Sewing machine for leather. Whilst there aren’t many machines tailored towards one material in particular, there are some excellent sewing machines for leather.
It’s a tough material to sew; there’s no getting past it, but the better machines can get through such materials because of their built quality, but this isn’t always easy to find.
Many products promise to penetrate leather, but it is difficult to tell if they will truly work until you examine their power and the type of needles they can accommodate.
This is why we have created our list of the best sewing machines for leather.
Each one is built by a reputable brand and can offer many more features and options.
The list below includes products suitable for beginners.
- Editor’s Choice
SINGER | Quantum Stylist 9960 Computerized Portable Sewing Machine (Amazon) – Review - Best Value
SINGER | Heavy Duty 4423 Sewing Machine with 23 Built-In Stitches (Amazon) – Review - Best Value (Also Consider)
Brother ST371HD (Amazon) – Review - Best Accesories
Janome HD3000 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine w/Hard Case (Amazon) – Review - Best For Stitches Per Minute
Juki TL-2010Q 1-Needle (Amazon) – Review - Easy To Use
Janome HD1000 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine with 14 Built-In Stitches (Amazon) – Review - Best Affordable
SINGER 4423 Sewing Machine (Amazon) – Review
Editor’s Choice: SINGER | Quantum Stylist 9960 Computerized Portable Sewing Machine
Singer is a name that many people associate with quality and sewing machines, and the 9960 is an easy-to-use product with loads of features.
With 600 built-in stitches, including five alphanumeric fonts for personalizing your pieces and 103 utility stitches, this machine offers many possibilities.
In our eyes, it is the best sewing machine for leather not only because it is good value but also because its heavy-duty metal frame is reliable, and it can sew at 850 stitches per minute.
The needle up/down feature means it can be used with various fabrics of various thicknesses.
There are also 19 presser feet, giving you plenty of sewing options for different techniques.
This product is well suited to quilting because it has an extension table. An automatic thread trimmer button makes finishing up easy so you can move on to the next project.
- Capable of 850 stitches per minute
- Includes 19 presser feet
- Massive 600 built-in stitches
- Up/down needle
- Good value
Best Value: SINGER | Heavy Duty 4423 Sewing Machine with 23 Built-In Stitches
For the price, this product is difficult to better, and it is the perfect sewing machine for leather.
It is easy to use for a beginner, and it can still benefit the more advanced user.
The features might not be as plentiful as the eilte machines but this represents excellent value for anyone who doesn’t want to break the bank.
You get 23 built-in stitches included, and the motor has been improved to be 60% stronger.
This means it can get through rigid materials such as leather without a problem.
It is heavy, so it can power through its stitches, but it isn’t bulky. The heavy-duty metal frame means it won’t vibrate too much, even at top speed.
Speaking of which, it can offer speeds of up to 1,100 stitches per minute, more than most at the price.
You get four presser feet included and an adjustable presser foot presser to give you lots of sewing options and to keep you in control.
- Capable of 1,100 stitches per minute
- Heavy-duty body
- 23 built-in stitches
- Automatic needle threader
- Can be a little loud at top speed
Best Value (Also Consider): Brother ST371HD
A beginner will appreciate the ease of using Brothers ST371HD, and its heavy-duty body means it will not vibrate like crazy, even when used at top speed.
The 37 built-in stitches allow you to take on different projects, and this is a decent amount considering the reasonable price tag.
Because of the automatic needle threader and top drop-in bobbin system, this product is easy to use from the start, and the instructional DVD that comes included makes it easy to learn how to use the different features.
There are also six presser feet and a free arm feature that allows you to sew cylinder shapes – perfect for repairing sleeve tears.
When it comes to using it with leather, it is known for being capable of sewing thick fabrics, including leather, denim, and canvas, so you won’t have a problem using it for your tougher projects.
- 37 built-in stitches
- Strong build and capable of working with tough materials
- Includes instructional DVD
- Free arm for sleeves
- Not as many features as other products
Best Accesories: Janome HD3000 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine w/Hard Case
This product regularly features high on the list of heavy-duty sewing machines because of its strong build quality and ability to work at speeds of up to 860 stitches per minute.
It is also one of the best sewing machines for leather because it can hold different-sized needles, meaning a thicker one that will make light work of tough, resilient leather.
You can adjust the stitch length and width to ensure the leather is sewn reliably. An ultra-high presser foot, among other features, accommodates thicker materials.
The HD3000 comes with a hard case, which a lot of the best brands don’t even give you.
The user can even adjust the pressure on the foot pressure, which means this machine can sew various materials, no matter how thick.
There is an automatic needle threader to make the setup simple, and once you get up to speed, you will have 19 built-in stitches to choose from.
With an extra high foot lift and specialized needles, it is one of the best sewing machines for leather.
- Adjustable pressure foot pressure
- Automatic needle threader
- 19 built-in stitches
- Heavy-duty
- Winding bobbin can be a little awkward
Best For Stitches Per Minute: Juki TL-2010Q 1-Needle
Many people consider this among the elite sewing machines for leather, and although it is one of the more expensive, its features and power are a testament to why.
The 1,500 stitches per minute are impressive and make it easy for this to power through tough materials like leather.
The carry handle means you can take it anywhere. Although its heavy-duty body means it is on the heavy side, this contributes to its power.
This mid-arm machine is great for quilting because of its wide throat.
The adjustable presser foot pressure means you can instruct it to push through thick materials at any time.
Then, when you want to return to lighter materials, you can switch things back to normal.
It is well suited to making your own garments and has a user-friendly design that is easy to understand.
- Capable of 1,500 stitches per minute
- Adjustable pressure foot pressure
- Great for quilting
- Can be a little heavy for some people
Easy To Use: Janome HD1000 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine with 14 Built-In Stitches
The words heavy-duty and sewing machine for leather go hand in hand, so it is no surprise that this product features on our list.
Although there are only 14 built-in stitches, the mighty 1. amp motor can handle rigid materials like leather without issue.
Its aluminum body looks great but can also reduce the vibrations at top speed.
Similar to their HD3000 but toned down a bit, this represents good value considering the included 4-step buttonhole and 4-presser feet.
The foot lifter is capable of extra high pressure, making it easy to feed thick, robust materials such as leather.
The soft cover protects the machine when in storage, and the removable free arm feature opens up plenty of sewing options.
- Powerful motor
- Aluminum body
- Capable of handing various fabrics
- Automatic needle threader
- Only 14 built-in stitches
Best Affordable: SINGER 4423 Sewing Machine
It’s impossible to write a list of the best leather sewing machines without including the 4423 from Singer.
It is a well-known product because of its value and high capability, thanks to the heavy-duty frame that can withstand tough materials like leather.
There are 23 built-in stitches included and an automatic needle threader. Amazingly, it can push out 1,100 stitches per minute, making it one of the fastest options available.
Its powerful motor can work on thick materials and includes many accessories.
This means everything from multiple presser feet, quilting guides, and spools to the soft cover that keeps dust away.
There is no LCD display, but the large dials make switching between stitches and other settings easy.
- 1,100 stitches per minute
- Heavy-duty frame
- Lots of accessories
- Incredible value
- No LCD display
You’d hope all sewing machines can work with thicker materials, but this isn’t always true.
The fact is, you need a specialist sewing machine for leather.
Although the product might not specifically say it is ideal for working with certain materials, there are ways to tell if it is up to the job.
When you know what the ideal product should be capable of, your search will be much easier.
Also, you will not be left with a sewing machine that breaks upon the first contact with the leather. To help make this search easy, we have created the following buyer’s guide.
Heavy-Duty Body
The sewing machine you buy must have a heavy-duty body to withstand tough materials like leather.
Sure, all machines have metal parts inside, but the overall construction should be made from heavy metals so it can power through thick materials without skipping stitches.
Stitches Per Minute
One sign of a powerful leather sewing machine is its maximum speed.
Many people will find that a machine that can push out 850 stitches per minute is fast enough to finish their projects in a timely manner.
However, a professional with a backlog of work will want to work faster.
This means a speed of 1,000 – 1,500. When you start to up the top speed, you are more likely to land a powerful machine.
Up/Down Needle
Many beginner sewing machines don’t offer this feature, so look for it in the products you are interested in.
Moving the needle up and down means the machine can accommodate thicker materials like leather.
Without it, the product might have the power but not the room.
Built-In Stitches
Although you want the sewing machine for leather to be powerful, it still needs to have other functions as well.
The best products will come with plenty of built-in stitches, but this is not as important for beginners.
An accomplished sewer will find that the more stitches they get, the better, and a professional will probably want alphanumeric fonts to choose from.
Adjustable Speed Control
More than any other material, adjustable speed control is vital for working with leather.
You cannot undo mistakes, and if you have made great progress on a large piece, this can be very frustrating.
Even more important for the beginner, being able to control the speed means you are more likely to be left with a satisfying seam.
Accessories
Yes, a sewing machine for leather needs to be rugged and robust, just like the material itself, but you also want to use it with other projects in mind.
This is why you need all the accessories you can get.
You will often get presser feet, bobbins, extra needles, a hem guide, a cover, and a lot more to start numerous projects.
Easy Set-Up
Like us, you will be eager to use your new sewing machine for leather as soon as you open it from the box.
This is why you don’t want any confusing setup.
Most reputable brands include an automatic needle threader and a top drop-in bobbin feature that ensures you can read the machine quickly.
An instructional DVD is also a good extra to look out for, and these aren’t reserved for beginner machines either.
Adjustable Pressure Foot Adjuster
It’s a bit of a mouthful, but this helps the needle apply more pressure with certain stitches.
It is great for cutting rigid materials and is an important feature for anyone hoping to find the best sewing machine for leather.
LED Light
Because you cannot correct your mistakes, it is important to be as accurate as possible when sewing leather.
The best products will all come with LED lights as standard.
Some are better than others in brightness and bulb life, but anything that illuminates the area will be useful, especially in low-light conditions.
Extension Table
This is the sort of feature you need if you want to use the sewing machine for quilting and stitching hard materials.
The more options you have, the more enjoyment you can get from the machine.
An extension table enables you to use it for large materials.
Warranty
The wrong machine could struggle because you will work with a rigid material like leather.
Even a quality leather sewing machine can break, so you will want to protect your purchase when you spend hundreds.
Brother and Singer give you a lengthy warranty, often around 25 years.
This depends on the model.
Some sewing machines might surprise you and have more than enough power to get through the leather.
Some say that with the right needles and pressure, it can be used for tougher materials, but it isn’t recommended unless the machine is suitable.
If the machine is heavy-duty, it is more likely to be well-suited to such projects, but it is best to stick to one made with such materials in mind.
Every sewing machine requires some maintenance to extend its lifespan.
Even dust collecting in the small crevices can cause wear and tear that is easily avoided.
Start by cleaning the machine regularly and keeping it well-oiled.
A sewing machine has many moving parts, so opt for quality oil to keep it running as it should.
A cover is also important when in storage, and anyone who wants to ensure their sewing machine lasts as long as it should should take it for a service once a year.
Your budget will determine the quality of the machine you can afford, but there are some excellent sewing machines for leather at a range of prices.
A beginner should expect to be able to find a heavy-duty machine that has plenty of built-in stitches for their needs for under $200.
This will still have the power to stitch tough materials like leather.
Anyone who wants more features, power, and extra quality should choose a product around the $300 mark.
An advanced sewer or professional might find anything under $500 limited in what it can do.
For a machine that can push our 1,500 stitches per minute, with added features and more pressure, feet should expect to pay around this amount.
Although they are built with a heavy-duty body, this helps to prevent vibrations.
By weighing it down, the body of a sewing machine stops it from moving all over the place.
You can do things to help. For example, to keep the machine sturdy, put a mat under it when you put it on the table.
Don’t be put off by the weight of some of the machines. They make up for what they lack in portability and lack of vibrations.
A sewing machine for leather capable of sewing leather should be able to hold different-sized needles.
Not all products have the right-sized needle as standard, so you might need to buy yours separately.
Many brands advise sticking to their brand of needles, and whilst this is advisable, you also need to know the right size required for sewing leather.
Look for a spear-shaped 110/18 leather needle to make light work of the rigid material.
