How I Customized My Singer Heavy Duty Sewing Machine for Leather Stitching - The Granny Wheel Story

[@mylolamakes]

Oh my goodness!! This is exactly what I have been looking for to use on my machine! You are amazing! Just ordered one! Thank you soooooo much!!

[@thomasrea1340]

Just picked it up! I was actually just tinkering in my garage trying to make something for my singer to accomplish this exact thing. Can’t wait to get it!

[@grannywheels]

Thanks ! Your order is packed and ready to ship. I love making Granny Wheels for you guys 🙂

[@thomasrea1340]

@@grannywheels can you tell me what that guide foot is called or where you purchased it? I’ve only been able to find feet with plastic guides

[@grannywheels]

@@thomasrea1340 It's called a blind hem foot and I purchased it on Amazon: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0096EG4B0 I also did a video about it including instructions how to use it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/baDQkHufYq55pqs

[@JebbAdams]

Awesome videos! Awesome channel! I recently purchased a new HD44S & a used HD4423! This channel is just what me and my machines need! Bingeing & learning! Thanks Rani!

[@2503044550]

I just love all of your tutorials! I just ordered a 4423 machine for the little bit of leather work that I do. I would love to see a tutorial on where you oil your machine. I can’t find any good tutorials on where these machines are oiled.

[@IMOO1896]

Awesome idea! Thanks for sharing your “invention”.

[@artebeautycraft]

Very useful. thank you from Italy.

[@crabbypaddy5549]

Great mods..You could easily add a screw in spinning handle. It would make it easier for your arms too. Just an Idea.

[@grannywheels]

Since this spins at high speed anything sharp or pointy on the handles can be risky, I think.

[@ceciliajefferson4209]

Just Placed my Ordered for my Singer HD 44S. Also Where did you get the Particular Presser Foot Used in this Video? Can you give me the Link to Purchase that Presser foot please. Thank you 😊

[@molleb1170]

this video is so helpfull. i am looking for a sewing machine to make leather. thankyou

[@sjboxoffice]

I love table at your terace- does Ivana Knoll helps you round studio?

[@propterhawk3585]

Really clever idea. The thing that I would be concerned about is the wheel changing the weighting on the motor. When using it normally, that spins on the shaft like a flywheel. Have you looked into how that impacts the longevity of the motor? Hypothetically it might eat power when starting, but add power with momentum once the machine is at speed, but put extra force on the motor when stopping. It looks light weight enough that it's not immediately obvious it would have a huge impact, but I'd be curious to see what the long term use looks like on the motor compared to a machine without the wheel. In any case, this is a very innovative solution. At the very least, you could use this idea to convert a burned out machine into a fully manual one, and that might even allow for modification to the needle mechanism to use bigger needles than the factory limitations. Since the power of the electrical motor would no longer be an issue, you could hypothetically use any needle you want. Great thinking, and great video. You did an excellent job explaining what you did, and how you thought of it.

[@grannywheels]

Thank you very much ! So, the Granny Wheel is permanently fixed on my sewing machine ever since about June 2021, when I developed the first prototype. On average I use the sewing machine about 3-4 hours a week. So, far so good, there does not seem to be any negative effect on the motor. Concerning your idea of using it to convert a burnt out electric sewing machine into a manual sewing machine. You are spot on about that. Every electric sewing machine actually has the full mechanism of a manual sewing machine inside of it and this can and should be taken advantage of !

[@propterhawk3585]

@@grannywheels It's a brilliant idea. I am just learning, and have found turning the wheel very useful, and as you mentioned in the video, it takes a toll on the hands after awhile. Especially for someone my vintage, that has not been kind to my joints with motorcycles and cars. I can see exactly where using bigger muscle groups would be much better for the hands and wrists. It's a game changer, and opens a lot of doors creatively. You did a great job laying it out, and designing it too. Very good use of resources, and the clean simplicity of it is really sharp.

[@grannywheels]

@@propterhawk3585 this is exactly what I am talking about - Ergonomics - a branch of science that aims to learn about human abilities and limitations, and then apply this learning to improve people’s interaction with products, systems and environments. Ergonomics aims to improve workspaces and environments to minimize risk of injury or harm. So as technologies change, so too does the need to ensure that the tools we access for work, rest and play are designed for our body’s requirements. www.ergonomics.com.au/what-is-ergonomics/

[@ivividly]

Love this! Bloody legend 💜

[@AlexKall]

Very nice idea and product!

[@grannywheels]

Thank you ! 🙂

[@gergemall]

Wonderful idea ❤

[@Serenitees]

I saw that Schmetz makes a 120/90 needle that works with T90 thread that will fit a Singer. I have a bunch of V92 thread that I have used on my Singer 6680 Heavy Duty with a Jeans needle with ok results. If the 120/90 needle fits my machine shouldn't I theoretically be able to use the V92 thread, if you are saying what limits you to V69 is the needle size of 110/18? I would really like to use the thread I have on hand. I learned more in your video than anything I have seen to date. Thanks for sharing! ps...I have a Granny Wheel on the way, too!

[@joseveliz6979]

15x1 needles go as high as size 21. I have successfully used size 20 with V69 thread on a singer 15-91 on webbing and intend to get size 21 for V138. Going to try V92 with size 20 next.

[@grannywheels]

Yes, but they are not NEEDLES FOR LEATHER are they ?

[@amberelferink]

@@grannywheels I found some needles for leather from Schmetz online: 130/705 with thickness 120/19. So that means it can go thicker. I'll order those then

[@grannywheels]

@@amberelferink That should be interesting to experiment with. Let us know how it works. I'm guessing that it would be able to accommodate thicker threads but maybe prove harder to penetrate the thicker leathers. After all, the thicker the needle the more motor power is needed to drive it through the fabric because you are drilling a bigger hole....right ?

[@sjboxoffice]

where did you buy that 3D model projection device, manager? Can you make a leather magnifier case - for me?

[@anubi13]

Bought the granny wheel. Love it. Could you please tell me what needle and thread (top and bottom) you are using? If you could link i'd appreciate it. Thank you.

[@grannywheels]

Schmetz Leather Machine Needle Size 18/110: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001E5MVES Desirable Life Bonded Nylon N66 Sewing Thread 1500 Yards Size #69 T70 210D/3 for Leather Denim www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QYF34VG

[@hotrockr1]

I use Organ needles 15x1 in size 20 and 21 in the same machine so you can use heavier thread no larger than 138/tex135.

[@andrewhesling7875]

I could do with one of these for when I'm upholstering.

[@grannywheels]

Bingo ! You just won a free Granny Wheel for being my first customer ! Email me your address at [e-mail] Promise to call back and tell us how it's going.

[@Melissa0774]

How did you get the leather needle to fit into your machine and what type of needle is it, exactly?

[@grannywheels]

Schmetz Leather Machine Needle Size 18/110: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001E5MVES

[@Melissa0774]

@@grannywheels Did you have to make any modifications to your machine to make it fit or are you able to just screw it on like any other needle?

[@grannywheels]

@@Melissa0774 You screw it on like any other needle

[@MariaGarcia-ri1bl]

What settings did you put on top of the sewing machine on the white round things

[@sjboxoffice]

I like your wheel.After 4 years I realise I customise my Heavy Duty on day I bought it (I damaged bobbin case from oreginal packing, as I was not familiar how to ajust thread tension so I unscrewed those green waxed screws from the original bobin case- could not screw it back- was lockdown, and I was short with money) I took bobbin case from my old Brother, and placed it in Singer- did work perfect- I could sew a bulletproof vest with my singer. Once time went off- on the singer- Im facing weird cell behind Singer, that convinced me I was unable to sew for 4 years, cuz is inposible- you play a part. What do you think about who customises 4411 in cooperation with 4423?

[@sjboxoffice]

Only custom-made adjustment I ever bought when I started to work with lots of tery fabric- was the top stitch upper running foot- which was labelled original singer - what a WASTE OF MONEY. Adjustment broke on day 2.

[@Ipsissimus]

Is that foot guide included with the machine?

[@GradebeingoesNature]

Omg! 🙌💥🤩🤩🤩🤩 you crazy Genious! 💥💥💥 What is that for a foot u are using? To hold the distance to the side?

[@grannywheels]

I'm not sure I understand the question. Try to rephrase.

[@vickywitton1008]

Love the idea, but I don't know if I would have one I would probably injure myself on it!

[@Handles-R-Lame]

Oh? I thought this was a video about wheelchairs for grandmothers ... Hmmm ... I must be in the wrong place? jk! Great innovation man! Too bad I already bought an industrial sewing machine, but I still have my old heavy duty laying around here for smaller projects. So I may just think about this addition eventually however!

[@grannywheels]

Wheel chairs for grandmothers ? hahah... I wasn't aware the name of my product would invoke such connotations.. But, anyway, thanks for your input, friend. You are welcome anytime to our store www.grannywheels.com to get your own Granny Wheel ! Also on Etsy - www.etsy.com/il-en/shop/GrannyWheels

[@calebldanner]

Totally going to buy a wheel from you. What presser foot are you using on your machine??

[@grannywheels]

Blind hem foot

[@jhoanegonsalez9234]

Que tal amigo me podría ayudar? Perdí la canilla porta hilo de este modelo de maquina 😅 Cual es la medida adecuada de del porta hilo o canilla. Ancho y largo 🙏 me podría ayuda mucho para poder Comprar la adecuada

[@kipsus]

Have you considered replacing the knob altogether?

[@grannywheels]

Yes, absolutely. You mean mount the Granny Wheel directly onto the terminal of the sewing machine's main shaft. It's possible but it has some disadvantages.

[@kipsus]

@Granny Wheels yes that's what I meant. Would you care to elaborate on the disadvantages? The only one I can think of is having to trade dust seal vs clearance to body. But the overall profile could be made lower

[@grannywheels]

@@kipsus There aren't really any technical disadvantages. It works fine the way you propose. The only thing is that it increases the manufacturing costs somewhat.

[@kipsus]

@@grannywheels clear, thanks. Great project BTW. Those HD machines really stand out from other Singers

[@grannywheels]

@@kipsus Sure, anytime. Thank you for your encouraging feedback and support !

[@sjboxoffice]

My dad invented the wooden Golf Lezaj kotaca, back in 91

[@Larsen514]

What thread and needle combo are you using? And if you have a link for the thread, that would be appreciated. 🤙

[@grannywheels]

Sure. As thread I use Desirable Life Bonded Nylon N66 Sewing Thread 1500 Yards Size #69 www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QZK6TMM And as needle I use a Schmetz Leather Machine Needle Size 18/110 www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001E5MVES

[@nancycarr8569]

What size/tex thread are you using? Thanks!

[@07040290]

what type of thread are you using?

[@theprojectproject01]

Have you tried using a better sewing machine to begin with? Like a Viking 6000 series?

[@grannywheels]

No, I haven't tried the Viking 6000. Perhaps I should. If the Viking 6000 is more powerful and can handle thicker threads than the Singer Heavy Duty then I would love to have one of those upgraded with a Granny Wheel.

[@theprojectproject01]

@@grannywheels It has a 2-speed gearbox and will take AT LEAST a #19 meedle

[@grannywheels]

@@theprojectproject01 Tell me about this gearbox please. In which sewing situations would you use the gears ? Maybe if it has gears then you wouldn't need a Granny Wheel ? After all the Granny Wheel is intended to allow you to sew more slowly for more precision.

[@theprojectproject01]

@@grannywheels We are on KZbin. You have access to the same information I do. Use your search box like a normal person does.

[@AlexKall]

Rather old machine that's not exactly in abundance, might be rather hard to get hold of one.

[@propblast82nd]

Would the Singer 4452 be a good machine to make leather knife sheaths ?

[@grannywheels]

Depends how hard and thick your leather is. 1.5 - 2mm crazy horse leather works for me. Anything thicker will probably not work with this machine.

[@grannywheels]

Two layers sewn together, I mean.

[@propblast82nd]

@@grannywheels thanks so much, if I end up getting that machine I’ll definitely be buying your granny wheel.

[@ttuukku]

Hello, how did you get the handwheel off like at 11:10 ? I have a heavy duty 6335m and I can't get it to budge. I love the idea of granny wheel and been looking for something like it, considering ordering one when I have more spendable money.

[@grannywheels]

You can just pull it out. You need strong fingers...

[@grannywheels]

But you don't really need to pull it out. You just mount the Granny Wheel on top of it. Watch Granny Wheels installation instructions: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIWkl6Cun6p_bbc

[@spacebatstuckonearth8888]

Can you make it into a fan so it blows air towards you, usually i start sweating when i work on hard to work fabrics.

[@grannywheels]

This is actually a pretty cool idea. If you could design the bases of the handles like fan blades. It will probably work but I predict two problems. One is that it will probably raise manufacturing costs and make the product more expensive. Second problem is that it will put more strain on the motor .

[@grannywheels]

Third problem is that it will not be pushing air in your direction but sideways.

[@joecole9475]

The granny wheel work with any machine? My wife is looking at the janome jet gold for our rv. Looking for a system we can use manually and not drain our solar system.

[@grannywheels]

Hi ! I have customized Granny Wheels for many sewing machines. But for some sewing machines it's technically not possible. I am looking at the Janome Jem Gold. Is that what you mean ? villagesewing.com/products/janome-jem-gold-660 It looks like that just below the handwheel there is another wheel. That's a problem because the handles of the Granny Wheel will probably bump into it....

[@joecole9475]

That is the machine. I see what you are saying about the 2 side knobs.

[@keekeedonz]

I need one of those.

[@annastephenswedding8136]

Is that veg tan or chrome tanned leather(I’m guessing chrome tan)? It’s an important distinction when working with leather, especially when it comes to sewing.

[@grannywheels]

All the leather strips are vegetable tanned. The buffalo leather is vegetable tanned West Tan and sold by Carver Leather Supply from the USA: www.etsy.com/il-en/shop/CarverLeatherSupply The cow leather is vegetable tanned and sold by Leather World Store from Wales, UK: www.etsy.com/il-en/shop/LeatherWorldstore I really do not have any experience with Chrome tanned leather. How does it effect the sewing ?

[@grannywheels]

I'm also using some other type of leather (that I buy here in a store in Israel) and I'm not sure what type of tan it is.

[@juanjorevolver4630]

Saludos desde México 🇲🇽 cuál es el máximo grosor de hilo que soporta la máquina ?? O que grosor utilizo para mejores resultados amigo

[@grannywheels]

Nylon bonded thread #69 T70

[@juanjorevolver4630]

@@grannywheels Gracias amigo por tus consejos Muy buenos videos 👍

[@juanjorevolver4630]

@@grannywheels una pregunta amigo que tipo de aguja recomienda para ese grosor de hilo ??

[@grannywheels]

@@juanjorevolver4630 Schmetz Leather Machine Needle Size 18/110: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001E5MVES

[@juanjorevolver4630]

Una pregunta amigo.. Al usar hilo calibre #69 T70 en la parte de arriba . Se puede utilizar el mismo calibre en la bobina de abajo ? O en la bobina de abajo requiere otro calibre de hilo más delgado ?🤔

[@jonathanrojasmayo5251]

Ay miso! como querías un evento alegre con tremenda masacre, México, Venezuela, Vietnam, Indonesia & Hong Kong, y como no, necesitaban a las regías y anémicas de aplausometros en potencia. Lo bueno que viendo la final contigo, la tia cuquita pons y manchinelli me dolió menos tremendo corte a la yugular que me dieron al dejar a Yuri por fuera del top. Miso te falto destacar que a todo el evento lo hicieron más pesado y tedioso traduciendo todo al japonés en especial el discurso de la antigua soberana que duro lo mismo que su reinado una eternidad.

[@unknown-dt8jd]

hi, will this work on any machine that is heavy duty?

[@grannywheels]

Not necessarily. What type of machine do you have ?

[@DenisKarp]

Would you be willing to sell your STL for the knob?

[@grannywheels]

I don't know man....It took me a whole year to develop this, going through dozens and dozens of prototypes...I also filed for a patent. Not that my hopes are too high it will be approved, but you know... just in case...to cover all the bases.

[@DenisKarp]

@grannywheels, no worries. Understandable. I haven't received the sewing machine just yet, but I already know my girlfriend will have some trouble with the original wheel/knob. I use fusion360 on a regular basis, so I will try a different design and will share. Btw, are there any imbalance issues when the wheel/knob attatchement spins? Not sure if it even goes fast enough to matter.

[@grannywheels]

@@DenisKarp No, I never had any imbalance issues. As long as you keep it symmetrical you should be fine.

[@TheMamaAmmah]

Etsy link doesn’t work 😕

[@grannywheels]

It will be soon...working on it...Meanwhile you can buy a Granny Wheel through the official website at www.grannywheels.com

[@arnaldovialux]

Thanks for the inspiring idea. I made something very similar and it cost me $3.00. 👍

[@sjboxoffice]

You just remind me how I customise my Toyota 2001- Granny wheel- you say? Pure Trnoružica. It was a wooden pencil I attached on a Toyota- my boyfriend at that time try to patent a South American drum as his invention- got rejected..Now I see you paraphrasing that famous Mahatma Gandhi photos.

[@RavenTheLabrador]

This video would have been more helpful if you had used more than one layer of leather to show if it can do more than one layer for projects.🤷‍♂️👍✌️

[@Tradesman1156]

I hope you have good insurance! Sone one will get hurt with sticks flying around at high speed! Why not machine a larger wheel. Smooth so it won't break someone's knuckles or face? You could add a nub of a handle, secured with a shoulder bolt and lock nut with a washer, maybe a screw in bushing so it doesn't wear the plastic out!

[@grannywheels]

Once you glue the sticks in place you won't be able to pull them out even if you wanted to.

[@Tradesman1156]

@@grannywheels True but you can stick your hand or face in it by accident! Konk the cat, dog, or child with it. As someone who has worked with tools all my life, I can tell you that would not fly on the job. I don't want to rain on your parade, but you're looking for trouble. I won't harp anymore on it. I hope and pray no one ever does get hurt by it.

[@grannywheels]

@@Tradesman1156 Yes, if a child sticks his face in it he will get hurt.

[@renderuthis]

Tinker cad is kinda pricey and Im to old to learn Free Cad, I use Blender as I lerned it when i was a youngerer.

[@grannywheels]

Tinkercad was free last time I checked.

[@r.duroucher225]

The gears in these machines are plastic. The machine is not made for regular sewing on thick leather. Any all steel vintage Singer would be a better choice. You can even get a new cast iron and steel hand crank to fit vintage Singers for something like $30.00. The original Singer design will sew three stitches for each turn of the crank and you turn it away from you instead of toward you like this wheel. The old style crank makes sewing with a hand crank an effortless proposition. I have a 100 year old domestic Singer, cast iron body and all high carbon steel mechanisms that has no problem sewing the thickest materials including leather and if I wanted a handwheel on it, a new cast iron and steel handwheel would be the route I would go..

[@grannywheels]

Those old sewing machines are the most robust. No doubt. I wish I had one of those...

[@FrancisoDoncona]

The heavy duty is in name only, the main gears are plastic. The real heavy duty are cheap enough why risk the repair bill?

[@grannywheels]

That's a great point. Can you give an example and maybe send a link to the machine you are referring to ?

[@reginaevangelista9608]

hello

[@reginaevangelista9608]

how much is that? and how to purchase?

[@Handles-R-Lame]

his website

[@Handles-R-Lame]

in the description

[@caduceus33]

I gave this a thumbs down for he annoying popups you use here.

[@shubhamsingh-zy1oi]

Hey, how do you control the speed? I recently bought it and I'm having a hard time trying to control the speed with the foot pedal. I wish it had a speed control.

[@grannywheels]

I did a video about controlling the speed. Watch: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hn_GdqRul5p2qa8

[@andressantiago5637]

Ok bro I admit the crank is pretty cool. But it's a little high priced.

[@grannywheels]

The price will eventually go down as with all new products. I am currently working on lowering manufacturing costs. Shipping will also be directly from the USA instead of Israel and that will make it faster and cheaper. Promise !