First Sewing Machine

[LSUMAN99]

I am looking to buy a machine to sew leather binding on some German weave carpet on a truck I am working on.  I also plan to use it for some other auto ulpulstery (leather headliner, seat, etc). I also wouldnt mind doing somw leather work.  I have never used a sewing machine so I will be learning from ground zero.  I did some research and the Juki 1541s looks like a great machine.  What do you guys think?

[AlZilla]

I'll let people familiar with what you want to sew comment on the Juki.  Meanwhile, I'll recommend you to this thread:

Welcome to the sewing machine obsession.

[kgg]

8 hours ago, LSUMAN99 said:

I am looking to buy a machine to sew leather binding on some German weave carpet on a truck I am working on. 

8 hours ago, LSUMAN99 said:

I did some research and the Juki 1541s looks like a great machine.

I have a Juki DNU-1541S and it is a very nice brand name compound feed (needle / feed dog / presser foot) machine. I also bought a Juki DU-1181N walking foot (feed dog / presser foot). The reason for the Juki DU-1181N is my Juki DNU-1541S absolutely hates thin stuff and can drive softer material down into the feed dog hole and create problems. 

I have never sewn or seen German square weave carpet except on Youtube but if had to I would probably consider binding the carpet with the Juki DU-1181N rather then the Juki DNU-1541S. Since you have other projects like head liners / leather I would purchase the Juki DNU-1541S and do any necessary work around's for the thin stuff.

Another alternative to consider is a cylinder bed machine like Juki LS-1341 or clone with a table top attachment.

If this is your first machine I would suggest taking a sample of your stuff to a dealer and see what would work best for your needs. 

kgg