Cyberthrasher Report post Posted June 19, 2013 Yeah, I know it's not the best for the job (at all), but I just picked up an old Necchi (80's Taiwan) to be able to do some lightweight stuff while I build up funds for something more suitable. I know nothing about machines, but I do know a couple people who have been using similar models with success. Is there anything I can do to make it a little bit better for leather? I'm planning on just getting some small stuff done on it, probably about 9oz total TOPS - stuff like 5/6 with a light liner. I had pretty much NO budget for a real machine and ended up at about $80 on this thing shipped. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted June 19, 2013 The only hope that you will have with a machine like that is to change the foot to a full roller equipped foot. You will lose about 1/8 inch of the available clearance because of the thickness of these feet, compared to a standard flat foot. You will also need to purchase #18 leather point needles and #69 bonded nylon, or bonded polyester thread. That is as thick a thread as these machines can handle. The foot pressure will probably need to be cranked most of the way down, to keep the leather from lifting with the needle. The density, slipperiness, and combined thickness of your leather will determine what changes will be required to sew it properly. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cyberthrasher Report post Posted June 19, 2013 Thanks. That's pretty much what I was both hoping/expecting - basically "good luck, but you can try this" The only reason I decided to try it was because my wife bought a new cheap singer that's never worked, so I figured if nothing else she would have a machine to use that's actually got metal in it somewhere. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites