Lost

[Schno]

Q: I need to be able to sew garment leathers, thin (2/3 - 6/7oz) leather, and normal textile cloth. I'm not doing really heavy work with 1/2" or more of leather, so I'm hoping that I don't need to drop 2000 on an Artisan or similar. Anything heavy like that I prefer to hand stitch anyway. I just dread the idea of hand stitching garment leather.

I've been perusing Ebay and Craigslist and I'm finding a lot of antique Singer machines that purport to handle leather. I love the look of these machines, but I have no clue whatsoever what I'm getting myself into. Some look motorized while others do not. How does it work without using the motor? Are parts available for these things? Will they do the job that I need them for? Can they do just regular sewing duty with cotton as well? What model is better?

So... that's me: clueless. Help?

Here are some pictures of machines that I'm looking at. Do any of them look worthwhile?

1) Singer 15-90

2) Not sure, but priced right:

3) 2 PLATES ON THIS READ 8368 & 8369

4) ???

5) looks kinda small

Thanks for helping me out here!

[Jordan]

# 4 looks like a leather sewing machine. Art is the resident guru and I think he will be able to give you great info.

[Schno]

Thanks, Jordan! I think you're probably right about #4. I'm hoping that my requirements are such that I don't necessarily need a leather sewing machine. I just need a machine that will sew leather. (Yes, I realize that makes no sense )

[JerryZ]

I have been encouraged by Johanna and Art to contribute to the discussions on the forum.

I'm going to take their advice and respond to your query about a good light to medium weight stitcher.

We designed the new Artisan model 1797 AB Lthr for stitching from a sheet of paper or even 1/2 oz leather like deer skin, buck skin, or lamb or about anything up to 3/8" compressed.

The Artisan 1797 sews a perfectly equidistant stitch with a tight stitch and with out puckering the leather.

Ask others about their experiences with the smoothest machine we make.

For more info, call me 888 838 1408

Jerry

Artisan

[Schno]

Thank you very much, Jerry, for taking the time to respond. This question hung out there for a bit and I've fallen prey to my own impulsive nature. My 1948 Singer 66 will be arriving this week. I'm hoping at this point that it will handle garment leather well enough, as that will be my use for it presently. It's my first go at sewing, so hopefully the simplicity of the machine will prove helpful.

Undoubtedly, once I get more comfortable with sewing in general, I'll be inclined to go for a serious machine. Based upon the accolades of the craftsmen on this site, I am sure that I'll be giving you a call. Besides, the name fits!

[Art]

Hi Schno,

I don't like to turn anyone onto a used machine who is clueless because there are all kinds of pitfalls. However, within your constraints, No 4 ???? which is a Singer 153 would be a good choice if it is in good condition and the right model, like a 153W103, and the price is right, $300 or so. The cylinder arm is always a plus. The one pictured is a oooolder model. For your money, Artisan makes a little machine that is very economical, can't think of the number right now, but it is the same basic machine that Sailrite and others use, but Artisan service comes with it, which is great, and it is more or less fitted for leatherwork, which the others are not. The machine is very portable yet can sew substantial thickness pretty well. Call them about it.

Art

Q: I need to be able to sew garment leathers, thin (2/3 - 6/7oz) leather, and normal textile cloth. I'm not doing really heavy work with 1/2" or more of leather, so I'm hoping that I don't need to drop 2000 on an Artisan or similar. Anything heavy like that I prefer to hand stitch anyway. I just dread the idea of hand stitching garment leather.

I've been perusing Ebay and Craigslist and I'm finding a lot of antique Singer machines that purport to handle leather. I love the look of these machines, but I have no clue whatsoever what I'm getting myself into. Some look motorized while others do not. How does it work without using the motor? Are parts available for these things? Will they do the job that I need them for? Can they do just regular sewing duty with cotton as well? What model is better?

So... that's me: clueless. Help?

Here are some pictures of machines that I'm looking at. Do any of them look worthwhile?

1) Singer 15-90

2) Not sure, but priced right:

3) 2 PLATES ON THIS READ 8368 & 8369

4) ???

5) looks kinda small

Thanks for helping me out here!