Two Topstitched Seams Down The Sleeve Length

[CustomDoug]

Hello I have an old-ish Singer machine (a fashion Mate model #237), it sews leather pretty good until you need to go through several layers. So I know I need to look into getting another machine. I want to get a machine that I can sew a tube (a sleeve) made from two pieces of material - that comes together with TWO topstitched seams length-wise. I can do one topstitched seam down the length but the other seam is just a simple one (turned inside out and sewn). The second topstitched seam is impossible because it has to be done on the outside and there is not enough room (obviously?) , the needle will not sew up inside of the sleeve. I was wondering what kind of machine I'd need to look at to do this. What would you be looking to buy without spending a fortune if that's even possible. Thanks in advance !

Edited August 8, 2010 by CustomDoug

[Wizcrafts]

Hello I have an old-ish Singer machine (a fashion Mate model #237), it sews leather pretty good until you need to go through several layers. So I know I need to look into getting another machine. I want to get a machine that I can sew a tube (a sleeve) made from two pieces of material - that comes together with TWO topstitched seams length-wise. I can do one topstitched seam down the length but the other seam is just a simple one (turned inside out and sewn). The second topstitched seam is impossible because it has to be done on the outside and there is not enough room (obviously?) , the needle will not sew up inside of the sleeve. I was wondering what kind of machine I'd need to look at to do this. What would you be looking to buy without spending a fortune if that's even possible. Thanks in advance !

CustomDoug;

You are going to want a machine called a patcher. They were made by Singer, for almost a Century, as well as by Adler and now Chinese brands. The patchers are available in arm lengths: 12" and 18". If you can find a long arm patcher, with the bigger bobbin, you'll be able to sew all the long cylindrical projects you have. Why? Because patchers have a 360 degress rotating feed mechanism, with the teeth on the pressor foot pulling the work in whatever direction you aim it. You can sew sideways, along the top overlapped seam, folding the leather over as you fill the snout to the body end.

Here are pictures of a short arm and long arm Singer patcher. Note, that the short arm patcher uses a tiny bobbin that doesn't hold much thread, which by the way, is limited to #69 bonded nylon. The big bobbin patchers can sew with #138 thread. The big bobbin models are available in both arm lengths. It depends on the model number after the dash.

Most patchers are foot operated, by a pivoting treadle pedal and leather belt. Or, you spin the flywheel to sew by hand power.

The small arm Singer patchers can sew thicknesses up to 1/4", while the long arm models can exceed 5/16." An Adler long arm patcher can sew 3/8", with #138 nylon thread, top and bottom.

Used Singer patchers sell for prices ranging from $200, up to $1200. Double that for a Adler patcher. The 29-4 is 100 years old and is at the bottom of the price scale. Patchers wear out after years of use and abuse. They were designed for use in shoe repair shops and are not meant to sew dense leather.

[CustomDoug]

Thanks so much Wizcraft for that very thorough info, very helpful !