I have a question about leather and embroidery. I had to replace my leather sofa after someone plopped too hard and broke out the bottom frame. Instead of just hauling it off, I took the leather off and took apart all of the seams, and stored it for future projects. The leather is soft and pliable, like purse or glove leather. I'm wondering if I need to worry about throwing the timing off on my embroidery machine if I stitch a design on it. Of course I plan on using an embroidery needle, and probably lower stitch count designs. If it is safe to stitch, are there any other suggestions that you may have with regard to leather and embroidery or sewing? Thank you for your help!
Deanna
16302
I believe that if you think it is too thick for the machine then you can use some kind of awl and punch holes to stitch by hand
1 comment
by justonlyme
06 Jun 2014
I wasn't concerned too much about the thickness of the leather; I was concerned about the wimpiness of my machine. Thank you for the suggestion. My machine is still under warranty, so I guess I have nothing to lose. :)
173693I have never stitched on leather . Anxious to see what others say. Kay
1 comment
by justonlyme
06 Jun 2014
I have done a lot of leather sewing. I just used an old treadle, and have never done embroidery on leather. Now I'm anxious to give it a try!!
85867Glad you posted that Deborah Jones link, mops! I was just thinking as I read that "how do I direct her to that link!" Tks! I was surprised she said to use a ball point needle...but she should know! Please show us what you do with the leather!!
1 comment
by justonlyme
06 Jun 2014
I was surprised about the ball point needle too. But I also learned that using my ball point needles on regular stitches, especially when they get so tight that the project starts flapping, might actually be helpful. Thank you!
35675Deborah Jones has a one-minute video on needles, those that need a different needle for embroidery than for sewing. She mentions leather.According to her you need a light ballpoint needle, and a fairly light embroidery.
I still have a piece of my father's Chesterfield chair. It was really worn down except for the back. That leather however is rather heavy so I don't don't know what to do with it.
youtu.be
4 comments
by PatriciaVosloo
06 Jun 2014
The video referred to above by Martine is currently 'not available'. Could perhaps try again later.
by justonlyme
06 Jun 2014
The link that you posted does not bring up the video, BUT I was able to search the name and found a 7 minute, very informative video regarding leather, plus a bunch of other embroidery tutorials. How very awesome. Thank you.
With regard to the leather that you have, you might want to try a tooling or carving process and make a handbag out of the leather. There are some very good hand tooling videos on Youtube. I have a professional leather tooling kit; I wish I could share!!
by mops
06 Jun 2014
Thank you. I too thought about a handbag, but your tip about hand tools is very welcome! Carving or thinning the sides would make stitching so much easier, whether by hand or by machine.
Sorry the link did not work. I opened it from the email I got and then copied the link.
145304Would love to see what you will make and embroider.
1 comment
by justonlyme
06 Jun 2014
Thank you. I was going to experiment for a line of purses and handbags. I'll post my results when I get a design down.
255054& don't forget that the design should be light & airy nothing to dense. quite like sewing on the Marine Vinyl. it is very nice to do too. Have fun & be sure to post when you have finished & good for you saving all that leather!
2 comments
by justonlyme
06 Jun 2014
Yes, the first thing I thought of with embroidery, was that if I use a heavy design, it might just pop out like a badge. :) Leather is like paper; the fewer the holes the better. Thank you.
299559You will love working on leather. Don't hoop it or you will get hoop burns. Just hoop the stabilizer and use K200 to attach the leather.
1 comment
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