Best Sewing Machine for Leather [Our Reviews and Comparisons]

While more and more people are exploring hobby ideas and independent businesses, the need to select the best machines has become the norm. Be it home users or professionals working with the right sewing machine is extremely essential for a fuss-free and creatively manufactured product.

Leather Sewing Machines Comparison Table

PRODUCT	FEATURES	LATEST PRICE
1. Janome HD3000 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine	Easy stitch selection Adjustable presser foot pressure Free arm Lots of accessories Excellent stitch quality Can easily handle leather and heavy-duty fabrics	Check Price
2. Brother ST371HD Sewing Machine	Inexpensive Easy to use Smooth fabric feed Can handle multiple layers of lightweight fabric Free arm Easy stitch selection	Check Price
3. SINGER 4423 Sewing Machine	Ultra-fast stitching -1,100 SPM Durable Affordable Accessory tray Free arm	Check Price
4. Brother Sewing and Quilting Machine, CS6000i	Easy Installation Large work area Automatic threading to save time Options for use of foot pedal Variety of stitches with length and width settings	Check Price
5. SINGER Quantum Stylist 9960 Computerized Portable Sewing Machine	Ideal for clothes making 600 in-built stitches Extension table Comes with lots of accessories Computerized digital information advisor	Check Price
6. Janome HD1000	Versatile Additional accessories Automatic needle-threader Best for heavy fabrics	Check Price
7. SINGER Heavy Duty 4452 Sewing Machine	Maximum sewing speed Ideal for thick fabrics Easy to use Runs smoothly Time saving automatic needle threader	Check Price

This is especially true of leather which can be a very tricky fabric to work with. To help you reach a consensus on which best suited to your purposes we have listed below the top machines that will deliver the best results.

The Best Sewing Machines for Leather Reviewed

1. Janome HD3000 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine

Product Highlights

Janome is a household name when it comes to high-quality sewing machines. It is, in fact, a perfect machine that can be used for dual purposes namely domestic and industrial. While it is popularly used to sew silk, chiffon, Lycra, and denim it is also quite adept at sewing middle to lightweight leather.

This mechanical machine designed for both durability and versatility is excellent for beginners who want to create smaller projects while also serving the needs of professionals. The stitches are accurate and it produces top-quality work.

Features

The Janome HD3000 is firmly built from a single-piece aluminum casting. It comes with snap-on presser feet. The adjustable pressure on the foot of the presser is managed only by turning the dial. It is particularly useful for stitching various styles of cloth. Set the pressure dial to one or two when dealing with lightweight and change the dial to three for daily sewing clothing. The presser foot ensures that you can cover the rolled hem, blind hem, zipper, over-edge, and buttonhole foot.

It does come with an adjustable free arm. All you have to do is slide off the storage compartment to access the free arm. This makes it much easier to sew shirt sleeves and pant legs.

To ensure that your machine suffers a minimum of wear and tear you will find it encased in a protective hardcover which makes it easier to move around while having all the essential parts and pieces with you.

It has a jam-proof full rotary hook bobbin system. To ensure that you can check how much thread you have left the bobbin place is covered by a transparent plastic housing as the bobbin gets dropped into place. You can change the thread conveniently.

In addition to this, it comes with a package of bobbins, a pack of universal needles, two packs of leather needles, a spool holder, a lint brush, a screwdriver, an additional spool pin, seam ripper, bobbin, power cord, foot control, and instruction manual. It also has a storage compartment built-in near the bobbin holder where you can keep all your accessories.

You have the luxury of experimenting with 18 stitches. This can be achieved by simply turning the dial, easily controlled, and precisely done. A small light is provided to verify your selection once you switch from one stitch to another, illuminating under an image of the actual stitch. The 7-piece feed dog guarantees accurate fabric control while the single-hand thread cutter is simple to use.

It does not require any oiling and you can just periodically clean the hook race, feed dogs, and bobbin after each use. However, if you have your machine serviced once a year it will ensure smooth functioning.

What We Like About Janome HD3000 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine

The extra high foot lift and foot pressure adjustment makes it great for sewing leather items. Its specialized needles and the UntraGlide foot which is made from resin allows it to smoothly move across faux leather and other sticky surfaces.

What We Don’t Like About Janome HD3000 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine

There might be problems with the vertical spool stem. Some users have had trouble with the stem which did not produce consistent tension on the bobbin, causing troubles while winding.

2. Brother ST371HD Sewing Machine

Product Highlights

The Brother ST371HD comprises a lot of surprising features such as the 6 sewing feet, detachable six presser feet that are quite easy to attach. The snap-on feet you will get are buttonhole, zipper, blind stitch, button sewing, spring action zigzag, and nonstick feet.

It comes with 37 built-in stitches, including some advanced as well as common ones namely blind hem, stretch, zigzag, decorative, reinforcement stitches. If you do want to adjust the feet for extra height, it is easy to do so with many layers without any issues.

In addition to this, the drop feed feature allows you to complete free-motion sewing with ease. The speed of this machine is quite good and measured at 800 SPM. While this may be a bit limiting for commercial sewists it is enough for most hobbyists or enthusiasts.

There are various sizes of needles available: No. 16 can be used for thick fabrics such as denim, duck cloth, canvas, burlap, leather. No. 14 can be used for multiple layers and No. 11 can be used for lightweight fabrics and everyday sewing purposes. In addition, you will also be given a twin needle.

This sewing machine really saves you time thanks to the half-automatic needle threader. Once you push the lever on the side, the thread will go through the needle. Despite it not being fully automatic it is still mostly machine-controlled making it quite convenient.

The metal needle plate provides a good foundation as it functions effectively to provide a smoother fabric feeding. Unlike most other machines that come with a plastic needle plate, within the same price range.

With the Stitch selector feature selecting your stitches becomes really easy. You need to turn the dial knob on the side to the right number which along with the stitch designs, are printed below the selector. The top drop-in bobbin is easy to place and remove, and most importantly jam-resistant.

While the default sewing surface is flat-bed, the free arm can be uncovered by removing a portion of the base. This makes sewing cuffs, sleeves, or tiny and tricky areas present in baby clothing very smooth.

The removable portion can be used to store spare bobbins, needles, etc. small items. Extra accessories include four bobbins, an extra spool pin, two-spool caps, an instructional DVD, a screwdriver, and a dust cover all in a little pouch.

See Related Topic: Best Industrial Sewing Machine

What We Like About Brother ST371HD Sewing Machine

The Brother ST371HD Sewing Machine has a 25-year limited warranty that also includes a one-year warranty for parts, labor, and accompanying accessories. So whenever you are faced with difficulties you do not need to search for a mending shop as they will handle it for you.

What We Don’t Like About Brother ST371HD Sewing Machine

In some cases, sewists have complained of the needle slipping or breaking when used for the first time. Some have found replacing it much more cost-effective than repairing.

3. SINGER 4423 Sewing Machine

Product Highlights

The Singer 4423 is an inexpensive yet durable option for hobbyists as well as professional users. It’s a great machine for a beginner or someone on a budget. It is a true workhorse when it comes to performance. It has a motor that has massive piercing power.

Thick seams are done easily and fast. In this signature Singer style, this machine represents a smart design and outstanding quality that may surprise and satisfy even experienced sewers.

At whatever level of stitching you are, be it garment alterations, or new projects. It comes with some sewing accessories which are easy-to-use and versatile. It comes with automatic speed and delivers great results leaving users satisfied.

Features

Measuring at 15.5 x 6.25 x 12 inches and weighing 14.5 pounds, SINGER 4423 has a maximum sewing speed of 1,100 SPM. If you can maneuver it carefully, you can slow it down. It has 23 built-in stitches which include basic, decorative, stretch, and buttonhole stitches that are usually the requirements of projects, quilts, crafts, fashions, home décor, etc.

It also has an automatic needle threader that helps you to effortlessly thread the eye of the needle without eye strain or stops. Another noticeable feature is the sewing speed which in this case is 1, 100 SPM, making projects quicker. The motor is 60% stronger and is useful for greater piercing power which is necessary for thick seams.

This machine reflects the quality and builds that are visible in the Singer 4423 heavy-duty sewing has a heavy-duty metal interior frame and a stainless steel bed frame. This makes it an extremely durable machine that sews at high speed due to its powerful motor. This makes it ideal to sew through a variety of heavyweight fabrics.

It comes with an easy-to-load top drop-in bobbin system with a clear cover. Here the bobbin is easy to insert since it loads from the top. You can use a clear cover to monitor the bobbin thread supply.

The extra-high presser foot lift accommodates thick fabrics easily. The built-in needle threader effortlessly threads the needle for a faster start. To ensure that you remember how to do it there are threading guides that are on the top of the machine.

This machine comes with 97 stitch applications. These include a variety of styles such as basic sewing, decorative sewing, and more. You can refer to the Stitch Selector Dial to select the stitches you want to create. The automatic 1-step buttonholes ensure that you can create consistent buttonholes however you want.

It comes with several other accessories such as the all-purpose foot, seam ripper, lint brush, quilting guide, zipper foot, needles, bobbins, buttonhole foot, button sewing foot screwdriver, auxiliary spool pin, spool pin felt which are located and stored in the accessory tray along with a soft-sided dust cover.

This machine offers extra accessories for leather sewing. For this specifically, the specialty even-feed walking presser feet is ideal as it is helpful in working with real leather more expensive than the faux one. This is mostly because the walking foot has its own feed dog that works in combination with the machine regular feed dog. They function together to keep the leather under a proper grip resulting in accurate seaming.

What We Like About SINGER 4423 Sewing Machine

Besides its extra and smart features, the SINGER 4423 Heavy Duty Portable Sewing Machine has a 25 Year Limited Warranty. In addition to that, it also comes with videos for reference as well as a PDF attached below in technical specification for manuals.

What We Don’t Like About SINGER 4423 Sewing Machine

The wattage of the machine might not be suitable for certain countries’ usage such as the UK. Since UK Wattage is higher the chances of burning out the machine are also higher. Therefore users may find it inconvenient as this machine does not come with a conversion.

4. Brother Sewing and Quilting Machine, CS6000i

Product Highlights

For lightweight and portable machine options that allow you to sew leather, the Brother CS60001 is one of the least expensive, feature-packed sewing machines on the market. It provides you with a computerized setup minus all of the bloat. Ideal for beginners as well as experienced sewists this machine provides a smooth start and remains sturdy till the end.

Brother is known for its user-friendly and portable design that looks modern yet familiar. It is computerized that includes an easy-to-read LCD stitch selector visible through a piece of blue plastic.

Features

This machine measures 16 x 6.7 x 11.4 inches in diameter and weighs 13 pounds. Its computerized features are a blessing for those who have large demands. The built automatic needle threader is enabled through the start/stop button eliminating the need for foot control. The numbered diagram that has been printed on the machine guides you through the threading even if it’s your first time sewing.

Once threaded, you’ll move on to the automatic needle threading system which allows you to press a lever on the side of the machine following which the threading is done automatically. It has adjustable speed settings which allow beginners to work their way up to more comfortable paces over the course of time.

It has a stitch selector with an LCD screen that can be operated with the touch of a button making it easier to see the stitch selected. One of the highlights is that it comes in-built with 60 sewing stitches including 20 decorative stitches, 20 regular stitches, 7 quilting stitches, 6 heirloom stitches, and 7 auto-buttonhole styles.

It has a start/stop button to stop the needle so that you can re-position the pattern. You can control the sewing speed with the help of a stitch speed slide.

It comes with an oversized table and a hard carry case. The jam-resistant and quick set-top drop-in bobbin ensure that you have easy access to your bobbin thread. To make sure that you get those cuffs and sleeves done well this machine comes equipped with a free arm that is great for cylindrical items.

The CS6000i also includes accessories such as 10 sewing feet, needle set including twin needle, 3 bobbins, and more. The 25 Year limited warranty includes accessories as well as free technical support until the product lasts.

What We Like About Brother Sewing and Quilting Machine, CS6000i

The best thing about this machine is the automatic needle threader which makes it very convenient for the sewers who are just starting. It saves time and has a very simple mechanism that requires very basic execution as all you have to do is touch the lever on the side.

What We Don’t Like About Brother Sewing and Quilting Machine, CS6000i

Some customers have claimed problems with adjusting the tension on this machine. Apart from that, the LCD lighting does not do much, and that an overhead light would be much more beautiful.

5. SINGER Quantum Stylist 9960 Computerized Portable Sewing Machine

Product Highlights

The Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 is one of the most sought after machines for sewing leather. It comes with an impressively smooth fabric feed, strong feed dogs, and an extension table that is quite handy if you’re working on larger projects.

It is an appealing product and you can computerize your sewing process. It comes with a range of features that is quite essential for sewing leather. It has lots of editing and customization options that enable you to be as creative as possible.

Features

The dimensions of this machine are 17.2 x 8.2 x 12 inches while it weighs 20 pounds. Packed with several features it comes with an incredible 600 built-in stitches. You will find details for selecting the appropriate stitch in the upper lid of your machine.

The internal skeleton is made of heavy-duty metal providing rigid support and durable while holding all the mechanisms in perfect alignment. For better illumination you this system comes with two lamps. It is constructed with a DC motor that prevents any coasting and provides an instant start and stops. The extension table provides a larger working area.

The automatic needle threader saves time and if you are confused about how to use it then you will find threading instructions printed on the sewing machine. It has a top-loading bobbin which can be monitored through the provided clear cover.

This model is equipped with 13 fully automated in-built buttonhole styles along with an exclusive buttonhole under-plate. The variety of styles provided here are mostly absent from other machines. The thread cutter button ensures that you trim the thread automatically.

The stitches in this machine can be stretched up to 7mm for creating attractive and decorative stitches. The mirror imaging feature allows you to copy selected stitches. The elongation and stitch editing feature enable you to elongate the stitches with the help of this feature and you can control the actual look of the stitch pattern also. You can even set automatic stitches with the optimum length and width.

The removable free arm gives you easy access to areas like collars and pant hems. Since it has two lamps it enables a brightness control that you can use on the large and backlit LCD screen. It also works in autopilot mode that gives you complete control over the speed even after unplugging the foot control. The needle’s up/down button allows you to change the needle position when the machine is stopped.

What We Like About SINGER Quantum Stylist 9960 Computerized Portable Sewing Machine<

One of the best features of this machine is that you can push the automatic reverse button to sew in the reverse direction. Additionally, the horizontal threading allows you to feed more evenly, while the auxiliary spool enables smooth vertical threading.

Since this model comes with as many as 25 needle positions you can use them to be as creative and experimentative as possible.

What We Don’t Like About SINGER Quantum Stylist 9960 Computerized Portable Sewing Machine<

If you are someone who is particular about fine-tuning the pressure then you may be disappointed as the presser foot pressure cannot be adjusted. Also, the bobbin cover is made of plastic which is not very reliable.

6. Janome HD1000

Product Highlights

The Janome HD1000 is a professional-grade sewing machine ideal for heavy-duty use that is priced mid-range. The range of features makes it slightly more expensive but it gives you the opportunity to explore your creativity and enjoy the multiple benefits.

Entirely mechanical, this machine is easy to install and use. It can be easily activated at the touch of a button or by pushing down on a lever. The user-friendly options like automatic needle-threader, numerous built-in stitches, etc. make it an easy machine to use while the oversized table is ideal for professionals who work with larger fabrics like leather.

Features

Weighing in at 22 pounds, the Janome HD1000 is not a lightweight machine but it does come with a hard-shell carrying case, which makes it easier to transport. It measures 18.2 x 8.5 x 15.2 inches which makes it very compact, a feature that provides users who live in smaller spaces some respite.

The auto-threading feature is enabled by a lever which when pulled down activates the threading process, quickly and effortlessly guiding the thread through the eye of the needle. It completes the threading process in six seconds or less and is particularly handy to elderly users or people with poor eyesight.

It is equipped with over 14-built in stitches that are useful for embroidery work or other projects. If you turn the dial knob and navigate until it lands on the selected stitch design. This includes a 4-step buttonhole, stretch, and utility stitches.

The free arm feature ensures that you access hard-to-reach areas on your fabric when mending socks, stitching pant hems, collars, pants, etc. It is also useful for darning, stippling, attaching buttons, etc. Many different accessories are included in this machine namely bobbins, two screwdrivers, seam ripper/buttonhole ripper, etc.

The external casing is made of cast aluminum which resists stains and scratches. This also enables it to tackle a wide range of fabrics and sewing types. The 3-Piece Feed Dog System ensures smooth fabric feed which is great for high pile fabrics and quilting. It also comes with a hard-sided cover that protects your machine. You can simply turn the dials for adjustable Stitch Length and ZigZag Width settings.

What We Like About Janome HD1000

It is the most ideal machine for powering through tough jobs. It has enough power to keep going and sews through heavy fabrics like leather with ease.

What We Don’t Like About Janome HD1000

This machine however does come with a history of clutch problems where the clutch has a tendency to slip causing unchanging damage. In case it breaks then the machine has to be entirely repaired.

7. SINGER Heavy Duty 4452 Sewing Machine

Product Highlights

The Singer Heavy Duty 4452 is one of the best Singer products on the market. Easy to install and use it is ideal for heavy fabrics like leather as it sews quickly and efficiently. It works well for both beginners and experienced sawists. In addition to leather, it can easily sew through denim and canvas.

It comes with an adjustable presser foot pressure which is quite effective in sewing lightweight materials too. While it is quite simple in appearance it can serve you with great efficiency and does not confuse you with a host of features. It provides you with versatility and makes up for anything lacking through its abundant heavy-duty accessories and great stitch speed.

Features

The external plastic exterior camouflages the internal metal frame which makes this a sturdy machine, to begin with. Most machines in this price range lack this. The carrying handle does make it portable however it is suggested that you keep it mostly stationary. It has a maximum sewing speed of 1,100 SPM that is ideal for productivity while the motor power is as good as industrial sewing machines.

It has 32 built-in stitches that include 6 basic stitches, 7 stretch stitches, 18 decorative stitches, and 1 buttonhole stitch. To see what stitch you want to do you have a stitch selection dial which you simply need to turn to select the stitch you want. You can explore more with the given adjustable stitch length and stitch width.

You can get perfect-sized buttonholes with the fully automatic one-step buttonhole by placing the button in the buttonhole foot. This machine has a great pace in sewing speed with 1,100 SPM. Not only that, the bobbin is a top load that is convenient and easy to insert and remove. The clear view enables you to monitor the amount of thread preventing further running out of bottom thread in the middle of a project especially when sewing a buttonhole or doing topstitching. It also has an automatic needle threader.

Singer 4452 has a powerful motor that is 60% stronger which makes stitching thick seams easy. The presser foot is adjustable making it easy to sew on all types of fabric namely lightweight silks, cotton, canvas, and denim where the extra high presser foot lifter comes in handy. It comes with an easy snap on and off action to change them.

For free-motion sewing and sewing buttons, the machine is equipped with a drop feed which allows the feed teeth to be lowered. If you want to sew cylindrical items such as cuffs, collars, trouser hems, etc., then you can use the free arm present in the removable accessories storage compartment. With the press of a button, you can also sew in reverse or reinforce the stitches.

The bonus accessories ideal for heavy-duty sewing included are the even-feed walking foot – which is responsible for feeding multiple layers of fabric removing slipping and puckering – and the non-stick foot, with a slick underside essential for sewing of leather, plastic, vinyl.

In addition to this, you have the clearance plate which balances the height of the foot and creates a thread shank when sewing the button in place. The heavy-duty needles are again essential for sewing denim, leather, corduroy, or suede.

Other accessories include the general purpose foot, buttonhole foot, button sewing foot, zipper foot, edge/quilting guide, spool caps, auxiliary spool pin, spool pin felt, pack of needles, bobbins, screwdriver, seam ripper/lint brush, and soft dust cover.

What We Like About SINGER Heavy Duty 4452 Sewing Machine

The Singer sewing machine app details the necessary installation as well as fabric and techniques that will enable you to use this machine effectively. Since it comes with so many applications you can explore and create a variety of projects with consistent results each time.

Read Related Topic: Best Sewing Machine for Denim

What We Don’t Like About SINGER Heavy Duty 4452 Sewing Machine

Some customers have claimed that the machine had some issues with inconsistent thread tensions causing the fabric to bunch up. The foot pedal did not regulate the speedwell.

Final Verdict

If any of the listed machines were to be selected then it would be best to go for SINGER 4423 Sewing Machine. Replete with extra features this is the best machine for sewing leather as it comes with a host of leather accessories. Having said that the other machines come with various features that are built to serve your requirements and can be equally effective in delivering results.

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