Machine Sewing Leather

[raysouth]

Hello All.

I have been searching for information about machine sewing of leather for some time and yet to find any printed instructional material so, wondering if anyone has an idea where I might find something that will teach this old timer about sewing leather?

I purchased a heavy duty machine, but not excited about using it without learning something so as not to break the machine. Cowboy/Cobra 4 size machine and nice piece of equipment but hesitant to use as I am in the dark about sewing anything. Extent of my knowledge is threading a hand stitch needle so you can easily understand why I need a ton of assistance. Pains me every day I go by the machine and not confident enough to use.

Hope someone can head me off in the right direction.

God Bless.

Ray, aka; helmut

[dirtclod]

Get some scrap make you some lines on it and start sewing. Then cut some different shapes and sew them. Start slow and learn to sew free hand and with the guide. Theirs not that much to it. Ever body had to crawl before they learned to walk. It the same with your new machine. Oh don't start adjusting everything right out of the gate.

Edited June 11, 2012 by dirtclod

[raysouth]

Thanks dirtclod. I have plenty of scraps but know nothing about all of the different attachments received with the machine, nor how to use them. I have learned via the old timers school of hard knocks, that going through life does not necessarily make us smart enogh to do everything. I do well when able to read something about the topic of interest. Seems to give me a starting point and, at times, explains the to do's and the not to do's that can be very helpful. I wish there was a leathercrafter here in my area that could lend a hand but seems to be a craft not practiced by others.

Thank you, again for the suggestion.

God Bless.

Ray

.

[tnawrot2]

Don't be concerned with all the attachments now, learn the basics first and then learn to use the attachments. Make sure you are using the correct thread for your needle size, set it at 5 to 6 stitches per inch, and set the servo motor to go slow. When you first start stitching your leather, hold the top and bottom thread towards the back for about three stitches, this will eliminate a lot of thread bunching problems. Do not try to force your leather, let the machine go at its own pace.

[raysouth]

Thank you for the encouragement. I suppose that I will have to do something with it one day as I was very excited about getting such a machine. Health issues have me rethinking everything so may have to give it a shot soon.

Invested much in the leathercraft area and want to use everything I can before selling out the entire workshop. The machine sewing is one of the areas I would love to learn so must take all the advice I can get and see if I can do it soon.

Thank you and God Bless.

Ray

[Dwight]

Another thing you might do, Ray, . . . go to a local Tandy shop, . . . see if there is a leather guild in the area. If there is, . . . there are people there that would be more than happy to teach you.

Another source for instruction, . . . you might go to a SASS or CASS shoot, . . . often times there are dealers there, . . . they have machines. You may be able to hire one of them as an instructor.

Lots of people out there mess around with leather, . . . put a posting on Craig's list.

Anyway, . . . good luck, . . . may God bless,

Dwight

[Luke Hatley]

Helmut...where in the southeast are you ?

ALSO check out You Tube..you'll see a lot of sewing videos thers..

Edited June 12, 2012 by Luke Hatley

[UKRay]

Just get some leather and start sewing. Don't try to make anything, just explore the potential of the machine. Tty stitching in a straight line to start with. Then try stitching down the edge of a piece of leather. Then try following curving lines and turning right angled corners. Sooner or later you will find yourself making something just for fun. I started by making tool covers - I still have more round knife covers than knives! lol

Having been a hand stitcher for years, buying my first machine was a real adventure. Scary but fun. Remember to keep your fingers from under the foot!

Enjoy,

Ray

[Tree Reaper]

Just get ready, post what you want to sew before you sew it and you'll get help.

I just bought a machine also and the machine is very easy to operate.

I still have trouble on angled corners to get it exact but I don't use the machine enough.

Get into the sewing machine forum below, the people there really know their sewing machines.

Kevin

[raysouth]

Thank you, Dwight.

Tandy shop @100 miles away and no guilds around here. Have not been able to find another leathercrafter in the area. I think I am in an area of limbo or never-never land. Have met a few ceramic folks that are involved at the local arts and craft center but nobody working with leather. I will try Craigslist as I did sell a few of my estate items there as well.

I appreciate the responce and will keep at it.

God Bless.

Ray

Another thing you might do, Ray, . . . go to a local Tandy shop, . . . see if there is a leather guild in the area. If there is, . . . there are people there that would be more than happy to teach you.

Another source for instruction, . . . you might go to a SASS or CASS shoot, . . . often times there are dealers there, . . . they have machines. You may be able to hire one of them as an instructor.

Lots of people out there mess around with leather, . . . put a posting on Craig's list.

Anyway, . . . good luck, . . . may God bless,

Dwight