Sewing Machine That Can Look Like Handstitched?

[KelseyR89]

Hi Kelsey,

Yes, the cyclinder machine's stitching like handstitching very much, but if you check it carefully, you will see the difference. The stitching line is wave.

The shape of the machine stitching line due to what kind of needle you use and the distance of each stitching, if you use No.23 needle, and set the distance 3.5-4mm, it like handsewing very much, but if you set the distance as 2.5-3mm, you will see it absolutely sewed by machine

Thanks for the response! How come the smaller distance makes it more obvious that it's done by a machine? I would think it would look more like handstitching because the distance on my hand stitched stuff is closer to the 2.5-3mm!

[KelseyR89]

Sewing machines shouldn't leave marks in leather except the stitches. If your friend's machine is doing that, then it is not properly adjusted (presser foot tension), or not properly set up (aggressive feet and dogs). And I've never seen a machine that couldn't sew a straight line....unless you're talking about a zig-zag machine. The machine isn't set up correctly, or maybe it's not a leather sewing machine. Or it's operator error, plain and simple. I don't mean to insult your friend, just provide some thoughts.

I suggest doing some searches here on the forum for hand sewing examples by "Katsass". 100% hand sewn work, using saddle stitching methods with waxed thread and two needles. You'll see plenty of stitching that's 'as good', but very little that's done better.

As far as the question "can a machine sew like hand stitching?" the short answer is NO. Sewing machines use a lock stitch or chain stitch, hand sewing typically uses a saddle stitch. The thread path is completely different, and not interchangeable. With that said, some sewing machines CAN and DO produce excellent quality stitching that is consistently tensioned, evenly spaced, and looks good. The best looking machine stitching is done by needle and awl machines, but those are not as common as they once were. Still around, just not common, as most folks use a rotary hook machine these days.

I agree, I think it was operator error. I just iddn't think that would be it because he's had so much experience, but it sounds like he definitely had some settings that were off. Which that's good know, that makes me more open to looking at buying a sewing machine! It doesn't have to look JUUUST like hand stitching, but the closer it is the better obviously. Anyways, I'll definitely go to my local machine store and see what I can found out further. Thanks again!

no problems with my cobra class 4

I've heard good things about Cobra's! I'll have to look into those