Brandon711 Report post Posted July 13, 2011 I am not sure if there is a machine to make 1/16" stitching holes, does anyone knows of such thing? Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
electrathon Report post Posted July 13, 2011 Use a sewing machine with no thread in it. The size needle will control that size of the hole. Aaron Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted July 14, 2011 (edited) Yes, there are some sewing machines that can utilize a #24 or #25 needle that is 1/16" in diameter (#25 is better). However, these needles have sharp points that slowly taper to circular as the needle descends. As the needle withdraws, the hole closes up behind it, to a degree. But, if there is thread in the bobbin and on top, the bottom thread gets pulled into the hole, forming the lockstitch. I use a needle and awl sewing machine. The awls have a steep angled chisel point, with a short taper to the full width of the round awl. The holes made with these awls tend to stay open. So, to answer your question, yes, an industrial sewing machine may be able to accept very big needles, but the holes they poke may heal on the upstroke. One option is to try to find awls that have the same diameter and length as the needles used by that machine and use them to poke your holes. Or, find a "reasonably priced" needle and awl machine (speculative statement). Option #1 usually involves either an Adler 204 flatbed, or 205 cylinder arm sewing machine, or clone, or a Juki 441, or its clone (Cowboy, Cobra, Techsew, Ferdinand Bull, etc, etc, etc). The Adler 204 and 205 will allow you to stab through 3/4 inch of leather, with needles up to #27, if the proper shuttle spacer is installed to space the pickup point at a safe distance from the needle. The 441 clones will allow even thicker leather under the feet and can use #27 needles and don't require a shuttle spacer. Option #2 means buying a Union Lockstitch Machine, or a Campbell-Randall, or a Champion, or Landis - needle and awl harness stitcher. These machines typically sell for much more used than the 441 clones sell for new. You might not have considered it yet, but, a drill press with a 1/16" bit makes a 1/16" hole in anything under the chuck! Edited July 14, 2011 by Wizcrafts Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
