Angiemarie

Yes the leather is extremely thin and buttery soft but perfect for what I make. I agree with you that the qualities of the leather I love are also its problems. I am looking at trying a needleplate that has a hole only like the vintage singers. It still leaves the feed dog problem but maybe I could remove them and tape over the holes. Worth a try! I use standard Gutermann polyester thread and have tried all styles of machine needles, including leather usually size 80 or 90. I did previously use a heavy twisted silk thread from Germany which was excellent but is not produced anymore My list of several domestic machines include vintage (1980's) Pfaff and Husqvarna's, Singer featherweights, 201 and 99k, a new Brother embroidery/sewing and currently a Bernina 1260 which sews well apart from the sticky drag of the leather. I did mount a industrial wheel presser foot to the Singers which worked ok and was able to sew but still have the issue of the unsupported edge of the seam flapping around a little and the motors were a bit weak. I have thought about adding a servo motor to the Singer but that might be tricky to mount and sew slow enough. Ideally, I would love to try a wheel feed antique Singer but they are very hard to come by here , or even the machine in the video above... I have amassed quite a collection of domestic machines over the years in my search

Agree that an industrial would be overkill for my needs. That was an amazing video to watch and learn of a different type of machine. Its quite a mechanical engineering marvel! I don't like my chances of finding one here in Australia but who knows? Interesting that the person sews off on and off to a scrap fabric at the beginning and ending of each seam. I wonder if that's because it has ne feed dogs? Thanks again

Thanks for your suggestion - have tried both painters and magic tapes with limited success 😳

Yes, tried roller feet, painter’s and magic tape on the bottom of presser foot. Currently have magic tape on the needle plate which helps a little. I am using a domestic machine as the leather is only 0.3mm thick. Would love to purchase an industrial walking foot but think the size of the presser walking foot and the thread may be too large.

I have been painting the suede side of my very soft, thin leather with washable school glue as a barrier to prevent sticking under the presser foot of my straight sewer machine. After sewing I then wash the leather under water to remove the glue and dry. Is there another method or product that would be easier to apply and remove? If I don’t use the barrier of glue I have trouble with the feed and stitch length. I have tried sewing with a teflon foot, on tissue paper etc. As I sew small pieces and very close to the edge of the leather some methods are quite cumbersome.

Thanks for your reply and linking to your post. I am thinking this may be my next approach whilst I see what other suitable machines are available over here. I love how you have solved your issue without it being too difficult to manufacture or source parts. I’m thinking I may try a 3d print a larger wheel to suit 😊

Thanks for your reply, I really anppreciate it annd for the video link - they are interesting machines… I am aware of glove sewing machines but know of no one who has one or have not been able to locate one here in Australia unfortunately so I am unsure whether they would be suitable for such thin leather? I do know some also use a Bonis type sewing machine but again cannot locate one (eg Singer 172) . The fur sewing machines are plentiful here but they don’t do a lock stitch so that’s why I have been experimenting with an older flat bed. Historical pics I have found show both the post type and flatbed machines in old factories. I wish I also knew someone who made fine leather gloves….

Hi I sew 0.3mm kangaroo skin gloves. I use a home sewing machine which has plenty of punching power but would love a walking foot machine. The issue I have is the underside / inside of the leather hide sticking on both the presser foot and bed. I have tried Teflon and roller feet, magic tape on the bed, talc on the flat side of the leather or to try and resist drag. I have also purchased a vintage Singer 66k sewing machine and added an industrial roller wheel foot which works well for the drag issue. The issue now is the motor can’t sew very slowly - it humms and stalls at slow speed so I press the pedal harder then the machine takes off too fast - no good for sewing around tight small curves such as the top of the fingers. I have tried adjusting the belt tension, servicing motor etc. Can anyone recommend a good machine that is capable of slow speed, good feeding and doesn’t use thick heavy duty thread please? I sew with a Schmetz 90 leather needle. thanks