KMPG

Thank you all for your responses. I have a Singer HD 4452. I looked at industrial machines, like Techsew, and they are $1000-$2500 or more. That seems like a lot to pay out for a machine that will be used just for purse straps. i thought there might be something you could recommend that isn’t so expensive but allow me to make the kind of straps I envision for my purses. What about Juki or Janome machines? I could just buy pre-made straps but thought it might be more economical to make my own. Thank you for your guidance and expertise. kim

Hello, I make totes and purses using antique grain sacks and waxed canvas. I have started making leather purse straps for my bags. They are basic straps with 4.5-5 oz Bison leather. My husband finishes the back. I prefer soft as opposed to stiff leather. I Like the look of double sided leather straps and rounded straps. What weight leather would you recommend for one sided and two sided leather purse straps? I found some nice leather I liked that was 2.5-3.5 oz. would this be ok for double sided leather. What weight for single sided leather? I currently have a singer HD 4452 machine. It works well for my purses. It says it works with leather but I haven’t tried it yet as my current leather is too thick for double sided leather that I would sew. I did purchase a walking foot. I have read people’s thoughts on this forum that do not like this machine for working with leather. Is their an inexpensive machine that you would recommend for making purse straps? I have no desire to make a full leather purse Or anything but purse straps. What kind of machine would you recommend for just purse straps. I have enclosed examples of straps and a purse I made with a simple strap. thank you for your help. Kim

Hi Tom, I did read through it. I was hoping for suggestions of current models on the market that I should consider. It is a lot of money to purchase an industrial machine and there are quite a few to consider. I will relook over the post and see if I can borrow my search myself. Thank you.

Hello, I have started to make tote bags and hobo bags using antique grain sack fabric and antique upholstery homespun hemp. I currently own a Singer 4452 machine. It does a pretty good job with sewing the antique fabric but struggles with curves. I have not tried it with leather and I think I want a separate machine for making leather handles and buckles for the bags and when add some leather accents. I bought a beautiful, soft, cognac bison hide to get started. The only thing is I have never worked with leather and I don’t own a leather sewing machine. What is the most efficient sewing machine for bag making and leather handle making? My husband thinks I will need something that will go through about 6 mm of leather. All the websites I searched on google say the Janome 3000 is best for leather but I found a sheet from Janome that explained using leather on the machine and it said no more than 4 mm. Also, I read here that you all think the Janome is not an appropriate machine for leather sewing. So these are my questions: 1. Do I need an industrial compound machine? If yes, what is a good machine for what I want to do? 2. Are their machines around $500 that can be used for bag making and leather handles that is not a compound machine? 3. What are the brand and models from least expensive to mid size and most expensive? 4. What machines are good for a beginner? 5. What beginning tools would be good to purchase for making leather handles? 6. Is it a good idea to purchase a used machine? What are places or forums to see ads for used machines (e.g., when people upgrade to new model and what to get rid of their existing model)? 7. What kinds of questions should be asked regarding a used machine? Any guidance you can provide to this leather newbie is much appreciated! Thank you! KMPG