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Hello All, I'm new to the craft and wanted to know what are some suggestions for a sewing machine that can sew leather? I'm on a serious budget and wouldn't mind buying a used setup as well. I want to get a machine that can handle from light to heavy weight leathers. I've been on here looking at some folks suggestions and I'm starting to get over whelmed with specs and requirements and all. I just want something for my entry level then I'll move up as I progress. Thanks,

Got my hand on a pfaff 487 with double feed in decent conditions, stitches are great if not for the fact that the thread tension it is super hard to get right, on leather once every 5 to ten stitches u can see the bottom feed come up on one or two stitches as if the upper thread tension is set too high, something I would describe as a slight sinusoid shaped oscillation of the height of the stitches “locks”. the instinct would be to lower the tension just a little bit on the upper thread but as I did that the same problem comes up on the bottom layer (the upper thread can be seen once every 5 10 stitches), on denim (13 to 15oz) the same thing happens but with another problem comes up, it requires different tensions set ups when following the grain or if I stitch perpendicular to it. i am fairly new to industrial machines I would be glad if someone could give me some advice about this my first post on the forum and wanted to say I really appreciate all the knowledge u are willing to share!

COBRA CLASS 20. Leather & Biothane sewing machine. Compound feed walking foot. Sew up to 1/2 inch of leather, webbing, coated webbing, etc. Thread size 46 to 207, 135×16 or 135×17 Needle System. Perfect for sewing chaps, wallets, belts, , book-covers, bags, sheaths, canine & equine equipment, tactical equipment, etc. Servo motor and speed reducer have full torque even at slow speeds. Extremely low hours. Always kept inside air conditioned house. Excellent condition. Includes regular & smooth plate & feet, drop down edge guide, 32 bobbins, and a lot of needles. Selling because I don't use it. Pick up only Scottsdale, Arizona. $1,900.

My wife and I have a leather bag making business (well, I should say "had"). We ran our handmade leather and waxed canvas bag business for 6 years and we were super successful and had a wonderful time doing it. It got too big for us to continue at the rate that we were and also keep our full time careers. We either had to go all in and quit our careers with health insurance, job security and 401k's or become full time bag makers. I know we made the right choice, at 50 years old, to continue with our careers. If we had done this in our 20's or 30's we would have risked it all and continued to pour our hearts and souls into our business. So, we are selling ALL our tools, materials, equipment and stuff. We would love to see it all go to other makers and creators. leatherandcanvasbusinessforsale.com

I’m new here, I hope I’m in the right place. I have a small leather patch hat company and saw this in many videos and it seemed like a dream. Upon arrival the class 26 machine worked smoother than imagined but this machine is not for me. Due to some prior major injuries I can’t bare to sit at the machine longer than 30-45 mins. This machine might have 1-2 hours of run time and in perfect new order. *Pick up only* Upstate, SC Asking $2,100 This is $300 off retail and you save on the ridiculous $400 shipping from the manufacturer.

Hello. While looking for Christmas Gift ideas on my Fiancée's computer (yes, she gave me permission) I noticed she had a bookmark for this forum in a folder she titled "Black Friday"... so I am hoping you all can help me help her. She struggles with her health and unfortunately has been quite sick these past few months and has spent most of it in bed. The only excitement I've seen her have lately was when talking about buying a new sewing machine on Black Friday, which also happened to fall on her 50th Birthday this year. Sadly she was just too sick and not only missed the Black Friday Sales, but also our trip to CA to spend Thanksgiving with family and the big B-day celebration I had planned for her in New York. We decided to pretend this was #49, and save the BIG 50 for next year. But I can tell all this disappointment is taking a toll on her mentally and I really think she needs a hobby she can get excited about and escape her reality of just being sick. So I am hoping you all might be willing to help steer me towards a great Sewing Machine to surprise her with on Christmas. If it helps at all, prior to her health taking a turn for the worse, she worked as a Professional Glassblower, Jeweler, Gemologist, and in her younger years did sales for a Leather Tack Shop and a Custom Furrier/Leather Clothier. She learned to sew on her Mother's Quilting Bernina, that we literally are asked to eat around when visiting her mom for dinner because she has it permanently set up on her kitchen Table. Her Mom told her she would regret buying anything but a Bernina, so she went to a local sewing machine store to find out how well they worked using suede and lambskin because she enjoys making these Valentino-ish Rockstud Style Purses and Dog Collars that she currently is both sewing by hand and gluing together. Instead, they got her all excited about these fancy new multi-function embroidery/quilting machines from multiple brands and opened the door to all these exciting new possibilities. As far as the leather, they suggested she bring in some of her Suede and Lambskin, so she can test drive and compare the various machines. She asked if they had anything specifically designed to work with leather and they said they could show her a solid straight stitch machine but it wouldn't be anything special and the sales person didn't know much about leather. I called her Mom to see if she knew a specific model or brand she was leaning towards and of course she suggested I just stick with Bernina. She told me to expect to pay around $3,000 - $6,000, but the investment would pay off long term by giving her a solid, reliable everyday type sewing machine. She said these higher end computerized multi function machines would quickly be outdated as new tech came out, were complicated to learn, more of a fad, and while they dabble in many areas, the trade off was not being great at anything, with a price tag of around $12K. I know she wants to make Christmas Stockings, a Hall Bench Cushion, curtains, pillows, Leather Purses/Bags, Thin Dog Collars, I don't know about quilting... will she need different machines? She is sewing leather right now by hand, and has a dozen hides sitting here waiting for her to do something with...so I have to assume that would be a great place to start. What do you guys think? Any recommendations? I want to get her something nice. What kind of price range am I looking at? Thanks for your time.

Looking to buy a Techsew 2750 Pro or similar model cylinder arm machine. Located in central Georgia.

Luberto Classic Heavy Duty Sewing Machine. My father was a saddle maker and this was his machine. It's heavy cast iron on a wood table top. All one piece. Pedal or manual sewing for controlled stitching. Works perfectly. Very heavy and will need to be picked up from Pioneertown, Ca. (near Yucca Valley/Joshua Tree) I'm sorry I really don't know much about the mechanics of it but I know it works fine and never had any issues. Purchased new in 2008. Asking $5000 obo.

Techsew 2700 Cylinder Compound Feed Industrial Sewing Machine Hi fellow Leatherworkers, I have a practically unused Techsew 2700 for sale. This is a cylinder bed, compound walking foot, industrial sewing machine for light and medium leather. It will sew up to 3/8” thickness. I have less than 10 hours use on it. Bought it on lease 2 years ago and then found out I had throat cancer. I got the radiation/chemo treatment and have been cancer free since but way too tired to run a business. I paid off the lease a few months ago and was hoping to get back to work but well...a man's got to know his limitations. I installed a speed reduction pully which really slows this bugger down but still has a nice rage of speeds settable on the servo motor. Included are all the accessories shown. I have kept it well oiled and it's in my clean dry workshop (well as clean as a workshop normally is anyway). I'm asking $1500.00 and would like to sell to someone within reasonable driving distance. I have some items I have sewn with this machine on my website madwolfleatherworks.com Look for the lined dog collars and knife sheaths for examples. If interested please email me at mark@madwolfleatherworks.com I also have other tools in my shop I'm willing to let go for reasonable prices. If anyone is interested please email me and I'll make a list and take some photos for you. Stay well folks!

Hello everyone, after hours of searching and reading many posts with titles like 'help choosing sewing machine', I have learned a lot but still dont have a firm answer for myself on a machine for thinner leather. So my apologies if this topic has already been covered and I missed it. I am looking for advice on purchasing a machine that will sew thinner leather- mostly 1-4 oz, up to 3-4 layers thick. I am currently using a cheap Chinese shoe patcher (hand crank), which is working great but I need a motor and want to use both hands to hold the leather (and I would like cleaner, straighter stitches). I do not plan to sew anything thicker (holsters, belts, saddles, etc..). I think I have decided on the following: Max thread: 207 (138 might be fine too) Foot lift: 3/8" is likely fine although 1/2" would be nice Walking foot (but on this I am not sure if a roller foot would be better?) Cylinder bed- which I plan to buy or build a flatbed attachment for. From what everyone has said, I think these machines would suit my needs: CB 227R, Juki 341, consew 2700, CB341, Cobra 26. Are there any other similar clones I am missing? I am hoping to spend up to 2.5k (CDN$) My first big question is- will the above machines happily sew a couple layers of 1oz leather, and a couple layers of 3 oz leather (as that is what I will primarily be sewing)? Or should I be looking for something even more 'light duty'? Will they also sew canvas, and other non leather materials? My second question is- might I be happy enough with a Barracuda 200ZW? I know this is not a cylinder machine and I think is a single feed? My one real complaint with the shoe patcher (other than working 1 handed and not being motorized) is that sometimes when going over seams or when sewing 2 layers of more 'slippery' material (sheepskin), the bottom layer can slip off the edge of the bed or a layer bunches (due to the foot slipping on the material and not feeding through). Would I likely have the same problem with a single feed machine? The zigzag option does appeal to me as well. And I'm thinking if I can get by with this machine for a year or so to see how much I use it, it might be a cheaper "test" than the costlier machines. But I dont want to give up in frustration because my machine is pathetic or waste $700 and have to go buy a 2-3k machine in a month. This is a hobby, that although I would like to turn into a side business, I likely won't. Therefore, I'm not sure I want to spend 2-3k on something I may not get money back on/ use for a year or two and then only minimally. But I also don't really want to buy something that I can't grow into, where I've reached its max potential on my first project. I live in (very) rural Alberta, the Cobra 26 has been quoted to me at $3500 (CDN) from Longview leather, and I would still have to go pick it up. The consew on the website is about $3k with shipping and speed reducer, and I cant seem to find any cowboy dealers. Any Alberta (Canada) people found better options? Ive been looking for used the past 5 months but seems there are more flatbeds and heavier leather options (441s), and not seeing anything for thinner leather. Does anyone know if there is a place that would let me demo a barracuda machine? Thanks! I am impressed by all the knowledge here and appreciate this resource very much.

Hi all, I'm in the market for a free arm cylinder for sewing my leather bags. I definitely want a walking foot, and came across the SEW LINE 2603 (or 2605) CYLINDER WALKING FT with REVERSE on ebay for $1300. Ive never heard of the brand, and of course it's less expensive than the juki's and consews, which is ideal for my "starter machine" budget is under $1500. It would be my first free arm- right now I have a Singer 211G. I want to make sure its a decent investment for the price.... thoughts!? Thanks everyone!

Hi All, I am looking buying a second hand what appears to be a little-used Wimsew 246. It will be my first venture into an industrial unit. I've been looking for the right 2nd hand machine for some months and this the latest offering in the classifieds. It will be used on a low volume home-based craft manufacturer, making bags, wallets. I want to be able to do top threads and usual stitching. This will range from size #/tkt60 -10, with needle sizes 14/90 - 25/200 (or maybe 24/180 at a push) Can anyone offer a view if this machine will be suitable? Part of the reason I've come on here for advice is that there doesn't seem to be a manual available online. I've contacted Wimsew and they say they only supply one with a new machine which is a little frustrating. I know it's very similar to a Juki 246 (a clone), but I don't know just how similar. A Juki seems to be able to do what I'm after. Given I want to move between these sizes, will the timing of any parts need to be adjusted to move between these sizes? I'm going to take my materials and threads in the next day or so and have a go, but I wonder if anyone has any experience or views. Many thanks and this is a fab website, where I've gained lots of help, ideas and advice. Paul

Hi guys, I am the overseas manager of Cowboy leather sewing machine company, has involved in the design, production and service of CowBoy OUTLAW hand operated leather sewing machine. I am very happy to make you clear about the COWBOY OUTLAW leather hand stitcher. If you have a question, i have answer!! Thank you, Bill Here is the DEMO video on youtube https://youtu.be/TGSqsUV1Abk

Hi All, I am on the market for a new sewing machine and I am pretty certain that I am going to go with the Cobra Class 3. The one thing I am hung up on is the threading options. All of my work has been hand stitched. I am a big fan of Tiger Polyester Braided Thread Waxed (Ritza 25) sold by Abbey England supplier. Question: Can waxed braided polyester thread be feed through these machines? - What nylon thread is similar to the braided polyester? - Should I just spend the extra $700 dollars and get the Cobra class 4, or can I get away with the class 3? I make rifle scabbards, knife sheaths, belts, bags. I think that the CAMPBELL Lock-Stitch and UNION Lock-Stitch can run other types of thread, but I have read that they have a steep learning curve, in limited supply and pretty pricey - so those machines are not currently an option. I have no experience with these machines so it will be an adventure, but I want make the right choice. Thanks!

I have just gotten a hold of an old but in working condition Singer 17 - 16 sewing machine (with reverse function). I am struggling to find much more info on the machine than what is stated in the manual which was written quite some time ago. Could someone who owns this machine or has worked on one tell me anything about what kind of needle to use (the manual states 16x2 if anyone can de-code that for me!) and what kind of thread to use? Thank you so much!

I am listing my Cowboy 3200 for sale. It is in like new condition. I have only sewn a couple of bags and about 10 belts with it. Honestly it is in like new condition. I really hate to see it go but I have found I need a different style machine for my leather needs. It will come with everything that comes with it new. It also has the belt maker kit which includes right and left single foot and edge guide. Plus the flat slotted needle plate. I want go into listing all the specs. I am sure everyone here are familiar with this machine. New price for CB 3200, table and servo motor is $1695.00. $185.00 for belt maker kit and $125.00 for flat needle plate. Total $2005.00 not counting Tax. I will take $1550.00. prefer it to be picked up locally. Anyone interested shoot me a message I am looking for a leather cobblers sewing machine like the Alders 30-7, singer 29k72 or something similar. Must be in good sewing condition and have the larger bobbin. If you have something lets talk. Ken Lutes Winchester Ky. 40391

Hi Guys, I have handmade leather goods business in Japan. I run my Juki TSC-441 leather sewing machine for over 8 years, it is great machine! The only problem of this sewing machine is the marks on underside leather by the feed dog. Recently more and more orders of vegetable tanned leather bags that cannot accept the teeth marks. Is there anybody can help me?? Thanks in advance!! I found a hand crank leather stitching machine on youtube (https://youtu.be/TGSqsUV1Abk), seems no feed dog, can avoid mark on leather? Anybody has experience with this machine? ,

I have an amazing Juki LU-563 walking foot sewing machine for sale. Heavy and solid cast body, made in Japan. The entire machine was overhauled by Sloan Machinery in New Hampshire about 3 years ago. They replaced the internal parts that had any signs of minor wear, installed a Sew Green Servo Motor, and changed the drive belt. They also mounted it on a good sized, very sturdy table. Mounted beside the machine is an automatic bobbin winder that runs while you sew (it’ll fill a full bobbin before you’ve used half of the one in the machine). You can also wind bobbins when you’re not sewing. The machine has been meticulously maintained and is in excellent condition. It’s always been used and stored in the climate controlled portion of the house. Every time I use it I oil all oil points with the included sewing machine oil (all oil points are marked so you’ll never forget). The Juki LU-563 is a workhorse of a machine. I used it to make leather bags and accessories, sewing up to 3 layers of 4oz leather with ease. I bought it for $1500 and am including a bit over $100 worth of thread, needles and spare bobbins. They run for about $1500 on eBay in similar condition so I’m asking for $1300 cash. I won’t ship, but I’ll gladly meet you around the Hartford, CT area. Please let me know if you have questions or would like more pictures - I can send as many as you'd like! Juki LU-563 Built in Japan Motor: Sew Green Electronic Servo Motor Model FL-400 110V 400W RPM: 0-3450 Table: Sturdy adjustable steel frame with laminate top Built in Peddle Made in the USA Light: Adjustable ultra bright LED light Bonded Nylon Thread Size 138 Navy - 3 x 4oz spools (2 brand new) Black - 1 x 4oz spool Gold Brown - 1 x 2oz spool Brown - 1 x 2oz spool Size 92 Black - 1 x 4oz spool Size 69 Black - 2 x 4oz spool (1 brand new) Needles 3 packs of size 23 Organ Needles 1 pack of size 22 Schmetz needles 1 pack of size 21 Groz-Beckert needles 1 pack of size 20 needles Bobbins 8 Metal bobbins Oil EW White Diamond sewing machine oil (about 75% remaining)

For Sale, a like-new Cowboy CBR227R. The machine was only used to make a prototype and has less than 30 hours of use (probably much less - don't want to underestimate). See below for specs and pictures. Purchased machine new for $1695.00 plus $85 for removable flat bed and $100 for bobbin winder. Asking $1200 for everything. For pick up only - located in Northwest Ohio. Cowboy Industrial Sewing Machines are capable of sewing real leather, as well as cloth, webbing, bioplastic and other materials. Cowboy CB227R has triple, or compound feed and is perfect for sewing all kinds of leather or vinyl projects, up to 3/8 inch, or so (you can get a bit more). See link for additional description: http://www.tolindsewmach.com/cb227r.html MAKE: CowboyMODEL: CB227RArm Length: 10.5"Arm Diameter: 3.0" + taperedMaximum Foot Lift: 1/2"+Max Sewn Thickness: 3/8"+Needle: #135x16/17: #16 - #24Thread Sizes: #46 - #207Bobbins: Standard industrialMax Speed: 2200 spmMax Stitch Length: 5 per inchPull-down reverse stitch length leverSafety clutch protects hook from damage from thread jamsAdjustable speed, heavy duty servo motor, with 3:1 speed reducerAdjustable stand on castersUses standard type 111 presser feetIncludes removable flatbed conversion table attachmentALSO INCLUDES: Separate bobbin winder (Brand new - Never used)Removable flatbed conversion table attachmentTwo spools of 1 lb. nylon thread (#138 Black)Vinyl/Cloth Needles (#135x17) and Leather Needles (#140/22)Zipper foot

For sale: NIB Keestar 16.5" complete leather sewing machine - premium package. (Identical to Cowboy, and made in same factory) 2500.00 plus shipping. These are brand new extremely heavy duty commercial leather sewing machines with 16.5" throats and 1 1/16 presser foot height. They will sew up to 1" of leather with ease. They are absolutely identical in every detail to the Cowboy CB4500 because they are made by the same company. Cowboy buys from Keestar and simply has them put the Cowboy name on their machines. If you want detailed info, simply look at the specs of the Cowboy CB4500. This is the same exact machine. You will get exactly what is in the pictures but the machine will be brand new in the box. Some assembly is required. These machines were upgraded with the best electronic servo motors and ball bearing speed reducers available. They will sew 1" of leather at unbelievable slow speeds. All fully adjustable with the electronic controller. The servo motor on this machine is of better quality than what Cowboy puts on their machine. We also include many accessories. Deluxe stand with 1 1/2" thick solid wood top. Material edge guide for sewing straight pieces like belts. Needle plate for holster. Needle plate flat (on machine) Standard presser foot. (on machine) Feed dog - flat. Feed dog- grooved with teeth. (on machine) Center presser foot - Narrow. Presser foot - Left side. Presser foot - Right side Speed reducer with ball bearings. Tool package to service machine. Wax/lube pot on top of machine. (Cowboy does not include this.) 4 bobbins. Bobbin winder built into machine. Magnetic LED work light. oil bottle. (empty) 2 pedal system. 1 for operating the machine, 1 for lifting the presser foot. We have 3 complete machines available, and they won't last long at this price. Jim 612-730-6880 Text me for pictures. See pics of the presser foot assortment we include with the machine. All are Stainless steel. This entire package is over 3100.00 from Cowboy and does not include the shipping. Pick up on Hudson Wi. or I can also ship these if need be for a small fee. Note: The pics show casters. These machines come with adjustable feet, and I upgraded to casters as I needed it to be portable. If you want casters, you will need to buy them with a 12MM thread.

Available for pick up in Long Island New York. I own a Techsew 2800 which is a cylinder arm sewing machine with smart servo motor that comes with a table attachment which allows you to use it as a regular leather walking foot machine...it also comes with all the bells and whistles, laser guide, swing down arm, adjustable motor, up down needle position etc. the machine is brand new barely used. It can sew edge tape with the supplied attachment. Fully assembled. See the available YouTube videos at link below. https://m.youtube.com/results?q=techsew 2800 pro&sm=3 Asking $2,000 OBO

FOR SALE: My Juki LS-321 with Reverse. It's a great little workhorse of a machine, medium to light duty leather stitcher. Works just great, never a skipped stitch. Includes a bobbin winder, pair of bobbins, thread stand, clutch motor, speed control, spare needles, machine oil, LED work light, owner's manual. LOCAL PICKUP ONLY please. I'm in Southern California, outside Los Angeles. Asking $1250. Shoot me an email andy@blackthornleather.com or PM me here. https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/tls/6306297699.html

Hello all, I am new here and have recently taken up the hobby of making and selling leather baby moccasins. I started out on an older Singer that belonged to my mother and about a month ago purchased a Singer 4452. Being new to this whole leather stuff, I figured, "it says it sews leather, AND everything else. I will try it." I do sew quite a bit of knit fabric, so the purchase seemed to be a good one for the time being and could hold me over on the leather moccasin making for awhile.I am obviously running into some convenience and mechanical issues with my Singer and wasting quite a bit of leather, so upgrading to the next step seems like the logical thing to do. From what I've gathered, a walking foot industrial sewing machine is what I should be using, and have done a fair amount of reading here and on other websites to try and gather as much info as possible to help me make a good choice in machine, although it's a bit overwhelming as I am still green and some of it is still over my head. So basically, I'm hoping someone can just tell me what machines they would think would be suitable for what I am doing. Here are some specifics: -I'm sewing deerskin at the moment, hopefully calfskin soon, no more than 2mm at the thickest. Not very stiff and exceptionally soft. (Again, I'm a newbie, I don't know the technical terms for leather. (: ) -I live in a very small studio, I do not have space for a table/huge set-up. -I have a limited budget, I can't justify spending $800+ when my profits are so small at the moment. I have been contemplating and researching the portable Consew CP 206R because it is portable and I can set it on my very small kitchen counter and it has the walking foot. I have also read a review of the Alphasew PW200, but haven't gone much further with researching that machine. Everything I have read about the Consew based on outfitting it with needles and thread has also been a bit confusing and overwhelming to me as well, all I know at this point is what I can pick up at my nearest Joann Fabrics. I really would like something that isn't going to be a struggle to find needles/thread for, I really enjoy the convenience of being able to run down the street and pick this stuff up, although I do realize that this might not be a reality anymore with a more specific machine. I really would like to find a machine that can get the job done, is affordable, and won't make me want to pull my hair out. Any advice and suggestions are appreciated! I have attached photos to give you all an idea of what I'm making and maybe that will help with explanations/advice etc.

Cobra Class 4 Premium mounted on pedestal table. Has less than 10 hours of operation on it. Click on link to see machine specs: http://www.leathermachineco.com/product/cobra-class-4-p-premium-package/ Located in Salinas, CA $2500 + shipping if applicable, available for pick up. Call Cheri at 831-679-2769 or email crivaheffren@yahoo.com

I bought this machine in December of 2014 and it sat in the box in my house until June of 2017 when I finally set it up. It works fabulously, but is not the right machine for my needs. It probably doesn't even have 100 stitches on it. It is mounted on a U-shaped table and comes complete with everything listed in the following link (See the link for specs as well). I purchased it from Toledo Industrial Sewing. http://www.tolindsewmach.com/cb227r.html Paid $1,695.00 + S/H for the machine Priced at $1,395.00 + S/H Located in Salinas, CA Cheri Heffren 831-679-2769 Home, 831-594-5897 Cell