A sewing machine used for leather work is usually manufactured in such a way that the needle is flat on the edge and is powered by a powerful motor.

Some leather sewing machines are classified as industrial grade machines because of the sheer power their motors have. Sewing machines used to sew leather also support rotational movement of the needle holing bay which is further powered by its own motor which allows you to control the angle as well as the swing of the needle as it’s flat surface pierces the leather. This rotational swing arm and the flat needle combine to cause the flat end of the needle to be in line with the leather as well as the direction of the leather sewing thread.

The mechanism involved the sewing action of machines specially manufactured to sew leather is quite interesting. The sewing needle rotates after it has penetrated the leather and goes back to its original position which is the normal position for the direction in which the tread will run into the leather where the lower and upper thread are knotted together to get a more secure and stronger hold onto the leather.

Additionally, it is reccomended that you use a brand new leather sewing needle for each new leather project. It would be wise to stock on up these sewing needles and keeping a set handy as a bad needle can ruin all the handiwork that you have put in since unlike with normal textile or fabrics stitching a leather sewing needle must punch a neat hole with every stitch it makes in addition to threading the special thread. The specific type of needle that is to be used depends on the thickness of the leather being used, or what is known as ‘weight of the leather’ among professional seamstresses. Another special type of needle that is available is the three-sided needle, with its point shaped like the head of a Phillips screw driver that allows it to effectively cut through the leather rather than puncture it. Thicker leathers require sharper and thicker needles and after a certain thickness, you may require a heavier motor or a bigger machine.

While we’re on the topic of needles, it might do us some good to touch up on the subject of specialized threads that are required to work with sewing machines for leather. While garments and fabrics can do with thinner threads, most threads meant for leather sewing machines are made of a multitude of materials blended with the standard cotton. A fairly stronger thread however is not enough and it is imperative that one choose a thread which is of a certain thickness or girth so that it does not cut into the leather. This becomes especially important when working with classic leather cuts or restoring older garments and furniture. Topstitching is a technique that can be put to great use while working with leathers as it puts little strain of the fabric owing to its criss-cross nature. The reduced tension on the fabric can allow you to efficiently use thinner threads as well.

If you plan on using your sewing machine for extensive leather work or for multiple projects, its is reccomended that you procure certain items like multiple needle feeds and walking feet or roller feet to make the task easier. If those aren’t available, a simple utility pressure foot would do as well; basically you can use all additional tools you would use while working with denim jackets and jeans.