How to Set up your Chinese leather patcher Sewing Machine

[@TonyOkArts]

please please never take down this video. you literally saved me from frustration and headaches

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

No worries, and thanks for commenting.

[@C0bbler_J0nes]

Right!

[@joshhuskins5363]

@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks absolute truth please leave this up sir this has saved me sooooooooooooooo much and I love this lil machine

[@confluenceinfinitethemovem]

Sounds like I'm not alone. I could not have figured out the Chinese cobbler sewing machine without your help; however, it appears the latest versions of it are slightly different. But I figured it out after a bit of trial and error.

[@johnathonsandler9507]

Dude me too. The thing that turns the bobin was in wrong. I would have been adjusting for my whole life

[@365hillclimb]

This is invaluable, this is the only review that explains what a bobbin is and how to make it work. It's been a challenge to find a review for a REAL neophyte who hasn't used a sewing machine before. Thanks mate!

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

No worries, I am happy I could help

[@doreenmifsud48]

Hello from Malta. I really appreciate your videos. You are so helpful. I just bought the machine . Cause of your videos I can now do the work needed. God bless you and your family. Keep safe and take care.

[@heyb6268]

It really is the best guide. I have this series saved and every time I bust the sewing machine out I watch this video to brush up again.

[@beatrizpacheco7645]

This was unbelievably helpful! Couldn’t have figured out the machine without this video! Thank you so very much for going through the effort of making this and keeping the sewing community going.

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Thank you for that wonderful comment

[@druidrvr]

Just got mine took an old broken sewing machine motor and foot peddle attached it to this bad boy 🤓😎thanks I needed to know how the bottom bobbin worked I almost had it . 👍

[@kimartish4585]

Thank you SO much for this video!! I would've never figured all that out on my own. Very well made and easy to understand.

[@familieexalto7101]

Verry happy whit your videos. greetings cor exalto from the Netherlands

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Awesome, thank you!

[@timbarnett3898]

I bought this machine in tattered box, never saw a hooked wire for drawing thread through head barrel, which you answered nicely! I've seen two you tube channels showing motor hookup, Cool!

[@lepro-uu4jt]

Bravo je ne parle pas et ne comprends pas la langue anglaise mais c est tellement bien fait que en francais on comprends tres bien merci beaucoup .Well done I don't speak or understand the English language but it's so well done that in French we understand very well thank you very much thank you google translat

[@WH6FQE]

This is exactly what I needed. I just ordered one of these machines tonight and didn’t have a clue how to get it set up and running, lol.

[@earlelzy9975]

I just pulled the trigger and bought my sewing machine. I'm going to watch all of you videos to get working.

[@philochristos]

This video is going to come in handy if I decide to get one of these sewing machines.

[@vanphillips1878]

Thanks for posting this video! Very helpful

[@AugustWest23]

YES! I've been wanting one for YEARS! I am SO done hand stitching. My wife got the Deluxe kit from Bantam Saddle Tack based on your recommendation. Can't wait to set it up. Thanks for these videos.

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Good deal!!! No more sore hands for you!!

[@AnKLevy]

Thank you for making this video and keeping it alive. Definitely got this for leather work, not everything needs a hand stitch.

[@vwmountainman9701]

Excellent - Very detailed - basically like a conventional machine. You do a nice job on the videos. Thank you !!!

[@henkfelix6109]

You welcome ,you know ,i bought one ,the same ,but now after 3 years i had no idee how to put him working ,When i have watched your vidoe i can put him working ,,thanks ,was very helpfull to me.

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Thanks for the support!!

[@Firekeeper61]

You have helped a old man survived 3 strokes and brain surgery. I keep trying. God Bless you and your family.

[@Firekeeper61]

Mainly Acres, Folks you can set at my table anytime after Grace we shall feed you and anyone else you bring along. I make daily progress in rehab. For 3 strokes and brain surgery."I am " sewing🙏 thank God for you buddy!🐓😇

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

@@Firekeeper61 Thank you for that wonderful offer!! I happy to hear you up and sewing. Blessings to you and your family too

[@chiquillox1]

!Thank you very much! i just bought this machine and follow your video step by step while i was setting it up, very help full! thanks again.

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Good deal, I am always happy to help!! Thank you for your comment

[@wiretuggin]

Extremely helpful. I appreciate the time you took to do this

[@lukeee5509]

Thanks for making this I was really confused until I watched this video.

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

I am happy I could help out

[@TheMrBrendo]

SO HELPFUL! It’s wild to me that the same video from 7 years ago helped my with one i bought in 2024 and for about the same ~$110 price. I did have to use a diamond file to smooth some parts and i did degrease the exterior but i was up and sewing by the end of your video. Thank you so much and happy sewing!

[@randelllmalavida]

Hey Brother, Thank you for your thoughtful, detailed instructions on the threading aspects of this machine. Your clear explanations and extra tips from your experience are a valuable and much appreciated chunk of information. Again thanks for your generosity and skill at communicating the proper use of this great tool. Randy Chavez

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

No problem, I am happy I could help. Thanks for the views and comment👍👊

[@cerberus333dog]

Thanks for the guidance. This machine is a great bargain ( got mine for $135 us) your videos on it are really the most useful.

[@HNXMedia]

Simply the single best video on the entire internet on how to load the bobbin for this machine. Deserves a million views! Thank YOU!

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Glad it helped!

[@henryholmes163]

Wow, thank you. Totally amazon on how you helped put me on track. Thank you

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Great to hear!

[@stephenkaufman1059]

Great instructional video. Don't apologize for the length, it was worth every second! Especially the detail you went in to about the bobbin, I believe one person said it was "invaluable". Couldn't describe it any better!

[@Kilt_Bilt]

Thank you. I was pretty frustrated figuring this out.

[@annapelletier28]

I’ve watched a few videos and yours was the clearest of explanation. Thank you.

[@65LB]

Thanks. Everyone sees to have the same basic machine but each including mine is different also. Each has different thread tensioners for sure. Why not another video for the thicker leather.

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

I will add that to my next sewing video, Thanks for the comment.

[@sdgardner1954]

Just got this machine. Well Done explaining so even I can understand it.

[@ardieashelman6116]

could you do an extensive instruction on how to adjust the tension on this machine? I really screwed mine up and cant get it sewing correctly loose on top and all balled up on the bottom!

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Sure, I would love to!!

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

What size needle and thread are you using? Does your machine have two tensioners? I am going to order a variety of different sewing needles and thread soon, when they arrive I will upload that video. I am currently using #30 thread with a 18/110 needle, it's not a optimal set up but it gets the job done.

[@jeanpierrelabonte2868]

Mainely Acres Thank for letting me out of the dark. I have one of those and never had a clean sewing. Long to try you’re instructions.

[@albertbranca4644]

Jean Pierre LaBonté 7.

[@sswcustomsewing4276]

Had the same problem with mine. Timing was right, Tension was fine, and needle/thread was fine. I checked the needle bar height it was off just a little bit and re set it problem went away. Today I am running a #18 needle and #69 bonded upholstery thread. I can step down to a #14 needle and lighter upholstery thread no problem, #16, #18, and #20 needle no problem on my machine. I hope you got your machine going and you are enjoying it.

[@Hatmaker2022]

Perfect explanation on how everything works especially the bobbin. Thanks keep up the great videos

[@RVela-tn1th]

Brother, THANK YOU for taking the time!! The manual had a hole in it, was covered with grease, and from what I could tell, not very helpful.

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

No problem, I am happy I could help. Thanks for commenting!!

[@malcolmclark2001]

I agree, chinese 2 English language conversion with a hole in it. Sounds like you got the same instructions I did.

[@ladyjane9980]

Your video was a Godsend. I'm surprised that they don't include directions. I've been looking at my machine in fear for the past six months. Thank you so much.

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nealmclain6316]

I received one of these for Christmas. You have the best videos. I haven’t found a video on changing stitch length. I need to shorten it.

[@lindalaca]

Thank you for the excellent video. The set up is completely logical once you've done it. You saved a sewing machine from the dumpster! (You're saving the environment too!) Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Happy to help

[@MrRenoman2011]

Man this is the Best Video ever on threading this machine. I just got mine today and cant wait to use it. Thanks so much for such an amazing video. Greatly appreciated

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Thank you for your support and comments

[@MrLukeeld]

Such a great resource. Thank you for taking the time to make it all those years ago.

[@Sport--willow]

Older video bringing new hope! I bought the green knockoff on amazon about 3 yrs ago. Tried to follow its so called instructions manual with no luck. Since then I have been doing the stitching by hand while the machine sat in storage. Thinking that I may have to get it out again for a closer look! Thank you, Sir! Great informative video

[@lesranius]

What an exceptional human being.

[@samiam619]

Glad to see that I’m not the only person who calls thread “string”!

[@alaranger0215]

Thanks for the video brother , I've had this machine three years now . You inspired me to put it together and try it out today .

[@tomphillips8565]

I am considering purchasing one of these machines. Your video has been very helpful to understand this machine. Thanks.

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Glad it was helpful!

[@baldydisco]

Fantastic video. I could've never figured out all of that from the "instructions" that come with the machine. Thanks for taking the time to make and post the video !

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Glad you liked it!

[@williamdenton6332]

Good evening Mr. Hightower, I cannot express my thanks to you for making this series of videos on the Chinese Sewing Machine. I opened the box and no instruction what so ever on how this thing works. To make a long story short, you saved me and my sanity. Again many thanks sir for taking the time to help us all.

[@zachjablow599]

Thanks for the help man! This helped me get my machine up and running! Great video and well explained!

[@mortimerschnerd3846]

Another superb treatment of a (to my mind anyway) complex topic!! I believe you have saved humankind literally dozens of person YEARS of frustration in getting this very useful and capable little machine to run smoothly. Thank you, sir!!

[@eduardomartines3438]

Thank you so much for taking the time and dumbing it down to is beginners. I was sewing in 15min!! God bless you sir and keep the videos coming!

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

You are very welcome

[@possolito-b8k]

Thank you for all these very clear explanations! They really help me to understand the mechanism of the machine and how to start it up. Thanks again. Have a great holiday season!

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

You're very welcome and I hope you had a wonderful holiday season as well.

[@jodylarson5317]

just got my machine, you are a LIFE SAVER!! 💖

[@michaellee1626]

Two days into this new sewing machine and needed some info/help. This one video answered all the questions I had about the bobbin and threading the machine. I have watched several of Harrison's videos and they really help remove the anxiety of the perplexing operating and set up instructions (LOL). The vids are clearly stated and explained. Thanks so much.

[@jarosawkus1976]

Hey, i just wanted to express my gratitude for this video. Got my patcher set up and good to go after first attempt sewing beautifully! Much appreciated!

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Glad it helped!

[@mascherina]

Thank you! Great tutorial. So many simple tricks I would have missed and struggled with on my own.

[@jmcbc1963]

Just unboxed and pulling my hair out since my machine came with NO instructions...also have come close to loosing my 'churchiness' trying to mess with the bobbin. Then found your videos, all subscribed now and feeling not as incompetent as I did 20 min ago. Thanks!

[@stephaniebate883]

This was great. Really helped Me to set it up. Had to adjust a few parts to get it running freely. Top thread snapped a few times but I got there. In the end. Thank you so much. I have this video marked to watch again.

[@franktipton2763]

That "bobbin holder thingy" is actually the shuttle. I use an old Singer leather patch machine (100 yrs old) for my small leather work. First I had a shoe repair shop and learned the uses of a leather patch machine. Thanks for a good, informative video.

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Thank you for commenting and giving me the proper name for "that bobbin holder thingy"

[@margaritamukhina7140]

Thank you so much for such a detailed instruction! God bless you and your family .

[@oldmexico3535]

Thanks dude just got mine a couple days ago and will be stringing her up tomorrow..! Thank you sr.!

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Good luck!

[@crnazvijezda]

In this moment I still watching this video and until now I found so many good advices that I needed to tell you many thanks for this video, even before I watched whole video. Thank you very much! PS: going to watch it till the end...

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Thank you for commenting and the support!! 👍👊

[@judithmcfarlane7256]

Thank you for your wonderful detail re threading etc. We are just waiting for delivery and I was concerned as the instructions seemed very ambiguous. You are a marvel.....,thanks again. I may wear out your video until I become accustomed to the little machine. My husband makes chemical pouches and repairs saddles. I will be making saddle carry bags from canvas. I will need help with this I feel. Once again thanks a million.....

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Glad it was helpful!

[@erickvega2631]

Incredibly good tutorial. Just like everybody else commenting here, you saved my sanity.

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Glad to hear it!

[@tonygray7959]

just a great tutorial very fine detailing of the method (brilliant)

[@pulley1966]

Thank you so much. Been messing around now for a year with leather and hand stitching. Got this machine from amazon and NO INSTRUCTIONS. Been watching some of your videos , will try tomorrow . Like your warship fuck Russia shirt. Wrote almost the same on my window in pick up truck. Thanks again

[@jeffholt354]

Just great..gave one machine away because no one could explain what you did...thank you.. willhave to get mine mounted to a table like you have...

[@kaywilson6416]

Just got my machine. THANK YOU For the detailed threading guide. You are so great to do this. SewingToad

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

You are so welcome!

[@neko1369]

I would definitely be interested in what modifications you made to sew heavy leather period and great video very helpful

[@danielrocha2581]

All those instructions seems to me like rocket science

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

LOL, It's not too bad

[@stellapetrou7332]

You are very patient and explained everything so perfectly, thank you so much 😊

[@carlcoco2140]

Thanks for posting this series on the shoe patcher machine. I got mine yesterday and now it is running thru three layers of 8\9 oz leather . I don't think I could have figured this machine out as quickly without your videos. Thanks again!

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

No worries, I am always happy to help

[@stevenjolls5072]

Hi dude! I guess I’m one of your fans now :) I just bought one of these machines and was at a loss as to how to set it up and use it. I am familiar with the parent “Singer hand crank” as I have one. However, it is a lot more complicated to run and is not as rugged or forceful. This really seems to be the answer to my needs. You have explained the very issues that all the others have missed. Example, placing the thread under the tension bar on the bobbin. No one even considered the value of this information! Kudos!!! I am a 100% disabledVietnam Vet and am trying to make a better living making knives and there respective sheaths. I try to make unusual items. For example I have one I made that has a Falcon head on the end of a antler handle. the sheath is made of extra levels of leather that reflect a gothic motif . The full flavor is the method I used to retain the knife. I made a leather helmet similar the the ones used by the Falconers to cover the Falcon head on my knife and then used a lanyard to affix it to the sheath. This was removable to facilitate removal of the knife. Your information on this machine is going to be one of the most valuable pieces of information I have ever received!! I have added you to my “really neat people” list. Thank you so much for expanding my knowledge which I thought was pretty well full. I am 81 years old and still learning from wonderful people like you. Never believe your time is not really valuable. If you reach only one like me. You are truly blessed, as you have blessed me.

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Thank you so much for that wonderful comment!! Do you sell your knifes or sheaths? if so where can I and subscribers find them?

[@AnonYmous-ii4tc]

What an excellent tutorial for starting out with this machine. Thank you so very much.

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@cesartorres8881]

an update to my previous posting, i found the tension spring and the explanation of the 12 O'clock setting for the bobbin made a difference. Although i still dont have the proper thread i manage to fully test it i found making progress thanks to your video.

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

I am happy, I could help out. What size thread are you using?

[@PegasusSv3]

Thank you, this is gold. I have managed to set up my machine thanks to your detailed instruction. :-)

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Glad it helped!

[@dougdavis8367]

Thank you I am good at fixing things but had given up and was going to throw it away but now working fine .

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Good to hear!!

[@ErikMacray]

THANK YOU! My machine arrived and it was just a mess and I set it on the shelf for a few months because I couldn't figure it out. Your Walk through was invaluable. I appreciate it.

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Glad I could help!

[@jameswilliams6034]

good job on threading the machine I just got one is still in the box maybe if I watch this two or three times all understand that more thank you very much. 😙😙

[@normie5928]

The best setup video I've seen. Thanks

[@shamankimber3415]

Just bought my machine. You make excellent videos. Being shown all steps before sewing made my life so much easier since there is not good directions on how to thread this machine. Thank you so much.

[@kevchard5214]

I ordered mine 10 minutes ago looking forward to setting it up.Thanks this was very helpful!

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Good deal, feel free to hit me up if you ever need any help.

[@kevchard5214]

@@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks Thanks I think you vids have answered all my questions so far.

[@Snailmailtrucker]

UPS just delivered mine a half hour ago...Getting into Unboxing it right now. Do I have a story about buying this thing ! Coming soon !

[@kevchard5214]

@@Snailmailtrucker I just got mine back together it took 3 days of cleaning and sanding and polishing but still better than $1300 from Tandy. I haven't checked if it works yet.

[@alvinfinlay7755]

Thanks for the video it is very helpful and I would sure like to here about sewing two pieces of 8 or 9 leather for knife sheaths and gun holsters. Thanks again

[@jeanpierrelabonte2868]

Thanks you are a great source of inspiration. My wife and I smuggle around trying to fix it and I’ll try your Bic thing.

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Thanks and let me know how it works out for you.

[@Askbristol]

Thanks so much. Just got my machine yesterday :) I am having some trouble with my thread breaking right now, but I’m going to make a few adjustments and see where I get today. Thanks for taking the time to make this video.

[@carlcoco2140]

Take out the needle driver bar and look for burs around the thread passage. You might want to check the needle eye for burs as well. Good luck!

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Thanks for stepping in Carl!! That is correct, it could also be a tension issue, needle bar depth, wrong size needle for thread and so on. Feel free to send another comment if you still need help.

[@sandrinedeglin1798]

Ohmygosh! I never could have done it without your tutorial. Thank you soooo much!

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Glad I could help!

[@justinvandenberg5375]

oh thankyou so very much for your videos , i have just bought one of these and have watched your tips , yet to make it perfectly clean and polished but it stitches so i am a happy man , thankyou kind sir

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Thank you for your support!!

[@HorribleBearBear]

Still helpful. Im about to buy one of these and im doing a ton of research. I have old singers i usually use and i look forward to an affordable alternative to the $1750 name brand

[@k.matthewsbey703]

Thank you for your intentional patience. I think I will be subscribing to your truly teachworthy channel. Thanks again.

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Thank you for your encouraging comment and support!!

[@erinmur5]

Great video, thank you! My bobbins didn’t come with any tension springs, will it still work?

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Probably not, I would look into ordering one from bantam saddle tack.

[@frederickramirez446]

Just wanted to thank you for being so generous with your expert knowledge. I have watched this and some of your other videos multiple times and go back as a reference as I fine tune this most basic but wonderful tool. Have been doing leather for 15 plus years doing holsters, wallets, and screen cases etc. all with hand stitching. It seems that each machine has its own quirks and tension issues depending on needle and thread. Just discovered that the large spool of polyester thread from a reputable vendor changed thickness as I just started the spool. The bobbin is thicker than what is on the spool, will send it back. Your videos are extremely meticulous and detailed. Whoever manufactured this sewing machine should have you on its payroll. Look forward to viewing all of your video on threads and needles. I would like to replicate the look of the hand stitching in thickness of the thread. Your teaching manners are extremely professional. Stay safe.

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Thank you very much for kind words!!

[@stephenkaufman1059]

I keep all his videos in my watch list so I can easily find and go back to them

[@martinjewell630]

Just bought one for Christmas and thanks to you it will be tuned and ready to sew! Love your videos, nothing but the facts!

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Thank you!!

[@peterfalcus1452]

Can't believe that someone hasn't perfected the operation system of this easy leather stitcher,as the problems seem so easy to fix.

[@ldean2832]

The BEST out there on this machine.

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Thank you!!

[@djmuller2349]

Super Video! Great explanation. Thanks so much!

[@MegaLukaszenko]

Very helpful video thanks a lot !!! Is there anyway to set the size of a gap between snitches? I mean how densely it stitches, because mine does sometimes very densely and sometimes not at all

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

There is a stitch adjustment screw up by the sewing head. Right next to the presser foot tension nut.

[@rotimifafure9413]

Hey, your "super" fan at "Stuff I Kinda Care About" KZbin channel led me here. He had a "super" recommendation of this video and so I am "super" here.

[@harley12-j6m]

I really appreciate your excellent explanations of how to set up this beast! However, I have problems with the bottom thread bunching up, any suggestions? Craig

[@Monsieur.Nobody.]

Do you know what needle set to buy? BTW the video is awesome and informative... saved me a lot of time setting up the machine, I'm making sneakers with it!

[@joesrustyshutter3189]

Thanks a ton! I was ready to send the machine back! Thanks to your video, I could properly set the bobbin and it made all the difference. I worked for two days and this video solved the problem in 15 minutes. Your machine looks like the real thing. Mine is a cheap copy, but at least now it works.

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Glad I could help!

[@georgelstuart]

Excellent presentation

[@AMissouriMule]

Another outstanding tutorial.

[@davidnussbaum5059]

Great video. It's the only instruction I've found that explains how to set up the machine.

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

Glad it was helpful!

[@FrankMercer-l1u]

Thank you SO much for this video, having a problem with the top thread getting jammed under the bobbin. Any tips?

[@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks]

That's a timing issue or the needle depth. Check out my video's on my sewing machine playlist.

[@nathanbrooks1717]

Very detailed and helpful. Thank you so much sir.