The 10 Best Sewing Machine for Leather in 2024

Last Updated on December 31, 2023

Leathers are a bit different from other fabrics. These are quite thicker than any other materials. If you are doing any product of leather sewing, you’ll need a sturdy sewing machine as leather is opaque, so the average sewing machine can’t handle it.

Best Sewing Machine for Leather

The manufacturing company does not specify which one is better for the leather. For this reason, getting a good sewing machine for leather work is tough.

Our Top 3 Recommendations

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Product NamePriceOur Ratings
1. Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 – WinnerCheck Details!4.7/5
2. Janome HD1000 Heavy-duty – Runner UpCheck Details!4.6/5
3. Janome HD3000 Heavy-duty – 2nd Runner UpCheck Details!4.6/5

Review of the Best Sewing Machine for Leather

You’ll get a massive number of sewing machines online. To help you find here, we are reviewing the Best Sewing Machine for Leather, considering their performance, features, and brands that can meet your requirements.

1. Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 Sewing Machine

Singer Quantum Stylist 9960
MaterialMetal
Dimensions8.25″D x 17.25″W x 12″H
Item Weight20 Pounds
Power SourceCorded Electric
Is ElectricYes

The singer is a well-known company all over the world. Singer 9960 is a good sewing machine, and it is computerized. The device has many more feature that other doesn’t have.

Singer Quantum Stylist 9960

Singer Quantum Stylist Machine features 600 inbuilt stitches. Stitches are also customizable. So you can customize the stitch as you want.

Singer Quantum Stylist 9960

These stitch designs can be used to make your leather project more decorative. Also, you can create a unique sewing project using a wide range of stitches.

Quantum Stylist 9960

While most companies offer one or two buttonhole designs, the machine offers you 13 buttonhole designs. So you can create 13 unique virtual buttonhole designs. These features make the machine unique and better than others, and it is also quite fast.

Singer Quantum Stylist 9960

You can sew 850 stitches every minute. Automatic needle threading makes your threading work easy. Threading a needle needs less effort.

Singer Quantum Stylist 9960

It also has two LED lights inbuilt. These are here to make your working surface bright. So you can do your work even in the dark. Overall this is an excellent machine for decorative work.

Credit: Katie Makes Stuff
Pros
– Computerized
– Automatic needle threader
– Portable
– Many stitch option
– Easy to use
Cons
– Makes loud sound
– Has lost tension issue

2. Janome HD1000 Heavy-duty Sewing Machine

best sewing machine for leather
MaterialAluminum, Metal
Dimensions8.5″D x 18.25″W x 15.25″H
Item Weight15 Pounds
Power SourceAC
Is ElectricYes

Janome HD1000 is an excellent choice for those who are searching for a durable machine that comes with a variety of stitches.

Janome HD1000

The device is constructed with aluminum. Both the exterior and interior are made of aluminum. That is why the Janome hd1000 is so durable and sturdy. The aluminum design also makes the machine quite heavy. So it is not a good machine to travel.

Janome Hd1000

This machine offers you 14 inbuilt stitches. So the machine has both primary and some decorative stitches as well. Choosing between the stitches is so easy.

Janome HD1000
Credit: Vince J. Arcuri

There is a dial on the sewing device. With the help of the dial, you can select the desired stitch. Even the buttonhole-making is also so comfortable with the machine. By following just four easy steps, you can take a virtual buttonhole.

Janome HD1000
Credit: Vince J. Arcuri

The automatic thread cutter and reverse stitch make the machine very easy to use. So you can control the device. The tool is powerful enough to handle thick leather.

Credit: Vince J. Arcuri
Pros
– Long-lasting machine
– Automatic needle threader
– Free-motion sewing
– Has a removable free arm
– Easy reverse
Cons
– Bobbin jams
– Not good at sewing thick clothes

Check Also: Top Quilting Embroidery Sewing Machine

3. Janome HD3000 Heavy-duty Sewing Machine

Janome Hd3000
MaterialMetal
Dimensions10″D x 19″W x 15″H
Item Weight18.7 Pounds
Power SourceTreadle Powered
Is ElectricYes

Janome HD3000 is an enduring sewing machine. The users of the device confirmed that the machine is so good at its work.

Janome HD3000
Credit: Tandy Leather

It can handle multiple layers of lather at once. It is a kind of sewing machine for sewing leather on the market.

Janome HD3000

The HD3000 machine looks quite a bit old-fashioned; the machine is not computerized. Therefore, it doesn’t have many features like an automatic sewing machine. But despite that, it is perfect for leather sewing.

best sewing machine for leather

It can sew at quite a decent speed. The machine is a perfect choice for beginners who are new and have learned to sew leather. The device has 18 fixed stitches. For doing leather sewing work, these stitch designs are more than enough.

Janome HD3000

You can create a buttonhole with just a single simple step. The machine is also useful in the case of the reverse stitch. Most of the device doesn’t have the feature. This machine can do the reverse stitch.

Janome HD3000

You are also getting a built-in thread cutter that saves a lot of time of yours. The metal construction ensures durability. It is a pretty good machine for even sewing multi layer of leather.

Credit: Tandy Leather
Pros
– Easy 1-step buttonhole
– Heavy duty
– Easy to use
– Reverse stitches
– Great for leather sewing
Cons
– Not so well quality
– Not suitable for a thick layer

4. Juki TL-2010Q 1-Needle Sewing Machine

Juki TL-2010q
MaterialAluminum
Dimensions14″D x 25.7″W x 18″H
Item Weight1 Pounds
Power SourceTreadle Powered
Is ElectricYes

The machine from Juki has received excellent reviews from its users. Everyone praised the quality and speed of the device, and it has a very durable aluminum body.

Juki TL-2010Q 1

Aluminum makes the machine so durable and robust. For home use, the machine is a good choice. For industrial use, the machine is not so good.

Juki TL-2010Q 1

The sewing speed of the machine is awe-inspiring. The top sewing speed of the device is 1500 SPM. That means it can sew about 1500 stitches in a minute.

Juki TL-2010Q 1

But the best thing about the Juki TL-2010q sewing machine is even at that high speed, it makes very little noise. So you won’t feel disturbed while working.

best sewing machine for leather

The machine also has an extension table. This table provides you with more space while you are working on a big project.

There is a very helpful feature named automatic needle threading that saves a lot of time for the user. You can put a thread into the needle in no time.

Juki TL-2010Q 1

Inbuilt LEDs are bright enough to provide yours with focus work. The machine is quite reliable and speedy in the case of leather sewing.

Credit: Mathew Ralphs
Pros
– Larger working space
– Very lightweight
– Portable and compact
– Also has a foot pedal
– Heavy duty
Cons
– Difficult to thread
– Needle threading is not good enough

Check Also: Janome vs Bernina

5. Janome Heavy Duty Sewing Machine

best sewing machine for leather
MaterialLeather
Dimensions10″D x 19″W x 14.7″H
Item Weight21 Pounds
Power SourceTreadle Powered
Is ElectricYes

Janome HD is a perfect sewing machine for leather sewing. It can work on several sheets of leather. The sewing speed of the device is impressive, and it can sew any fabric without any trouble.

The needles used on this machine are solid and universal. For being active, they won’t break easily. This needle even functional a sewing multiple layers of leather. It also has many stitches inbuilt.

These can be used to do wonderful projects. The metal construction made the machine quite durable too. You can use it for various sewing purposes.

Janome Hd3000

The machine has all the necessary options. So operatinJanome Hd3000g the machine is simple. The pressure foot is alterable to suit your needs. For leather sewing, more pressure is needed than for other fabrics. That is why adjustable sewing speed is quite necessary.

Automatic bobbin winding makes the machine even more comfortable to use. Reverse stitches can be very quickly done using this machine. You’ll also get many free accessories for additional work.

Pros
– Easy to use
– Easy bobbin winding
– Adjustable presser foot pressure
– Free arm sewing
– Free Accessories
Cons
– Quality control is not good
– No inbuilt buttonhole style

6. Singer Heavy-duty 4423 Sewing Machine

best sewing machine for leather
MaterialMetal
Dimensions6.25″D x 15.5″W x 12″H
Item Weight14.5 Pounds
Power SourceCorded Electric
Is ElectricYes

Singer 4423 is considered as one of the most speedy and heavy duty sewing machines for leather. The stitching speed of the machine is very high. It can sew about 1100 stitches in every minute. So you can complete your work on this machine very quickly.

Singer Heavy-duty 4423

The metal construction ensures durability. The motor that is used on this machine is also very powerful. That is why the stitching speed is so high. The powerful motor helps you to do your job easily and quickly.

Singer Heavy-duty 4423

The machine offers many inbuilt stitches. You’ll also get a dedicated lather sewing option on the machine. So the machine is quite suitable for thick fabric.

Singer Heavy-duty 4423

The Singer 4423 has a twist knob dial. By using the dial, you can select whatever stitch design you want. It is so easy to operate the machine. You’ll get other necessary features like automatic needle threading on this machine.

Singer Heavy-duty 4423

With this machine, the singer company provides many other accessories which are helpful for sewers. This is built very well and so much durable that you can use it for years.

Singer Heavy-duty 4423
Pros
– High speedy
– 60% stronger than other
– Metal design
– Good at sewing thick clothes also
– Easy to use
Cons
– Makes weird noises
– Needle stuck often

Check Also: How to Choose a Sewing Machine?

7. Singer Tradition 2259 Portable Sewing Machine

Singer Tradition 2259
MaterialMetal
Item Weight13.6 Pounds
Power SourceTreadle Powered
Is ElectricYes

Singer tradition 2259 is a moderate sewing machine, and this is an entry level portable sewing machine for leather.

Singer Tradition 2259

The device is an excellent fit for new sewers. It has a 19-fixed stitch pattern. Which is more than enough for you if you are a beginner. Selecting between those stitches is very easy. You can choose between them by using a rotary dial.

Singer Tradition 2259

On this machine, buttonhole making is also quite easy; by following just four simple and easy steps, you can make a perfect buttonhole.

Singer Tradition 2259

Stitch length is an essential factor for sewing leather. At least 4mm of stitch length is required. The Singer Tradition 2259 offers you adjustable stitch length. So you can select the stitch length as you need.

Singer Tradition 2259

Bobbin winding is as tricky as needle threading. You can wind the bobbin easily using an automatic bobbin winding feature.

Singer Tradition 2259

Metal construction ensures strong hold and durability. The company is also providing 25 years warranty.

Singer Tradition 2259
Pros
– Free arm sewing
– Easy stitch selection
– Adjustable stitch length
– Metal construction
– Multiple needle position
Cons
– Cheap material
– Needle breaks

8. Singer Sew Mate 5400 Handy Sewing Machine

Singer Sew Mate 5400
MaterialMetal
Dimensions7.75″D x 16.5″W x 13″H
Item Weight13 Pounds
Power SourceCorded Electric
Is ElectricYes

Singer Mate is another mister piece made by the singer. Mate 5400 is designed to provide excellent power and sewing benefit, and this features a variety of stitches.

Singer Sew Mate 5400

It has 60 fixed stitches. So you’ll get all basic to decorative stitches in one machine. By using these stitches, you can easily do decorative projects.

Singer Sew Mate 5400

You’ll also get four fully automatic buttonhole designs. For that, you can create a virtual buttonhole design. Most machines generally offer one. But you are getting four designs on this machine.

Singer Sew Mate 5400

If you buy this machine, then you don’t need to think about threading many more because of auto needle threading. Some device often has little issue with thread tension.

On this machine, the pressure of the thread is controlled automatically. So you can work more effectively – the company offering you a metal frame construction. Therefore, the device is heavy-duty and durable.

Singer Sew Mate 5400

It also has an inbuilt LED. The stitch length is also adjustable; you can adjust the stitch length as you need. This machine is quite powerful and can sew thick leather easily.

Pros
– Many decorative stitches
– Heavy duty
– Metal frame construction
– Adjustable stitch length
– Setup is easy
Cons
– Short cord
– Threading is hard

Check Also: Top Juki Sewing Machine

9. Consew 206RB-5 Triple Feed Needle Machine

best sewing machine for leather
MaterialLeather
Power SourceCorded Electric
Is ElectricYes

Consew 206RB is an all-time best-seller sewing machine. The machine is used for handling big projects. It is widely used worldwide in industry and is ideal for managing a large project. That’s why many sewers consider it as the best sewing machine for sewing leather.

Consew 206RB-5

Most of the companies offer a 5-6mm stitch length, while this machine has a 10mm stitch length on this machine. You can do reverse sewing quite comfortably on it. The reverse stitch length is also adjustable.

Consew 206RB-5

With this adjustable stitch length, you can correctly sew your leather fabric. With the right needle, you can sew leather like a pro. The sewing speed is quite high on this machine.

Consew 206RB-5

The Consew walking foot machine can sew about 3300 stitches every minute. The machine is an industrial sewing machine for leather, so this is quite a good speed. Its stitch-selecting regulator can be locked manually. That helps to secure the stitch selecting regulator while sewing at such high speed.

Consew 206RB-5

The working space on the machine is very large. The well-constructed machine ensures high durability. The needle you are getting is also quite sharp. You need to oil the sewing machine after every use for better performance.

Credit: AtlasLevy Sewing Machine Company
Pros
– High-pressure foot
– Adjustable revise stitches
– Changeable feed dog
– Stitch regulator lock
– Very durable
Cons
– Need to oil after every use

10. Brother ST371HD Sewing Machine

best sewing machine for leather
MaterialMetal
Dimensions7.87″D x 16.1″W x 12.21″H
Item Weight18.4 Pounds
Power SourceCorded Electric
Is ElectricYes

Brother ST371HD has many features that favor leather sewing. This machine can easily sew multiple layers of leather and features using two heavyweight needles. The needles are so sharp that they can sew thick fabric so quickly.

Brother ST371HD

The metal needle plate feeds the material very smoothly. It does it works quite seamlessly. The metal needles are very useful while multiple sewing layers of thick fabrics.

Brother ST371HD

With the help of inbuilt 37 stitches, the machine is capable of providing you with decorative projects. You can do unique projects using these stitches. Selecting between the stitches is also easy. By just turning a dial, you can choose between the stitches.

Brother ST371HD

The most challenging job of sewing work is threading. This machine features automatic threading by which the needle can thread so easily.

Brother ST371HD

The machine’s sewing speed is pretty good. A maximum of 800 stitches can be done by it. So you can work quite fast and effectively on this machine. Indeed it is quite an excellent machine for a leather sewing project.

Pros
– Speedy sewing
– Very strong
– Six quick-change sewing feet
– Very durable
– Long-lasting life
Cons
– Needle slipped
– Needle breaks

Check Also: Top Janome Sewing Machines for Beginners

What to Consider Before Buying a Sewing Machine for Leather?

Leather is a heavy material. And for the line to be of high quality and durable and for the product to last for many years, it is necessary to choose the right specialized professional leather sewing machine.

best sewing machine for leather

Based on your needs, the suitable leather sewing machine will provide you with a competitive edge in speed and quality. And in this article, we will tell you how to choose a machine for sewing different leather products.

Type of Leather Products 

Genuine and artificial leather is a very versatile material. Therefore, the equipment needed is different. There are 3-types of leather sewing machines – flatbed, sleeve, and core. The sleeve and core machines are suitable for bulky sewing products (bags, shoes).

Flatbed machines are suitable for flat things (belts, animal products), sewing leather clothes, car covers, and furniture.

Motor Type

Motors for sewing machines differ in power, speed, voltage, and ability to perform automatic auxiliary functions.

Even 10-15 years ago, electric motors were of the same type – friction, in which the action was driven by clutching the friction lining. And this led to the frequent replacement of friction discs and the rapid failure of the friction motor. Nowadays, industrial machines are equipped with servomotors. There’s the advantage of a servo motor:

  • Reduction of noise and vibration of the engine, which allows you to install an industrial machine in a small room or apartment
  • Reduce electricity consumption by about 80%. This is true for any product but is especially noticeable with a large number of the product.
  • The light weight of the engine, which allows replacement even at home
  • The servo motor is more durable in operation since the engine starts when you press the machine’s pedal.
  • The servo motor provides a smooth start at the beginning of sewing, which allows you to perform high-quality stitching in important areas of the product.

How else are servomotors different? The Servo motor can be with or without needle positioning function. This feature allows the needle to remain in its highest or lowest position when the machine stops. If this function is unavailable, the needle seems to “freeze,” and it is necessary to move it to the desired position manually.

Also, the servo motor can be suspended (installed under an industrial table) or built into the head of the machine. In most machines with automatic functions, the servomotor is already built into the machine head.

Servo motors vary in power – they can be 550 or 750 watts. Although most machine classes are equipped with 550W motors, heavy-material machines are equipped with 750W motors.

Shuttle 

Industrial sewing machines used for sewing leather goods differ in the size of the shuttle – standard or enlarged. The name “enlarged” implies a more significant size not only of the shuttle but also of the bobbin.

The choice depends on the type of product to be sewn. If a thick thread is used in the sewing process, the choice is a machine with an enlarged hook. 

Also, an enlarged hook is needed when sewing large-sized products, which reduces the cost of threading the lower thread, increasing productivity. When sewing clothes from leather or small accessories, where frequent thread changes are possible, using a machine with a standard-size hook is more relevant.

Lubricant

Machines for heavy materials, which include leather, whether natural or artificial, are subject to regular lubrication of moving mechanisms. There are two types of lubrication systems- automatic and drip:

  • During automatic lubrication, special oil is poured into the sump. Further, the oil is distributed over all mechanisms in the required quantity, providing lubrication to several mechanisms simultaneously. An oil change is necessary once every 6- months (this is an average). But it depends on the degree of operation of the equipment. The oil level determines the need for another oil filling in the sump. It should not fall below the LOW mark.
  • Drip lubrication in machines is essential for extra-heavy materials. It is due to the machine’s mechanisms and the engine’s rotation speed – in engines with high power but low speed, the oil will not be able to flow to the moving mechanisms. It is necessary to force-lubricate into certain holes or small reservoirs.
  • Automatic lubrication is preferred as it makes the machine easier to operate. It would be best if you poured it into the pan once. It will need replacement about once every six months.

FAQs

Do You Need a Special Sewing Machine for Leather?

No, having a special sewing machine for leather is not always necessary. You can also deal with leather sewing projects with your top-notch home sewing machine. However, you may need some modifications to your home sewing machine to sew leather conveniently.

Do I Need a Walking Foot to Sew Leather?

We do not recommend using a walking foot to sew leather. Because the little arm of the walking foot keeps things moving, leaving unpleasant stretch marks on the leather.

How Much Does a Sewing Machine for Leather Cost?

Leather sewing machines are more durable than standard sewing machines. Usually, typical sewing machine prices start at around $150. Therefore, leather sewing machines are typically priced between $500 and $2,000.

Will a Singer’s Heavy-duty Sewing Machine Sew Leather?

Yes, Singer sewing machines with high motor power and speed can easily sew leather and thicker fabrics. 

Can Janome Sew Leather?

Janome manufactures various sewing machines for leather work that are well capable of sewing leather with ease. These machines are also able to sew thick and non-woven fabric as well.

Will an Industrial Sewing Machine Sew Leather?

Yes, it will. But you cannot sew thick or hard leather using an industrial sewing machine. Since an industrial sewing machine’s needle is quite thin, you can only use them on soft leather; that thickness ranges from 1/16″ to 1/8″. If the leather exceeds this range, the machine will likely break needles, skip stitches, and stall.

How Hard is It to Sew Leather?

It’s not pretty difficult as one might initially think to sew through the leather. You can easily finish any leather project, no matter how big or small. To create leather goods, you must equip yourself with a few fundamental tools and a leather sewing machine and become proficient in the stitching technique.

Do You Backstitch When Sewing Leather?

No, don’t backstitch when sewing leather. Leather will tear off under the stress of backstitching. Rather, keep long thread tails and tie a square knot at the end of the seam. Make sure that the knot hasn’t crossed other stitching.

What Size Sewing Machine Needle Do I Need for Leather?

For sewing thin or soft leather, you will need 110 No needles on your sewing machine. On the other hand, 120 No needle is best suitable for thick leather.

best sewing machine for leather

Final Verdict

If you don’t know what to look for in a machine, it will be quite difficult for you to buy a suitable device for leather sewing.

You will find a vast option in the market for a sewing machine for leather. So it is quite challenging to find the best one.

That is why we reviewed the best leather sewing machine available on the market. Hopefully, this will help you to choose the perfect one for you.

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