sewing with leatherette?

Hi, this is my first post, so apologies if it's in the wrong place. I have just bought some lovely cream leatherette and would love to make a clutch bag with it, just wondering if anyone has sewn with leatherette, and can give me any pointers, or do you know of any free tutorials for this kind of fabric.

Many thanks

Chrissie

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3 replies since 11th April 2011 • Last reply 11th April 2011

Reply #1:

I never tried. I do belive you need a machine that can handle that fabric. and a nice thick needle. Not helpful huh. Maybe search the site here?

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Reply #2:

hi, i´ve never sewed leather/leatherette but latex, pvc etc and these have similar traits i think.
for machines: leather sticks to the foot so the transport doesn´t work at all. if you have a transport system with a top feed or a teflon foot it will be no problem. i normally use baking sheets or soap because i don´t own both. maybe you should try it out, some leathers work without these.
also, you need a special needle which is not exactly thicker but stronger and sharp at the tip so it will cut the leather a tiny bit.
for hand sewing, the needle is important, it´s nearly the same needle with that sharp tip but for handsewing. and i recommend a thimble. i´ve heard from some friends who make medieval clothing thst they poke holes in the leather to pull a thread through afterwards, maybe nice with visible edges(?)

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Reply #3:

Use a leather ball needle for the sewing machine. Get some block wax to put on the needle if it starts to stick. There is a special kind sold at most haberdasheries. It is hard, yellow and usually in a circle shape.

Put paper tape along the stitch line as it will stop any dragging on the fabric and will give a cleaner stitch. You can use a bit of nail varnish remover on the needle if it gets very sticky.

Make sure you measure where the seam goes accurately as if you unpick it there will be holes left.

Lengthen stitch to stop any puckering of fabric and reduce the foot pressure by dropping the dog teeth lower. There is usually a dial from 0-8.


EDIT....there is much more detailed info at a previous board thread here:-

http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/board/creative/requests_and_ideas/4212-machine-sewing-with-pvc

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