Cal1

Thank you Wiz, I talked to Bob Kovar the other day. So in the near future i got a 3 1/2 hour drive to Toledo to check out these machines in action!

Thanks Mark, Will do.

Ok Guys got a lot of great help so far from everyone and a lot of knowledge from the forums and posts but can't ask questions because they are closed. So here it goes; doesn't seem to be any new machines below the $1,200.00 price for sewing leather? But did see the Consew CP206R portable machine for 499.00 plus shipping from Toledo Industrial Sewing Machines. Anybody have or used one of these and what are your impressions. Not starting a business, just a hobbyist looking right now to sew two pieces 4 ounce combination tanned leather some say to use #92 thread some say to use #138 some say 6TPI some say 7TPI . Any other recommendations would be great. I'm sewing motorcycle seat cover and sissy bar pad cover, grip covers and some stuff for family and friends as gifts. In my previous life, I did professional custom wood furnishing and restoration and we would send out the antique pieces that needed the leather parts restored but I would like to do this myself also. Thanks Cal

Thanks for the thought Chris, but I am looking for just the opposite, the threads not showing. But I have learned a lot from everyone here and the website I t appears I'll be needing to buy a leather sewing machine!

Thank you for the help Dwight. The ladies at Joann Fabric's are going to love me. lol

Thanks Grumpymann; I had to look that up on you tube "Skiving" I don't know with the leather being so supple; but I'll do a test piece first.

Hey Guys, I'm new to the site and new to Leather. My head is spinning after trying to find post in over 90,000 post went 50 pages in and back to 2012 on Motorcycles and Bike gear forum and also How do I do that forum and could not find anything about seams? I am taking a different approach to making my motorcycle seat and sissy bar and grip covers. I am not carving or dyeing no lacing just or fancy stitching that shows; just want smooth leather look. Using 4 ounce Horween believe it is combo tanned "Chromexcel". I need to hand sew as I have no machine. After making a pattern how much excess material should I leave and how or what do you do with excess part of seam? Not using any piping either so I will put smooth leather against each other and sew inside out then turn right side in. I may use small belt style buckle to tighten and secure but will be able to remove leather covers. Also should I use some type of lining or is it better to keep back side of leather accessible for oiling or waxing? Thanks Cal Mercer, Mercer PA 16148