Needle Sticking in Leather

[ValkyrieEquine]

Sewing two layers of leather cemented together with my Cobra 4 and on the up-stroke, the needle is sticking and lifting the leather.  This is causing the thread to pull up and not catch the bobbin thread and/or cut the thread completely.  Very frustrating to say the least.  I was wondering if I could use wax or silicone on the needle to keep it from sticking?  Has anyone else had this problem and fixed it?  Thanks.

Edited March 18, 2019 by ValkyrieEquine

[buzzardbait]

Check the tip of your needle it may have a tiny bend or curl that is catching, if not you may need to give your cement more cure time.

[ValkyrieEquine]

I did change the needle out earlier, in case that was the problem, so unless the second needle has a bent tip, that isn't the problem.  The leather has been sitting for two days, but my shop has been cold, so cure issue is definitely a possibility.  I will let it sit some more and see if that helps.  Thanks!

[chrisash]

Can you put more pressure on the feet to hold it down a bit more

[Bob Blea]

How thick is your leather?  Have you sewn this leather before without any problems?

Is there any chance that your timing is off and the shuttle is nicking the needle and either bending it slightly or putting a burr on it?

You could try waxing the needle with beeswax to see if it has an effect.  The wax would wear off quickly but it might tell you if friction is the problem.  For the ultimate in non-stick if you have non-stick cooking spray in the house try spraying some in a cup and then using a q-tip to apply some on the needle. 

[Northmount]

@ValkyrieEquine Moved your post to leather sewing machines.  You'll get more participation from this group.

Tom

[Mark842]

The name for what is happening is called flagging. The usual culprit is incorrect needle/thread size for the leather or glue that is not completely dry. What size needle and what size thread are you using? What type of leather and how many oz total? Is your glue dry all the way?

[Wizcrafts]

If you have a lube pot on top of your machine, buy some liquid silicon lube and run the top thread through it. Most industrial sewing machine dealers have quarts in stock.

[chrisash]

Sorry i don't see where i am wrong, surly the only job of the pressure foot is to hold the leather down tight until the needle tip has passed the leather clear on the up stroke so the leather can be moved for the next stitch, if the needle sticks and raises the leather with the needle, then the problem lies with the pressure being to week

[Sonydaze]

Sometimes I sew two layers of glued together 16 oz. sole bend. Is it is very dry and hard, the needle tends to stick. (good needle, right needle thread combination & max pressure foot tension.)  My experience is that rubbing beeswax on the needle helps. It doesn't last for long but it seems that after awhile the needle polishes to become slicker and then you don't need the wax as often.