When sewing leather and vinyl, the sewing machine must operate effectively with thick materials. Unlike standard fabrics, leather and vinyl do not fray easily, and they require a different approach in terms of needle size, thread type, and sewing speed. Additionally, when choosing a sewing machine for these materials, it is crucial to consider the presence of walking feet, heavy-duty construction, and the ability to handle thick layers without jamming.
Proper tension is essential when sewing leather. Before starting, spend some time testing your machine’s tension settings on scrap leather pieces. A balanced tension will yield clean and even stitches. It is also advisable to use a longer stitch length (around 3.5 to 4 mm) when sewing leather to prevent the material from perforating too much, which can weaken its structure.