Leather sewing machine for beginner beginners

[girlscout4]

I have now hand sewn two belts from bison and deer hide together. Holy cow!! My hands are sore. Would like to be able to find a sewing machine that can go through 6-8 oz leather that I could sew and make belts with. Big problem is not trying to break the bank preferably under $400 and willing to purchase secondhand. Thanks a lot!! 
-Scout

[AlZilla]

Hey, @girlscout4! Let's  move this to the Leather Sewing Machine Forum, where you should get plenty of feedback.

Next, i'll direct you to this treatise on what machine you might be looking to get ahold of:

https://leatherworker.net/forum/topic/25239-the-type-of-sewing-machine-you-need-to-sew-leather/

$400 is going to be a tough nut to crack, but might be doable. Most of us have been where you are. You'll be a lot happier at $1000 to $1500. Even happier at $3K ...

[friquant]

20 hours ago, girlscout4 said:

I have now hand sewn two belts from bison and deer hide together. Holy cow!!

Can we get pictures of the belts? I've never made a belt myself. I'm guessing you stitch through four layers total to attach the buckle.

[Mulesaw]

A Singer 45K might do the trick for you, and be available within your budget. 

https://leatherworker.net/forum/topic/85098-singer-45k-89-experiences/

Good luck, 
brgds Jonas

[dikman]

Sore hands - yep, but it gets better as you do more sewing! Finding a suitable machine under $400 is a big ask, not impossible but.....read that article AlZilla linked to and then reread it to gain an understanding of what you're looking for. You'll likely be faced with either continuing to hand sew or upping your budget.

[girlscout4]

I was able to get ahold of a Singer 111w155 and a 31-15 both for $200 and they both work great!! Now I’m trying to slow the clutch motor down for the 111w155 and find proper needles and thread and lube for it!! Super excited. 

On 8/31/2025 at 9:05 AM, friquant said:

Can we get pictures of the belts? I've never made a belt myself. I'm guessing you stitch through four layers total to attach the buckle.

 

[girlscout4]

On 8/31/2025 at 9:05 AM, friquant said:

Can we get pictures of the belts? I've never made a belt myself. I'm guessing you stitch through four layers total to attach the buckle.

Yes luckily I already had pretty good grip strength. Luckily tacking them together with rivets made it easier especially with relining the holes. 

[girlscout4]

Thanks everyone for all the help so far and getting me in the right direction!!