nuncanunca Report post Posted June 6, 2009 Hello all, I just bought an old Singer 17-16, it will be arriving next week. I found the instruction and part manuals for it on the singer site, but I am wondering how thick of leather I can stitch and how heavy a thread the machine can handle. I see it is designed for portfolios and pocketbooks - but I don't know what they considered a "pocketbook" in 1919 when this thing was built. Would that be a closer to a small purse or a wallet? Will it handle #207 thread? I have a 31-15 now and I know that the general rule is 3/8" max thickness for leather. Is the 17-16 the same? I know the first question should be "what am I wanting to use it for?" But I won't know until I see what it can do... I am hoping to use it for anything from a messenger bag to an archery quiver to a leather top hat I guess. Nothing so thick as a holster or horse tack. Any help is much appreciated! Dave Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SteveBrambley Report post Posted June 6, 2009 Hi, I used our 17-16 for sewing wallets, key cases, comb cases, coin purses and other small leather items in 3-4oz leathers. I never used anything thicker than about #69 thread, but it would probably take up to around a #138, or so, but I'm really only guessing, others may have a better idea. I would have thought #207 was asking a bit much of what is a fairly light weight machine, but again, others may disagree. Steve Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nuncanunca Report post Posted June 6, 2009 Thanks Steve, I saw the pictures of your machine and was hoping to hear from you. That gives me a good idea where to start. It sounds like it will be comparable to my 31-15. Now if I can just figure out a way to get the wife to let me keep them both! Hi,I used our 17-16 for sewing wallets, key cases, comb cases, coin purses and other small leather items in 3-4oz leathers. I never used anything thicker than about #69 thread, but it would probably take up to around a #138, or so, but I'm really only guessing, others may have a better idea. I would have thought #207 was asking a bit much of what is a fairly light weight machine, but again, others may disagree. Steve Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
