How to sew leather

When working with thick materials, it is important to have the right equipment at hand that has been specifically designed for the purpose. Leather is a strong natural material, which can sometimes be difficult to sew with.

If you have one of the newer sewing machines on the market, then it may be able to sew leather. It will always be specifically stated in the operating instructions for your sewing machine whether or not it can be used for the purpose.

What type of needles should I use to sew leather?

Leather is an elegant and durable natural material that can be used to make everything from purses and handbags to various other types of accessories.

There are many different kinds of needles on the market that can be used for sewing machines. They are designed to sew through different types of materials. While some are thin and pointed, others are more robust and strong.

It is not always best to use a so-called 'leather needle' when sewing leather. It can create holes and make the material and your sewing project less resilient. 

Instead, try a size 80 needle. For the thickest materials, a size 90 needle may be better.

Tips for sewing with leather

Sewing leather requires a little more concentration than ordinary fabric. There are a few good tips you can use if you want to have success with your project.

First and foremost, make sure to sew at a slower speed on the machine than what you are used to when you work with cotton or polyester. The slower you sew, the lesser the risk of your needle breaking.

You can use ordinary sewing thread for leather on your sewing machine.

It is a good idea to increase the stitch width. Sew with a stitch length of 4, as it will give you better control when sewing on the machine.

If your leather becomes a little wrinkled as you work on your project, you can iron it afterwards. Place a clean tea towel over it and iron it carefully to make it nice and smooth again.

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