Singer 111W155

[cjnthumper]

I am buying a Singer 111W155 to sew things like bible covers. Will basically sew two 5-6oz pieces of leather together. I have never owned a sewing machine and I don't even know where to get started with this. Where would I go online to buy leather sewing needles for this machine, and what size would I get?

[KAYAK45]

CONGRATS ON A GREAT MACHINE! , Call/e-mail Bob at Toledo Industrial for all you singer needs. Great guy and all the knowledge you need. All needles, thread, feet and acc. for your machine.

Love mine and changed the fly-wheel to an 11 inch for control. Could use the serve-pro for control too.

let me know if you have USER ISSUES.

Kevin

[cjnthumper]

thanks for the info. the only thing I am worried about with this machine was the speed. I've seen on other posts that users will put a speed reducer on it. I am optimistic tho because I know that this machine belonged to a man who owned a saddle shop, but has passed away. Maybe it will already be set up for my needs. I have never sewn with a mahcine or turned on a sewing machine in my life, so glad to know there is a good contact at Toledo, and a friendly community who is willing to help on this website.

James

[TomG]

CONGRATS ON A GREAT MACHINE! , Call/e-mail Bob at Toledo Industrial for all you singer needs. Great guy and all the knowledge you need. All needles, thread, feet and acc. for your machine.

Love mine and changed the fly-wheel to an 11 inch for control. Could use the serve-pro for control too.

let me know if you have USER ISSUES.

Kevin

Kevin,

What size needles and threads do you use? What's the largest thead you've sewn with?

Tom

[steveh]

the needle system for leather is 135 x16

steve

[TomG]

the needle system for leather is 135 x16

steve

Hi Steve. I was inquirubg as to the needle size (20, 22, etc) and the size thread you can use with the 155... 69, 138, etc.

Tom

[wolfe9]

Tom , I highly recommend giving Bob a call , he is more than willing to answer all your questions and point you in the right direction . I came into this not knowing anything about sewing or machines and he was a big help & I wish I had done it sooner . You will save yourself a lot of time and stress , also I would highly recommend a servo motor , it will make learning a much more enjoyable experience .

If you use the search function you will find a ton of info on the machine & the servo motor & answer to questions that you don't even know you have yet .

[Wizcrafts]

I had a Singer 111w155 for a while, years ago. It came with a few spools of #138 thread which it handled flawlessly.

I have no doubt that you can push it up a notch to #207 thread. But, the bobbins are the smaller standard class 15 size and they won't hold much #207 thread.

So, if we agree on #138 thread, top and bottom, you would stock up on #22 and #23 needles. Leather point needles, type 135x16, work better that regular round point (135x15) when sewing leather. Some leather point needles produce a zig-zag stitch pattern. If you find that objectionable, buy triangle point needles only.

If you want to experiment with #207 thread, buy a pack of #24 needles. Also, buy a dozen bobbins. Don't forget Lily Oil.

When you sew with thick thread and a big needle (#23 and up), you place a lot of stress on the machine to hold down the leather as the needle and thread (with the locked stitches) ascends. To compensate, turn the top pressure spring clockwise, to exert more pressure on the feet. Wide, double toe presser feet are better able to hold down leather under such stress than single or narrow feet.

Edited October 13, 2011 by Wizcrafts

[KAYAK45]

WIZ, as always, has it right!

Use no more than #207 on top. I've tried more and it's not a pretty sight.

Do your bobbins in #138, or less, and you cannot find a better machine for your use.

MORE OIL, MORE OIL.! Where does it go? The Marines used to give them a annual bath of Diesel fuel and then oil them more.

Put a newspaper under it and if there are no spots!... OIL IT! It will outlive you and me.

God bless and good Bible threading.

Kevin

[TomG]

I put the 155 in the shop for a check, as the bobbin tension had a problem.

They are telling me that it needs a couple fo tension springs and a new J-hook.

Not sure if I want to inveast that much into it or save up for a Consew 206 or something like it. I need something that will do heavy fabric AND leather.

Is the Consew 205 or 206 better and what wo9uld be a fair price on a used one?

Thanks

Tom