Kelsie

I am making a bag/holder for my Featherweight case. I just bought the leather an hour ago but I am sitting in Quartzsite, Arizona melting in the heat. Do I need to try to get a leather needle or can I use something I have. I have a few odds and ends, I don't quite understand, isn't it the small number? Then I have needles from Singer 11 to 18; and Smetz 70, 80, 90; Newey Ball point 705/130R which also says 70/9. I could sew on the FW or on my Singer 348 Stylemate. The leather is just for the base so I can set it down on the ground when taking it to classes. The rest will be cotton. Thanks for your help, I have never worked with leather before.

Darcyshannon

You can look up you tube on leather sewing. A leather needle is strong and you need a strong one to not break

bearisgray

Also - be sure you know where you want to sew the first time.

The needle leaves permanent holes in leather.

Kelsie

Darcyshannon I can't watch utube, I sure wish I could but the reception is so poor here that if I do the management of the park will close me down as it takes so much power. Otherwise the entire park will lose its signal. Guess how I know.

Kelsie

bearisgray: Great point thanks for pointing it out.

dunster

I don't think a featherweight would have enough power to sew through leather, unless it's very lightweight leather.

nativetexan

Hmmm, i got some lovely suede or faux leather from Wal-mart. soft and can be washed. anyone used this? I was thinking of using it for the bottom section of tote bags.

Prism99

I think you need to get a leather needle. The tip is shaped differently than other needles, and you probably need a size 100/16. Here is an article with tips about sewing leather on a domestic machine:
https://createspaceadelaide.com.au/m...sewing-machine

Teen

I agree with Prism99... 100/16 would be my guess...otherwise, you might be busting needles... And, I would probably go with titanium...

notmorecraft

You need a leather needle they are different shape to a normal needle, minimum size 14, also use a heavyweight thread, depending on how thick your leather is. You may also need a leather foot, or use a walking foot to feed the leather through evenly. I cut up leather jackets and use the leather for bags