reddevil76 Posted February 17, 2012 Report Posted February 17, 2012 I have not bought a sewing machine yet, but have been trying it out using my friend's machine. One problem I encountered is when sewing 3 layers of 4 oz, the leather compresses sideways, and thus the needle goes through the edge on the other side. The veg tan I am using is of fairly firm temper. Stitching Problem.pdf Quote
King's X Posted February 17, 2012 Report Posted February 17, 2012 Just a suggestion, but are you gluing the edges? If so, did you use a roller or flat burnisher to make sure there was good contact? Another thing.....could you be attempting to stitch a bit too close to the edge? Quote
Ambassador Luke Hatley Posted February 17, 2012 Ambassador Report Posted February 17, 2012 I have been known to staple leather together then sew. Quote
reddevil76 Posted February 17, 2012 Author Report Posted February 17, 2012 Thanks guys. The layers were glued with contact cement, tapped with a nylon mallet. Stitching was 1/8 from the edge. Quote
Members tnawrot2 Posted February 17, 2012 Members Report Posted February 17, 2012 I have not bought a sewing machine yet, but have been trying it out using my friend's machine. One problem I encountered is when sewing 3 layers of 4 oz, the leather compresses sideways, and thus the needle goes through the edge on the other side. The veg tan I am using is of fairly firm temper. What make and model of sewing machine are you using? Quote
Contributing Member TwinOaks Posted February 17, 2012 Contributing Member Report Posted February 17, 2012 The issue is likely the pressure on the presser foot. It's pressing hard enough to literally "squish" the leather to the side. Try lightening it up a bit and see if it helps. The presser foot's job is to hold the material (leather) in place while the needle comes out of the leather....not to mash it together. I've had a similar problem when sewing welts and not having enough leather under the foot. I solved the issue by having a 'blank' on the inside to prevent the crushing. Quote
stelmackr Posted February 18, 2012 Report Posted February 18, 2012 I have not bought a sewing machine yet, but have been trying it out using my friend's machine. One problem I encountered is when sewing 3 layers of 4 oz, the leather compresses sideways, and thus the needle goes through the edge on the other side. The veg tan I am using is of fairly firm temper. Change the needle. Bob Stelmack www.pslac.org Quote
Members Leatherimages Posted February 19, 2012 Members Report Posted February 19, 2012 Thanks guys. The layers were glued with contact cement, tapped with a nylon mallet. Stitching was 1/8 from the edge. This is because the stitch is too close the edge, IMO. I didn't see if you mentioned how thick you're working with, but you probably need to be at least 3/16" from the edge. Actually, I will often make my piece wider, stitch further from the edge and trim and sand as close as I desire. Table machines are notorius for this. With a cylinder arm machine, you can lay your work over the edge of the arm, and send your awl/needle angled slightly inward of the edge. This is also why Al Stohlman recommended leaving the lining larger than the fron piece, and trimming it afterward, even on hand stitching. Keep working it, you'll get the hang of it. Quote
reddevil76 Posted February 19, 2012 Author Report Posted February 19, 2012 It's a singer 19-1 or something like this. I'll try changing the needle.. Quote
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