Type of needle for thin pliable leather.

[DG1]

Before getting rid of an old leather couch I salvaged lots of leather from it. Not sure of the weight of the leather but it is reasonably thin and very soft and pliable.

What type of needle is typically used to sew this type of leather? I have both leather needles and regular round point. I know the leather needle should be used for veg tan leather, but what would be better for thinner pliable leather like that used to upholster a couch/chair etc. Is there a disadvantage to using a leather needle that will cut the leather? With the round point it seems like it will pierce and stretch the hole, which will then tend to close up afterwards tightening around the thread (at least that has been my experience hand sewing leather using an awl to make a hole).

Thanks!

[Northmount]

11 hours ago, DG1 said:

What type of needle is typically used to sew this type of leather? I have both leather needles and regular round point. I know the leather needle should be used for veg tan leather, but what would be better for thinner pliable leather like that used to upholster a couch/chair etc.

Leather point in my opinion.  Reduces the blow out on the back, makes a nicer stitch.  I use a leather point for all my leather.

[Wizcrafts]

Leatherpoint of some shape. Match the needle size to the thread size. Most upholstery is sewn with either b69 or b92 thread using a #18 or #19 needle.

[Constabulary]

needle tip depends on what seam appearance you want to achieve - maybe this will give you an idea what cutting point leather needles are available:

https://www.schmetz.com/en/industrial-needles/needle-compass/cutting-points/

You can also download a needle point data sheet here:

https://www.schmetz.com/mm/media/en/web/7_tochtergesellschaften/bilder_18/schmetz/pdfs_4/infoblaetter/schmetz_db_schneidspitzen_6s_20190510_en.pdf

[dikman]

Not withstanding the advice from the more experienced members, don't be afraid to experiment. On thin soft leather round-point needles should also work, you would have to try it to see what the stitch looks like (I've used them when I didn't have leather-point needles in the size I wanted).

[DG1]

Thanks! Looks like I'll stick with the leather needle. I'm using v92 bonded nylon, with a #19 leather needle on my durkopp patcher. Seems to work good.