13 Best Leather Sewing Machines

If you love to add custom leather pieces to your jackets and denim pants, you’re well aware that it’s impossible to add such pieces by hand. You end up having to pay a lot more for clothing with these design additions that sometimes it becomes hard to express yourself without making a massive dent in your wallet.

You can begin to take matters into your own hands and start embellishing your clothes with a durable material such as leather. And that’s where choosing the best leather sewing machine comes in.

Finding the best leather sewing machines can be difficult if you don’t know what to look for. After all, there are so many out there. I’ve done the research and found the best sewing machines for leather. Here are my reviews.

Rank Leather Sewing Machine Key Features
1 Janome HD3000 Heavy Duty Leather Sewing Machine Automatic Needle Threader, Jam Proof Top-Loading Bobbin System, Simple Stitch Selection Process, Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure
2 Singer 9960 Leather Sewing Machine Maximum of 850 stitches-per-minute, Extension Table, 13 Buttonhole Styles, 600 Built-in Stitches, 25-year Limited Warranty
3 Consew 206RB-5 Leather Sewing Machine Triple Feed Industrial Build, Maximum Stitch Length: 10 millimeters, High Foot Lift: 14 millimeters, Comes with Large Bobbin, Servo Motor, & Table
4 Juki DNU-1541 Industrial Leather Sewing Machine Maximum Sewing Speed: 2,500 stitches per minute, Power: 110 Volts, Comes with Industrial Clutch Motor, Maximum Stitch Length: 9 millimeters
5 Reliable 4000SW Single Needle Leather Sewing Machine Maximum Stitch Speed: 2,000 stitches per minute, Single Row Feed Dog, Requires Manual Lubrication, Large Capacity Hook
6 Singer 7258 Quantum Stylist 600 built-in stitches, included extension table
7 Singer Heavy Duty 4411 Sewing Machine Heavy-duty metal frame, powerful motor, Stainless steel bedplate
8 Singer 4452 Sewing Machine Heavy-duty metal interior frame and stainless steel bedplate
9 Brother ST371HD Leather Sewing Machine Metal needle plate rather than the normal plastic, Specifically designed to handle tougher materials
10 Janome HD1000 Leather Sewing Machine Heavy-duty frame, chassis, and motor, Automatic needle threader
11 Juki DDL-8700 Single Needle Sewing Machine Up to 5500 stitches per minute, Industrial grade capable of sewing all materials
12 EverSewn Maker 100 Mechanical Sewing Machine Great, low price, 21 built-in stitches
13 Brother ST150HDH Strong and Tough Computerized Sewing Machine 50 built-in stitches, Computerized model for easy use, 7 feed dogs providing superior feed through of even tough materials

Best Leather Sewing Machines

ImageLeather Sewing MachinesRating
Janome-HD3000-Heavy-Duty-Sewing-Machine1. Janome HD3000 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine99%
SINGER-9960-Quantum-Stylist-600-Stitch-Computerized-Sewing-Machine 2. Singer 9960 Sewing Machine96%
Consew-206RB-5-Walking-Foot-Industrial-Sewing-Machine3. Consew 206RB-5 Sewing Machine92%
Juki-DNU-1541-Industrial-Walking-Foot-Sewing-Machine 4. Juki DNU-1541 Industrial Sewing Machine85%
Reliable-4000SW-Single-Needle-Walking-Foot-Sewing-Machine-With-Sewquiet-Servomotor 5. Reliable 4000SW Single Needle Sewing Machine81%

1. Janome HD3000 Heavy Duty Leather Sewing Machine

Janome HD3000 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine Product Image

Features

  • Automatic Needle Threader
  • Jam Proof Top-Loading Bobbin System
  • Simple Stitch Selection Process
  • Comes with Various Accessories
  • Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure
  • 7 Piece Feed Dog

User-Friendly

For those who are beginners to sewing and using a sewing machine, I am here to tell you that the Janome HD3000 is the perfect solution for you. I consider myself a novice in sewing and found it easy to use the Janome HD3000.

Those out there who are sewing specialists shouldn’t fret because this heavy duty leather sewing machine will suffice for someone who has had years of experience as well.

With this particular sewing machine, you can complete a range of sewing, so you can imagine the varying types of projects I’ve completed.

In the front of this leather sewing machine, I found the numerous stitch options to be especially helpful. The Janome HD3000 also comes with a visual representation of every stitch, which can come in handy for those who have no experience using a sewing machine.

In fact, this sewing machine comes with 18 built-in stitches so that you can go crazy with your sewing experiments.

Ideal for Stitching Leather

Those in the market for leather stitching machines will realize how many few options you have. I know I was shocked to see that I only had a handful of sewing machines to choose from that were catered to a leather stitching crowd.

This sewing machine is one of the few leather stitching machines currently available on the market.

Not only does one of the ideal heavy duty sewing machines for leather come with two packs of leather needles, but also permits you to switch the stitch strength.

This means you can stitch leather on whatever you desire when you use the Janome HD3000.

The stitch strength I used to customize my leather bag with the Janome HD3000 was the Triple Strength Stitch. This stitch has a tight and durable design, which is ideal for stitching heavy-duty goods, like leather, onto thick fabrics, such as bags.

Provides a Steady Hand

People not used to using a sewing machine will some come to find out that feeding fabric into a machine requires a ton of focus as well as a steady hand.

You’ll be pleased to find out, as I did, that the Janome HD3000 takes care of that issue for you by taking control with its seven piece feed dog feature. Instead of five teeth grabbing the fabric, you’ll have seven, which I found to be helpful in ensuring the fabric was uniformly stitched.

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Now that you’ve got a basic understanding of what the Janome HD3000 can do for your leather stitching purposes, perhaps you should consider…

2. Singer 9960 Leather Sewing Machine

SINGER 9960 Quantum Stylist 600-Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine

Features

  • Maximum of 850 stitches-per-minute
  • Extension Table
  • 13 Buttonhole Styles
  • 600 Built-in Stitches
  • 25-year Limited Warranty
  • Comes with Sewing Accessories
  • Electronic Autopilot Option

Technologically Advanced Build

At-home sewers have finally found an electronic sewing machine that is up to date with the technological advances of the 21st century, and it goes by the name the Singer 9960.

Singer has had a long history regarding sewing machines, so it’s no surprise that they would be leaders in the heavy duty sewing machine leather game.

The Singer 9960 is classified as a computerized sewing machine that can help you achieve over 600 stitches altogether. There are so many stitches that come with this leather sewing machine that it’s likely you might not even put all of them to use.

Those who tend to work on advanced sewing projects, you’ll find the decorative and lettering stitch options to be extremely helpful. You can stitch these more advanced options onto thick fabrics, including leather.

The Singer 9960 comes built with a digital feature that presents itself in the fohttps://teachyoutosew.com/best-sewing-machine-for-advanced-sewers/rm of an LCD screen. This front panel screen permits you to choose everything related to the stitch, which includes

  • Length
  • Width
  • Type of Stitch

The screen provides a visual representation as to what your finished product will look like and advises you the presser foot you should use.

To choose your desired stitch, all you have to do is touch the button pertaining to your relevant stitch, and you can begin your sewing project. First, I decided to put the Singer 9960 to the test and stitched the eight most commonly used stitches onto a piece of leather fabric. I was genuinely pleased with the results.

Durable Frame

The internal framework of the Singer 9960 consists of heavy-duty metal that ensures the machine works to optimal capacity. The firm supports the internal mechanisms functioning in constant alignment, so you experience skip-free sewing.

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If you want a leather sewing machine that’s a tad easier to use, our 4th option may be for you…

3. Consew 206RB-5 Leather Sewing Machine

Consew 206RB-5 Walking Foot Industrial Sewing Machine Product Image

Features

  • Triple Feed Industrial Build
  • Maximum Stitch Length: 10 millimeters
  • High Foot Lift: 14 millimeters
  • Comes with Large Bobbin, Servo Motor, & Table
  • Straight Stitching Only

Relatively Easy to Use

You can consider the Consew 206RB-5 to be one of the most in-demand industrial sewing machines for leather available in the market. This is because it features a professional build that is easy to use once you figure out how to decipher the manual.

You’ll have to install the extremely quiet Servo motor onto the Consew 206RB-5 Sewing Machine. It is rare to find an industrial leather sewing machine that comes with this particular motor, so you’ll be in for a treat when you use this model.

When you install the Servo motor into this industrial sewing machine, you’ll notice that the noise level in your workroom is nonexistent. It is so quiet that I accidentally dropped my pin and I never heard it hit the ground.

The only thing you’ll feel coming from the Consew 206RB-5 is tiny amounts of vibration, which won’t interfere with its ability to complete the task at hand.

One Stitch Option

Since the Consew 206RB-5 offers only a straight stitch option, it makes up for its lack of diversity with providing additional accessories.

  • Extra-Large Bobbin
  • Reverse Stitch Lever
  • Adjustable Stitch Length
  • Lubrication System

These additional accessories simplify the maintenance aspect of this leather sewing machine, so you can spend more time sewing rather than cleaning the machine.

Some of the accessories listed above will help towards the stitching action of the Consew 206RB-5. For instance, the stitch length adjustment dial comes located on the column. And directly underneath the stitch adjustment dial is the large reverse stitch lever.

Having these two features in proximity to each other made the machine much more ergonomically designed than other industrial sewing machine options.

The proximity of these two controls is both efficient and ergonomic.

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For those who aren’t searching for a professional sewing machine for leather, you shouldn’t stop reading here…

4. Juki DNU-1541 Industrial Leather Sewing Machine

Juki DNU-1541 Industrial Walking Foot Sewing Machine Product Image

Features

  • Maximum Sewing Speed: 2,500 stitches per minute
  • Power: 110 Volts
  • Comes with Industrial Clutch Motor
  • Maximum Stitch Length: 9 millimeters
  • Overall Dimensions: 48 inches by 20 inches by 48 inches

High-Quality Operation

When going through leather sewing machines for sale, it’s difficult to locate one that runs as fast as the Juki DNU-1541 does. This sewing machine is classified as being industrial grade and requires only a single needle to finish any task you heart desires.

I found that the Juki DNU-1541 utilizes a dual tension mechanism, which ensures high-tension sewing. This ability to perform high tension sewing is what allows the leather sewing machine to sew high-quality stitches through thick fabrics.

Unlike some of the best sewing machines for leather reviewed above, the Juki DNU-1541 features a non-computerized model that solely runs on electricity.

In fact, this machine will require a power source of 110 Volts since it needs to provide juice for the 750-watt industrial clutch servo motor.

Continue reading to understand what it takes to assemble this sewing machine.

Simple to Assemble

When I opened the box that the Juki DNU-1541 came in, I noticed how the model was already pre-assembled. I also found an instruction manual that was not hard to decipher, along with accessories, a servo motor, as well as the hardware required for installation.

Last but not least, the Juki DNU-1541 also comes with a sewing table. This is rare to find amongst sewing machines because other manufacturers typically require you to purchase the sewing table separately.

All of these additional pieces come packed in tightly sealed boxes, so you don’t have to worry about any of the objects being tampered with during the delivery process.

Since the Juki DNU-1541 comes with a sewing table, you need to mount it on this specific table. By doing so, you ensure that your Juki DNU-1541 functions at optimal levels.

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If you’re searching for a more reliable sewing machine than the one reviewed here, you should take a look at the last of our leather sewing machine reviews…

5. Reliable 4000SW Single Needle Leather Sewing Machine

Reliable 4000SW Single Needle Walking Foot Sewing Machine With Sewquiet Servomotor

Features

  • Maximum Stitch Speed: 2,000 stitches per minute
  • Single Row Feed Dog
  • Requires Manual Lubrication
  • Large Capacity Hook
  • Foot Lift: 14 millimeters
  • Accessories Included

Easy to Operate

The Reliable 4000SW Single Needle Sewing Machine may seem as if it doesn’t come with many features as other sewing machines we reviewed above do, but do not be fooled. I came to terms with the fact that this sewing machine is meant to function as a single-purpose device.

Keep in mind that the Reliable 4000SW Single Needle Sewing Machine does not come with built-in stitches, so you must have some background knowledge using a sewing machine before you give this one a spin.

Since this machine comes with a Sewquiet servo motor, once you turn it on you’ll never want it to stop. This particular motor allows this sewing machine to reach extremely high operating speeds. In fact, you can expect to complete around 2,000 stitches per minute.

Even when it comes to reinforcing stitches, you can forget about having to do it the old-fashioned way when you have the Reliable 4000SW Single Needle Sewing Machine.

All you have to do is make use of the reverse stitch leather, and the machine will do all the work for you. This means that the Reliable 4000SW Single Needle Sewing Machine will reverse your stitch-work, so you can easily start sewing over your stitch.

I found this feature especially helpful when I was trying to stitch through heavy fabrics such as leather and upholstery.

Additional Tools

Similar to the sewing machine reviewed above, the Reliable 4000SW Single Needle Sewing Machine also comes with additional tools that make operating the device a smooth process.

For example, this machine comes with its stand, so you don’t have to worry about purchasing a separate table. You can use your sewing machine with ease every time since you know that you’re setting it up properly.

A tool I found helpful that came with the Reliable 4000SW Single Needle Sewing Machine is a sewing light. This helps in regards to reducing eye strain. As a result, you end up sewing much more effectively, and its all thanks to the Uberlight 3000TL.

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6. Singer 7258 Quantum Stylist

Singer 7258 100-Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine

The Singer Quantum Stylist 7258 handles a variety of projects and, with heavy-duty needles equipped, can stitch and coverstitch leather with ease. Over 600 built in stitches, and the previously mentioned coverstitch option, offers one of the highest levels of versatility in a machine. Though the machine produces up to 850 stitches per minute, it should be operated slower for leather and heavy fabrics.

  • 600 built in stitches
  • included extension table
  • Highly versatile for not only leather

7. Singer | Heavy Duty 4411 Sewing Machine

Singer Heavy Duty 4411 Sewing Machine

The entry-level Singer Heavy Duty 4411 provides a lot of quality for a very nice price. With a stronger than standard motor, this machine can produce up to 1,100 stitches per minute on even the toughest fabrics. This basic model offers the reliability of the Singer name and ease of functionality for sewing the toughest of materials.

  • Heavy duty motor producing up to 1100 stitches a minute
  • 11 built in stitches
  • Great price

8. Singer 4452 Sewing Machine

Offering more features than cheaper Singer models, the 4452 comes equipped with a more powerful motor to sew through leather and canvas. It offers quicker sewing, up to 1,100 stitches on regular weight fabrics, and 32 built in stitches. This machine is built for leather sewing and comes with a non-stick foot to easily feed leather through.

  • Heavy duty motor producing up to 1100 stitches a minute
  • 32 built in stitches
  • Automatic needle threading

9. Brother ST371HD Leather Sewing Machine

Brother ST371HD, Strong and Tough Sewing Machine

The Brother ST371HD is a basic model offering included accessories to boost its ability to sew leather. With a metal needle plate rather than the industry standard plastic, this machine can sew layers of heavy fabrics at up to 800 stitches a minute. A highly affordable price makes this model ideal for the hobbyist but the machine may not hold up to the rigors of professional sewing.

  • Metal needle plate rather than the normal plastic
  • Specifically designed to handle tougher materials
  • Heavyweight needles included

10. Janome HD1000 Leather Sewing Machine

Janome Industrial-Grade Aluminum-Body HD1000 Black Edition Sewing Machine

The Janome HD1000 is specifically made to handle more work and tougher fabrics than most machines. With a higher voltage motor, even layers of the heaviest materials are easily handled. This Janome models offers a great balance of quality for price though there are less features than other cheaper models from other brands.

  • Heavy duty frame, chassis, and motor
  • Automatic needle threader
  • Easily sews leather

11. Juki DDL-8700 Single Needle Sewing Machine

Juki DDL-8700-H Industrial Straight Stitch Sewing Machine

The Juki DDL-8700 is capable of up to 5500 stitches a minute and has the ability to sew through leather easily. With a price tag to match, this machine a professional grade model. The included motor is a quiet running model and the machine even comes with an included table.

  • Up to 5500 stitches per minute
  • Industrial grade capable of sewing all materials
  • Includes a sewing table

12. EverSewn Maker 100 Mechanical Sewing Machine

EverSewn Maker 100 Mechanical Sewing Machine

EverSewn is quickly making a name for themselves for well-built and affordable machines. Though not as powerful as other models, the built in 21 stitches and durability make this more than enough for most leather projects. The EverSewn Maker 100 is a great machine that provides all the most needed features for most crafters without the high price of professional grade machines.

  • Great, low price
  • 21 built in stitches

 

13. Brother ST150HDH Strong and Tough Computerized Sewing Machine

Brother ST150HDH Strong and Tough Computerized Sewing Machine

The Brother ST150HDH is a computerized machine with 50 built in stitches. To more easily handle leather, it comes equipped with 7 feed dogs rather than the normal 4 or 5. The price and ease of use put this model well ahead of some of the more expensive machines but it may not stand up to the work load of a professional as well as an industrial grade machine.

  • 50 built in stitches
  • Computerized model for easy use
  • 7 feed dogs providing superior feed through of even tough materials

Leather Sewing Machine Buyer’s Guide

Ultimate Guide to Leather Sewing Machines

Before I begin to go into detail about some of the best leather sewing machines out there, you should first receive some background knowledge on a sewing machine. Keep reading to equip yourself with the tools to become a sewing machine master.

Known to be a specialized yet heavy-duty device, you’ll notice that the leather sewing machine is most often used in commercial settings and solely by professionals.

To operate an leather sewing machine, you need to be able to understand both the mechanical and technical aspect of the machine. It’ll be difficult to find this type of sewing machine in your local arts and crafts store, so you’ll need to take your search online.

A standard sewing machine will easily sew on common fabrics, which include wool, linen, or cotton. With a leather sewing machine, a whole world of fabric opens that you never thought you could personally use before.

Leather sewing machines can work with heavy-duty materials, such as leather, which would normally cost a fortune to get professionally done. What sets leather sewing machines apart from standard sewing machines is that they have an attachable walking foot, which keeps the fabric in place.

Standard sewing machines don’t need a walking foot because the fabrics typically don’t need to be held in place.

As you can see minor differences can make a huge difference when it comes to sewing machines.

After giving several machines a spin, I came up with a list of some of the best leather sewing machine options I have given my stamp of approval.

Can I sew leather on my home sewing machine?

The technical answer is YES but…..you may find it more difficult without making some adjustments to your stitch length, type of thread and changing to a leather needle. If you plan to sew leather onto a fabric, I would recommend you use faux leather which is softer and easier to handle on a standard home sewing machine.

What are the best leather sewing machines for home?

1. Janome HD3000
2. Singer 9960
3. Singer 7258
4. Singer Heavy Duty 4411
5. Brother ST371HD

What are the best commercial heavy duty sewing machines for leather and upholstery?

1. Consew 206RB-5
2. Juki DNU-1541
3. Reliable 4000SW
4. Juki DDL-8700

What kind of needle do I need to sew leather for upholstery?

Single strong needles for leather are usually in the 110/18 range. You want a very sharp needle with a coating, such as titanium nitride so your needle will last longer. A dull needle will severely affect your sewing speed which will change your stitch length.

Leather Sewing Machine Review Conclusion

Hopefully, you found all the answers you’ve been searching for when it comes to industrial sewing machines. Most can do the zigzag stitch and lockstitch.

In case you haven’t noticed, leather is in for this year’s fashion season, so you can start to amp up your wardrobe with your very own sewing machine. For those who are new to the sewing machine game, I recommend the Janome HD3000 Sewing Machine.

Those who have had more experience using sewing machines may want a more commercial quality industrial sewing machine, which will cost more than your standard home sewing machine.

If you are torn about choosing leather as a material, I would like to say that leather is one of the few fabrics that is not likely to be easily damaged, regardless of the weather condition.

Want to learn more about sewing machines? Check out our Best Sewing Machine Reviews.

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