Help with singer machine

[Mpressley]

Hello everyone, I have a 1945 singer 42-5 machine. I am getting fantastic stitches on heavy fabrics and the such. But when I switch to even a single layer of 5-6oz veg tan with a 277 thread and a 25 leather point needle it goes haywire. The thread starts to almost come unraveled rite above the needle eye and it will only lay thread on top of the workpiece. I dont know what I need to do to correct this. I use the same size needle and thread on canvas or fabric and it's great, but when I switch it goes bonkers. Any help would be greatly appreciated. 

[shoepatcher]

I think the thread and needle size is too big for the single layer of layer.  You would be much better off with #207 and a 24 needle on that single layer of leather in my opinion.

glenn

[Mpressley]

Well I'm actually sewing 2 layers of 5/6 with it but it won't even sew one layer. I sew 2-4 layers of regular canvas with the same size needle and thread and it sews great. It's just when I go to the leather that it messes up. 

[Ferg]

Are you using a "Leather Needle" for the leather?

 

Ferg

[Mpressley]

Yes sir I'm positive. It's a groetz beckert LR leather point needle. I think it's the timing thats messing me up. I'm gonna have a tech come look at it on Wednesday. 

[CowboyBob]

 The thick thread isn't being pulled up through the leather because it's a lot stiffer than the canvas.This is why people use a size smaller thread in the bobbin then on the top because it will pull up in the leather easier.

Edited December 25, 2018 by CowboyBob