Hello From The Uk

[kiteuk]

Recently joined the forum which looks to offer a wealth of information not only for leather products but the sewing machines used as part of the manufacturing process.

I make kite related products currently on a hobby basis and will be looking to make products for cycling in the near future.

My initial aim is to decide on my next industrial sewing machine for sewing thicker fabrics.

Early research is pointing me in the direction of a cylinder type walking foot sewing machine, as I think this will be more versatile and will suit my needs very well.

Just a question of make and model number, not an easy task as such as there are many to choose from :-)

[Bob Blea]

Hello Kiteuk, and welcome to the forum! There are lots of experts in the sewing machine area and they can certainly help you pick the right machine. I don't know much about machines but what I have learned came from the resources there.

[kiteuk]

Hi Bob,

Thanks very much for reply and the welcome.

There's a pinned topic within the fabrication/Leather Sewing Machine section of the forum titled " The type of Sewing Machine You Need To sew Leather" by Wizcrafts

This makes an excellent read and is highly informative.

I'm not new to industrial sewing machines as I have two,(Straight stitch & Zig Zag) these are designed for light to medium weight fabrics.

These machines have been an excellent platform to learn and understand the relationship between needled size, thread size, fabric thickness, upper and lower tension adjustments as well as carrying out basic machine care. As I have discovered on a steep learning curve :-) that understanding your machine is key in order to achieve that perfect stitch.

As for walking foot cylinder sewing machines, I have no experience at all. These look to be significantly more expensive, so getting the right machine first time being essential.

Right, I'm off to continue my research.