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I recently inherited my great-grandmother's foot-treadle Singer 66. I really only intend to use it to learn how to sew fabric, but after having read many, many posts on the subject of using this machine for stitching leather, I am intrigued by the possibility of using it for some very limited leather projects. I wasn't really looking for a machine to stitch leather, I just find myself with it and want to know what sort of things it is good for. There is a lot of conflicting information on its use with leather, and all I could really gather is it can handle #69 bonded nylon thread in a #18 needle, and no thicker than 1/4" leather if I get a walking foot pressor. Mostly I pick projects because I think they will be fun or useful. I've done some hand-stitching with leather to make knife sheaths and a few pistol holsters. I did a leather grip wrap on a sword and am working on a wood and leather scabbard for it. I am looking to add making clothing and leather accessories, maybe even some boots, for costuming and SCA outfits. So if anyone has any advice for using this machine, or cool projects they know it is good for besides the obvious fabric stuff, that would be great. Thanks.

I think it is fair to say that most of us would like to have a really nice industrial walking foot sewing machine for our leather craft. However, most of probably can't afford one or justify the cost for our hobby. I have been doing to some hobby leather work for a few years, and I finally decided I wanted to "up my game" and do a little more with my hobby like sewing on backings/liners and burnishing the edges nicer. That's easy, right? Buy a leather burnishing tool, and sew on some backings. What I found out is that hand stitching something as a large as a guitar strap or rifle sling SUCKS! After doing a lot of hand stitching, I decided to get a machine, but alas, I couldn't find a reasonably priced used industrial walking foot sewing machine. While this thread isn't intended to sway folks from a real machine, I just wanted to show what was possible with an inexpensive old Singer. First, I researched for a while to see what old Singer machines were suitable for light duty leather sewing. Seams there were lots of candidates, but the on most available with the easiest to find parts was the Singer 66. Here is a link explaining the history of the Singer 66 http://www.sewalot.com/singer%2066.htm I checked eBay and the local classifieds. Singer 66s were relatively inexpensive, and I saw a lot of youtube videos where folks were sewing lighter leather with Singer 66s. I decided to pick up this gem off a local classified add for 120$. 120$ seamed like a good deal because it was in 100% working order, came with a cabinet, working light, knee lever, and a drawer full of extras. What I have here is number 65 cabinet "This modern sewing cabinet and spacious writing desk has three drawers large enough to hold a complete selection of sewing supplies as well as correspondence and stationery." Example of sewing this is about 7 ounce leather.