amethystmtn Report post Posted June 25, 2014 Just found this site tonight and am blown away by all the knowledge! You guys rock! Looking for a sewing machine to make bags and purses. I am new to leather work. Am very good with regular fabric sewing. I learned the right machine for the job is a must. I've read another pinned post here about motors, needles, and walking feet. I have a range of leathers from very thin to upholstery. I'd like to use them all. Not sure what needle or thread sizes I would need. Can a single machine sew 3/8 to 1 inch thickness? I am doing this from home just for me and possibly friends. My thinking is 1500-2500 should buy a good machine. I really don't know. Thanks. Looking forward to your replies. Amy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Techsew Ron Report post Posted June 25, 2014 Welcome to LW.net! The most popular machines for sewing leather bags and purses would be a light/medium cylinder walking-foot machine with 3/8" sewing capacity. This should cover you for very thin leather and up to 2 layers of about 7/8oz. You'll likely use size 18 needles with #69 thread, or #92 thread if you want a more visible stitch. These kind of machines can use up to #138 or even #207 thread if set up properly. There are machines that can sew from 3/8" to 1" thickness, but they wouldn't be as suitable for sewing very thin leather and it's pretty unlikely you'll be sewing that thick if you're just going to be making leather bags. Prices will range from $1500 to $2000 for a complete machine with table and servo motor, plus $200-$250 in freight shipping costs. Good luck in your search! Ron Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
amethystmtn Report post Posted June 27, 2014 Thanks for the response Ron. I'll start researching those. Amy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cobra Steve Report post Posted June 27, 2014 I would consider the COBRA Class 4, the Cowboy 4500, or the Techsew 5100. These are your best options in my opinion, but you should call these dealers and talk with them. Steve Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dirtclod Report post Posted June 28, 2014 I sew 5 ounce vegtan on my Juki, Ferdco Pro 2000 ( it's like the machines Steve is talking about ) pretty regular with 138 and 69 thread and don't have any problems. I made a couple of purses using it several years ago. What ever brand you get i would get a cylinder arm machine, you can make a flat top table for it if you want one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
