New to sewing

[slowmoguy]

Just registered here..

 

After a lot of google searching, I found a few older threads here discussing use of Singer 212g140 model to stitch leather.

 

I see it can be used to do both dual and single needles, seems good.

 

Found one with a 110v motor. Somewhat reasonable price.

 

So, how heavy can the singer 212 normally stitch? What is the most thick material I could fit between the bed and needle?

 

Machine is not local and am wanting input before buying.

 

Interested in using to make leather cowboy gear and cordura gear. Leather for cowboy shooting and cordura for work(military).

 

Will this do 'usable' work? Skill comes with practice. Eventually my work will be pretty. Question is, would the machine be capable of holsters, belts and clothing?

[johnv474]

You may want to post in the Sewing Leather forum.  There are some knowledgeable folks there.

 

I'd be surprised if a 110V motor could sew holsters. You can always sew heavier stuff by hand in the meantime.

[slowmoguy]

So, will the machine itself do it?

 

What if I used 220v 2phase? Another run and bigger motor.. will it snap needles or anything?

[bikermutt07]

I am no expert at all. And really don't know anything about this particular machine. I looked it up though.

Looks like it has maybe a 1/4" lift. That will not see cowboy rigs or harnesses.

It seems to be for upolstery. (Spelling?)

It also appears to be only needle feed, not a compound walking foot with needle feed.

Most folks use the compound walking foot with needle feed, bottom feed, and outside alternating presser foot. Hence the term triple compound feed.

All this doesn't mean it won't sew leather. It just means it has it's limits and capacities. In the range of sewing it is meant for it looks like an industrial beast.

This range is going to be wallets, sails, upolstery, and thinner flat goods. 

Anytime you are looking at leather sewing you will want to consider using a digital servo motor with a speed reducer. This will slow things down while adding torque to pierce the leather. 

110v or 220v really doesn't come into play. Use what is readily available in your home or shop. 

An expert will be along sometime today to help you along. 

[slowmoguy]

I appreciate you all.

 

What is a good and economical machine to sew 4-6 layers of 1000D cordura with potentially one or two nylon webs inbetween the cordura.

 

Seems that will also get me in the category of working belts, chaps and holsters for reenactment shoots like cowboy and wildbunch.

 

Want to spend once on something that will work for all purposes and ends.

 

Any and all guidance is appreciated highly. I believe research first, purchase last.

 

Thank you all

[kgg]

Once you get into holsters you are going to need a much heavier machine other then the upholstery weight machines. Remember that there is not going to be one machine that can do or handle everything. For what you want to do I think you would be looking at cylinder bed machine that would have a high lift capability and being able to handle V92 to 277 plus thread.

kgg

[JLSleather]

I didn't see much info about this machine (google returns a lot of Sesame Street).  First question should be will the machine do what you want to do.  Price is irrelevant if it doesn't do what you need.  It's not a "good deal" if it doesn't do the task.

That said, I would ask what size needle and thread the machine uses.  I don't know what "cowboy gear" is, but for the holsters and belts you mention you'll want something that uses at least a #23 needle and 207 thread.  Some will tell you that you need at least 277 thread, but I'm not one of them (those ppl saying 207 thread isn't strong enough could maybe do a video of them BREAKING some 207... ).  On holsters, I often DO use 277.

It may well sew "clothing" (you didn't mention any details).  Leather shirt?  Possibly.  Leather boots? Unlikely.

[kgg]

The singer 212g140 manual says the machine was a double needle compound feed with no reverse while the 141 had reverse. Made for sewing garments like coveralls, coats, corsets, bras.

kgg

[slowmoguy]

appreciated, everyone. Seems this is not in the realm I need.

 

Yes, 'cowboy gear' meaning a full 'gitup'. Cowboy shooting requires period correct dress, character name and a series of other rules to follow.

 

Basically make some very simple and bland clothes out of leathers and cottons as need be.

 

Would anyone recommend a machine that will do more of what I am looking for?

 

The singer in discussion may work for 'modern' magazine pouches, vests and such.. however I am not entirely confident in that.

 

Once more, appreciated.

[SilverForgeStudio]

@slowmoguy For learning- learn the hand stitching gig- for holsters and belts its great practice... and look at it simply... You can crank out a TON of small goods and learn the principals easily and quickly with a older singer 15-9, a Japanese clone of the 15 series or a heavy old Kenmore. All domestic machines- all from a time period where rigidity and the ability to sew domestic "denim weights" were common. I mention these as they kept coming up in Craigslist searches fairly cheap- and on my area's Free-cycle web there are several without cabinets to be had as "curb alerts"

How do I know they appear frequently? Because Im only a few months "older" than you in my search for a machine. And my mentality was the same as yours.

I am "new" to this sewing thing as well... and if you are trying to do all things at once- you will fail. Learn small- then use those projects to fund/drive the "big boy" machine... but look around- many of the "Holster" machine setups are NOT everyday sewers- these are special use project machines that even the pro's only use for specific tasks.

If you are looking to do Molle type gear then youtube "Jason of all Trades" and get familiar with his techniques. Below is a great webbing tutorial (using a domestic vintage machine) that is from a designer's angle and at a beginners speed. 

https://youtu.be/6IscVRgBdUo

As for holster and belt sewing for thicker leathers- there are several threads on the "Chinese shoe patcher" style machines (Manual and rudimentary versions of the Singer 29K) that will perform well for your starting efforts. Enough to get you familiar with what you are doing, how to do it, and what the next step in your hobby needs to be.

I personally wanted to get into canvas+leather bags and heavier things as well but found the chinese shoe patcher was-

1. more affordable
2. easily modified to suit my needs (going to add a motor like Polyfractal and Mainley Acres)
3. it left $$$ for supplies and plenty of room to grow versus sinking my hobby budget in one purchase

Here is a link to one of the shoe patcher series of machines. https://youtu.be/uNh4HpyqNbk

You will hear it from Battlemunky, JLS, Wiz and many other "older, wiser and more learned and professional" folks than me- Learn by doing 10 of an item at a time... and sell the extras. But dont worry about a high end big money machine until the hobby can support/fund or subsidize the thing.

My 2 cents... your mileage may vary, batteries not included, some assembly required, call your mother- all the usual caveats. Be safe and have fun!