewing machine for leather?
You might be able to use a regular sewing machine for super light leather, but the chances of damaging the machine are high. For sewing leather projects, you really want to use a sewing machine for leather. These machines are often heavier than a standard sewing machine and are built to handle thicker materials.
What is a leather sewing machine?
A leather sewing machine is a sewing machine built to handle thick or heavy materials. These sewing machines can also easily sew through denim, canvas, and other thick fabrics. Sewing machines for leather are often all metal construction with a stronger motor than standard machines.
What’s the difference between a leather sewing machine and a regular sewing machine?
Regular sewing machines are great for sewing thin to medium weight fabrics. Leather sewing machines are often constructed with stronger materials like a more powerful motor and all metal frame. These stronger materials let a leather sewing machine easily sew through leather and other thick materials. However, it also means that leather sewing machines often cost more than a similar regular sewing machine.
What needle do you use to sew leather?
To sew leather, you will use a leather sewing needle. This special needle is not round at the tip like a normal sewing needle but is instead flattened like a knife. This allows the needle to cut through the leather instead of puncturing it. Regular needles would struggle to puncture through leather, but leather needles will slice right through it.
What is the best sewing machine for leather?
The best sewing machine for leather is going to depend on your needs.
The best leather sewing machine for the price is the Singer 4432. The best sewing machine for leather for serious sewers is going to be the Juki TL-2010Q.
How much does a sewing machine for leather cost?
Sewing machines for leather start at around $200. They can go up from there quite a bit to $1500 or higher depending on the machine and features it has. Leather sewing machines are built with stronger and more durable construction like a metal frame, and this leads to a higher cost than a standard sewing machine.
Can the Singer 4432 sew leather?
Yes! The Singer 4432 can sew leather. This is a great heavy duty sewing machine for the price, able to sew leather, canvas, and denim as well as lighter weight materials.
Can Singer heavy duty sew leather?
Yes, the Singer heavy duty line can sew through leather as well as other thick materials like canvas, denim, and fake fur. This line of sewing machines are great for their price.
In Summary
The heavy-duty sewing machines for leather above are the best machines for sewing thick or heavy materials like leather.. With that said, the most important thing to remember when picking out a new sewing machine is what you are going to be using it for. If you are looking for a balanced machine at a great price that can handle sewing leather, denim, and other heavy materials you should go with the Singer 4432. If you are looking for a sewing machine for leather that you’ll be using daily you should check out the Juki TL-2010Q.
Thank you for reading about the best leather sewing machine. We hope this information helps you choose the perfect machine for your needs.
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