penelope Report post Posted November 13, 2013 Hi There, I've started making purses and bags from cowhide - so it's not really thick leather but it still has the hair on. I need some advice on which type of sewing machine to invest in. (I'm currently using a heavy dutyish domestic machine but the finish isn't great and I think it's about to blow up!) I understand that i need a walking foot sewing machine, would you agree this is necessary for this type of work? I don't want to spend any more than £4-500 if possible, would i be able to find something suitable within this budget? could anyone advise on a make or model and also on which brands are considered best? I understand that it might be best to take the material I'm using to an industrial machine dealer and see if i can have a go on a couple of machines but if I could go with some idea of what I'm after that would be better. I would really appreciate any help or advice! thanks in advance! P Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CowboyBob Report post Posted November 13, 2013 We sell alot of Singer 153 & Cowboy 227R (which is the same as Consew 227R) to people for this type of sewing.It has a cylinder arm,walking foot,needle feed & reverse.The Singer 153 doesn't have reverse. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Techsew Ron Report post Posted November 13, 2013 Hi There, I've started making purses and bags from cowhide - so it's not really thick leather but it still has the hair on. I need some advice on which type of sewing machine to invest in. (I'm currently using a heavy dutyish domestic machine but the finish isn't great and I think it's about to blow up!) I understand that i need a walking foot sewing machine, would you agree this is necessary for this type of work? I don't want to spend any more than £4-500 if possible, would i be able to find something suitable within this budget? could anyone advise on a make or model and also on which brands are considered best? I understand that it might be best to take the material I'm using to an industrial machine dealer and see if i can have a go on a couple of machines but if I could go with some idea of what I'm after that would be better. I would really appreciate any help or advice! thanks in advance! P For sewing leather purses and bags you'll need a cylinder bed machine with a walking-foot, reverse, set up with a servo motor. Some of the advertisers on this forum have this kind of machine, ours is the Techsew 2700. You will be able to find something well within your budget. Feel free to contact me if you need any more advice. Ron Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wishful Report post Posted November 15, 2013 (edited) For another perspective, on a budget: I just bought my first sewing machine, an old singer industrial sewing machine (241-02) rated to medium heavy. It is not walking foot or servo motor - it is a high speed machine so I am getting use to it but it is sewing several layers of upholstery leather without problems - just finished my first purse too. cost was $50 on Craigslist! the ideal is walking foot, servo motor, etc but bottom line, there are acceptable machines for good prices. Do your research here then see what you can find. If and when you can afford it, go for the better machines. Good luck. Edited November 15, 2013 by Wishful Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
penelope Report post Posted November 16, 2013 Thanks for your help. I've got a better idea of what im after now, just looking for something in the UK... thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
radams1943 Report post Posted August 12, 2014 Hi There, I've started making purses and bags from cowhide - so it's not really thick leather but it still has the hair on. I need some advice on which type of sewing machine to invest in. (I'm currently using a heavy dutyish domestic machine but the finish isn't great and I think it's about to blow up!) I understand that i need a walking foot sewing machine, would you agree this is necessary for this type of work? I don't want to spend any more than £4-500 if possible, would i be able to find something suitable within this budget? could anyone advise on a make or model and also on which brands are considered best? I understand that it might be best to take the material I'm using to an industrial machine dealer and see if i can have a go on a couple of machines but if I could go with some idea of what I'm after that would be better. I would really appreciate any help or advice! thanks in advance! P where are you located, i have a new tecksew leather machine complete with table and multi speed motor that i wish to sell machine is new and has not been used. i am asking 900.00, but you must pick it up or arrange shipping yourself. i will except payment through paypal. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted August 12, 2014 Folks, the poster is in Great Britain and pays for things in Pounds Sterling, not dollars. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mlapaglia Report post Posted August 12, 2014 At todays exchange rate, Just for giggles, that makes £4-500 = to $690.48 - $840.00 USD Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Darren Brosowski Report post Posted August 16, 2014 In the UK there are lots of Pfaff 335's and Consew 227R's around. The Consew is essentially a Singer 211 built by Seiko as a cylinder bed with reverse so parts are inexpensive. There are of course plenty of clones but if you see a "Golden Wheel" machine then they can be a good buy as they are built in Taiwan. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
