How to Sew Leather on a Regular Sewing Machine

Leather Needles

If you are going to sew leather on a machine, it's best to have an industrial sewing machine, but that does not mean a regular household sewing won't work - quite the contrary.

If you set a regular sewing machine up with the right type of needle and adjust the presser foot tension, you can use it to sew leather.

How to Sew Leather on a Regular Sewing Machine

Install a Leather Sewing Needle

Start by choosing a leather sewing machine needle. (You can see more details on this Schmetz sewing machine needle chart.)

This will be a medium to large gauge needle with a fairly large eye to acccomodate the heavy thread needed, and it will have a sharp point to pierce the leather hide without tearing larger holes.

Put Leather Sewing Thread on the Machine

Put thick cotton or cotton blend thread on the sewing machine and in the bobbin. Lightweight thread might sew through the leather hide, but it is not likely to hold up properly when using the leather item you're making.

Set the Presser Foot Tension

Leather Needles

If you've already been sewing something thick, your presser foot tension should be fine, but if you've been working with delicate fabric, you might need to adjust the tension on your sewing machine's presser foot.

The key is to remember that presser foot tension needs to be the opposite of your fabric. Heavy fabric, such as leather or denim, means light presser foot tension, while light fabric means you  need heavy presser foot tension. 

I won't try to tell you how to set this tension - only because each sewing machine is different - but the adjustment is typically made directly above the presser foot on top of the sewing machine's body - so check your manual, and if you can't  find the info, ask and I'll see if I have or can find the details for your specific machine for you..