Tips On Sewing With Leather.

Tips for sewing with leather

Posted by Annie M.

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Sewing with leather can be just as easy as sewing with any other fabric so long as you use the right equipment and supplies.
In this tutorial I will show you a just few basic tips on sewing with leather to get you started.
I used my pin pegs mini skirt pattern for this project which you can download from my website.

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You Will Need (6 things)

  • Leather Glue
  • Hammer
  • Sticky Tape
  • Double Sided Sticky Tape
  • Sewing Machine
  • Leatherpoint Needles

Steps (13 steps, 15 minutes)

  1. 1

    You will need a few supplies. A leather sewing needle, some craft glue suitable for leather, a hammer, binder clips, double sided sticky tape, also some scotch tape for the bottom of your regular machine foot unless you have a walking foot or teflon foot.

  2. 2

    Pop the Scotch tape on the bottom of your regular foot and leave a hole for the needle.
    This will help glide the foot over the leather without sticking.
    There is no need to go out and buy a special foot.

  3. 3

    Lay out the hide and identify any flaws which is common in an animal skin. Plan your layout before cutting. Trace each pattern piece separately on the wrong side. Make sure you flip the piece over if it is on the fold rather than cutting on the fold. Use weights to hold the pattern pieces in place when tracing as pins will leave holes. When you are happy you have included all of your pieces and seam allowances in your tracings you are ready to cut.

  4. 4

    Use paper clips to hold pieces in place.

  5. 5

    Use stitches that are slightly longer than normal and test on a piece of scrap first.
    When you are happy with your stitching you are ready to start.

  6. 6

    Another alternative to using a walking foot, teflon foot or scotch tape is to use tissue paper. Place the tissue on top of your seam allowance and sew through all of the layers. and then simply tear away. I really liked this method, it works well.

  7. 7

    Then simply tear away. I really liked this method, it works well.

  8. 8

    Use a hammer to "press" seams flat.

  9. 9

    Then use leather glue to secure the seam in place.

  10. 10

    Double sided sticky tape also works well.

  11. 11

    Once the seams are dry, topstitch the seams nice and close to the seam.

  12. 12

    Then trim away the excess seam allowance.

  13. 13

    You can hem using very narrow hem but you can get away without hemming leather. Also, you don't need to use facings as it just creates bulk. I hope these few little tips help.
    Remember to take your time and have fun sewing with leather.