Find an old singer circa 1920-1940 buy leather needles and a teflon foot.
the singer should be around the $50-$125 the foot for $12 needles 5 pack $3.95.
The machine will handle up to 2.5 oz leather.
The leather and hemp Kilt Guy in Stratford, Ontario
After posting that thread, I bought a 70's model Kenmore at a yard sale for $25. And it came with a stand. I would go cheap first. Scour the yard/garage sales for one. If you use it and like it you can upgrade later to something more heavy duty.
They're pricey, but the Sailrite machines on ebay are hella strong and can sew leather. They're sailmaking machines. If you're seriously into it, get one with a walking foot.
for stitching up 4-5 layers of twill to make a lightweight kilt, or 2-3 layers of denim a resonable quality home machine will do it. Getting a machine that will do zig-zag is a real help, but I've made two kilts on a straight-stitch-only machine.
1.) straight-stitch with adjustable stitch length
2.) zig-zag with adjustable stitch width and length
3.) a buttonhole stitch......and you are set for 99% of kilt-related and kilt-jacket sewing.
As for stitching any leather beyond light suede...I know nothing!!
Find an old singer circa 1920-1940 buy leather needles and a teflon foot.
the singer should be around the $50-$125 the foot for $12 needles 5 pack $3.95.
The machine will handle up to 2.5 oz leather.
No kidding? That's my straight-stitch machine! Where do I get leather needles and a teflon foot?
No kidding? That's my straight-stitch machine! Where do I get leather needles and a teflon foot?
Switchblade answered that one. the teflon foot is only needed if the leather doesn't feed properly. If the teflon foot doesn't work then a walking foot is desirable.
Change your needles frequently. oil the machine, frequently and all should work nicely. A straight stitch is the best choice as it's stronger and doesn't have things that can break under stress.
I just bought an Adler 105 cylinder base with a large throat that can sew plywood (too stiff for a kilt) This machine shakes the floor but oh so cool!.... I got it to sew up belts and straps and other things that go bump in the night....so I'm OK for awhile.
Cheers
The leather and hemp Kilt Guy in Stratford, Ontario
Originally Posted by switchblade5984
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