Leather Bending Down When I Sew Close To An Edge. Cowboy 3500.

[Tallbald]

I've become nicely comfortable in many areas with my wonderful Cowboy 3500. One trouble I continue to have though is that when I need to sew close to an edge (say, within 3/16 of an inch) on two layers of 5-6 ounce leather, the needle bends the edge of the project leather down into the open area below the foot. This causes the stitch line to wander and mess up. Small items such as key rings, billfolds and such get ruined often.

How should I correct my technique? I've considered cutting a project 3/8 inch oversize and trimming away the excess but that is costly in time and materials. But if I have to I can do that.

Smaller needles maybe? Changing presser foot pressure doesn't seem to help.

I've watched online videos often that show operators sewing close to an edge with similar machines that do not appear to have my trouble.

Remedies and suggestions sure appreciated. Thanks.

Don.

Edited August 4, 2015 by Tallbald

[dirtclod]

Have you got a picture of the plate?

[Tallbald]

My wife is out of town until mid week and has our digital camera. I could post a photo when she returns. In the meantime, all I can share is that the plate is the factory installed one. I wish there was a way to support the leather from underneath as it's being sewn. Don.

[Wizcrafts]

Here is how I would sew two layers of 5-6 oz leather that tends to bend down on the edges.

1. Swap the double toe foot for the single left toe foot.
2. Install a #23 (160) leather point needle.
3. Back off the presser foot pressure spring.
4. Rethread with #138 bonded nylon thread, top and bottom.
5. Reduce the tensions in the bobbin and on top, to balance the knots under less overall tension.
6. Set my edge guide to the exact distance that places the needle where it needs to be, keeping in mind that with reduced upper tension, there is less left deflection.
7. Push the leather against the edge guide wheel as I sew.
8. Set the stitch length to no longer than 6 to the inch.
9. If this didn't solve the problem, I would then remove the standard throat plate and the feed dog and install the flat slotted plate instead. This usually does it for me on soft leather or textiles.

[JLSleather]

Why is there an "open area below the foot"? Is the feed dog too low?

[CowboyBob]

The leather must be soft enough that the tension of the bobbin thread is pulling it down when the feed dog is lowered & going forward.This is what the slotted plate is for thin & soft leather.You will

need to take the feed dog of when you want to use it.

[Gump]

I had the same problem with my Toro 3200 (441 clone). On mine the problem was the hole in the feed dog was way to big, and the center walking foot was pushing the leather into the hole and the needle would come out the side of a sheath that had a welt; total of 3/8 inch thick. I filled the hole with metal epoxy and drilled a proper sized hole in the epoxy. Problem solved. Artisan sewing said they could sell me another feed dog, with a proper size hole for $90. The garbage feed dog that came with the machine has a hole large enough for the walking foot to fit down in it.

[Tallbald]

Bob this is Don in Bowling Green, KY. I bought my wonderful Cowboy 3500 from you last spring, but no other plate came with it except the one installed when you shipped it to me. I did remove the roller guide with its flat plate to give me better access when sewing. Is part of that roller a part I need to utilize? Or Are you talking about an accessory slotted plate I need to purchase? I left a message for you at your business but I believe you are closed for the day. I'm on Central time while you are on Eastern I believe.

Side note here folks from a satisfied purchaser:

For those of you looking for a Cowboy product, Bob Kovar has given me great service and has a wealth of knowledge. I would buy from Bob and his son again without hesitation.Pretty neat that a seller is also actively a contributor to the forum here. Don.

Edited August 4, 2015 by Tallbald

[25b]

See, I was having a similar problem to this (leather edge being pushed down into the gaping hole) and was basically told that's just how it is, deal with it. Now I see there is another feed plate that I would have to purchase to correct a problem due to the POS feed plate that was supplied with my own 3200??? That makes me a little bit angry.

[Tallbald]

25B I've been thinking it was a technique problem on my part. I'll be interested to see how I can make it better. I've ruined several handgun holsters, dip can belt holsters and many small craft sale items (like keychain fobs, snap keychain straps and such) that require me to sew close to an edge. Chalked it up to my inexperience, not my machine.

****Does anybody have a nice but used left or right toe presser foot for sale that will fit my Cowboy 3500 please? If so, I'd appreciate a snapshot and price. I'm on a very fixed income and new, they are a bit out of my range. Don.

Edited August 4, 2015 by Tallbald