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Is it possible to sew mil-spec nylon webbing to 10-12oz english bridle leather by hand? If so how do I go about it and what needles and thread would be best? I'm also looking into sewing machines, is a Cobra 4 too much for what I'm trying to do?

Hi, I have a relatively simple leatherworking job that I'm looking to offer to someone either in/near Norfolk, Virginia, or Portland, Oregon (I live in VA, but the majority of my business is located in OR). I have a straightforward wallet design that I need someone to construct. I'm considering two methods of manufacture. 1) Having the leather laser-cut (including stitch holes) and then hand sewn. 2) Having the wallets die-cut and sewn by machine. Either way, the requirements will be relatively basic. If you live in or near Virginia or Oregon, and have an interest in this work, please let me know by personal message. Further, if you have contact information for someone or some business that may be interested in this work, please forward it to me. FYI, this job probably will not begin for the next few months, but I'm trying to get things in order now. Also, I'm currently at sea with the US Navy, so my response time may be delayed. Thanks!

So I acquired a singer 16-188 recently and I figured out how to thread it and I am pretty sure that I've got the top thread done correctly, the bobbin I'm not so sure about. I think I have got it correct but when I go to sew, it just tries and tries and tries but the bobbin thread just sits there and never gets picked up by the needle. Also the (I'm new to machine sewing so forgive me for my more than likely incorrect terminology.) feeder, the little guy with teeth that pulls the material along, isn't doing its job correctly and it's almost like the material wants to feed backwards from back to front?? Also I'm sure I don't have the correct needle or thread so I'd take any advice ya got for me on getting this old machine running. oh and for the time being I am using this machine without a motor, and just turning it to hand. Thanks in advance

I almost never work with heavier than 8oz leather. Most of my sewing is on scabbards, sheaths and holsters.While I'm ok at hand stitching there are times when it's just a drag. A lady at work was telling me that a heavy duty machine should be able to do the trick on what I'm sewing. She claims to have made boots on hers only going to a commercial boot shop to get the soles stitched and glued on. I know I'll hear right tool for the job but as a hobbyist I really don't want to plonk down $$$ on something that doesn't aid in making a living. Plus I think I'd likely take more chances with some leather projects if there wasn't so doggone much manual labor involved. Opinions?

I am wondering how you would sew the piece that contains the phone. how it is rounded over and then stitched. I can see how you would do the one side, but after that is done, how would you stitch the opposite side together? You cant see the bottom side, but I'm assuming it's done the same way. Thanks Zayne

Good morning! I am a beginning leatherworker and purchased a Singer 15 sewing machine a few months ago and it had been doing a fantastic job stitching leather of all thicknesses, single and double ply, up to 15 oz and as thin as 2 oz. Recently I have been having immense difficulty with two things on it. 1. The thread spacing is erratic sometimes even on leather that is exactly the same thickness the whole way, it may stem from the second problem I am having though. I have checked the thread spacing screw and it is tight and has not moved from the position it has always been in (~6-8 stitches per inch). Is this due to having too large of a needle? 2. The presser foot periodically will lift up with my leather when the needle is coming back up through the leather to go to the next stitch and will also miss locking the stitch. I have backed out and adjusted the tension on the presser foot all the way down as far as it can go. Previously this would be so tight that the leather would not even move when you tried to advance a stitch. Now it is so loose that the needle can easily pick up the leather when it is coming back through. I am mainly making headstalls, breastcollars, halters and spur straps, using 13-15oz leather, what type of thread and size needle should I be using? Does anyone have any experience with these machines? I would like to see if I can figure out what is going on with it before I take it in to a shop we have here in town that *might* be able to fix it. I would love to purchase a more professional machine, but money is tight right now and I am already farther than I would rather be in the hole with starting my leather business up. However if anyone has a used machine that works well still that they are looking to sell please let me know! Thank you sooo much for any help that you can give! Christina

I need to refer a customer to someone in the Silver Spring, Maryland area. Please contact me at 775-720-6927 Vicki Brown JV Leather Crafts

Hello Everyone, Jus thought I would share this simple video I made on threading a leather sewing machine. I know when I got the machine - the directions had me searching youtube to find a quick answer. Only after watching several videos did I finally understand how to do it. Now this video makes it short and sweet and easy to see. Check it out... http://www.mrlentz.com/2013/03/how-to-thread-a-leather-sewing-machine/ Cheers! Mr. Lentz

I am new to leatherwork. I need to know how to punch holes through multiple layers of leather. I am using 8-10oz leather to make holsters. I have been using a drill with a tiny bit to make the holes through both layers so that the holes match up. I know this is not correct, but I have yet to find a good way to do this and ensure they line up. My holsters are turning out okay, but I want to do it right. Can someone let me know if they use their diamond awl to go through two layers at once? Can you let me know if there are different size diamond awls, and if so what size would you recommend. If you respond, pics would be great if possible. I really appreciate your time. I will attach a pic of a holster I did.