It Stitches Like a Dream! China Shoepatcher Sewing Machine: Easy Leathercraft Project

In this video I'll show you how to use your leather scraps to make a sheath/ cover to protect your leathercraft tools like the French skiver I use in this video.
Shoe Patcher Sewing Machine ------ amzn.to/3tDzILL
Thread ------ amzn.to/3SX8CbV
Needles ------ amzn.to/3GT6yLB
Sewing machine oil -------- amzn.to/3RRj9FB
Acrylic Quilters' Ruler ------ amzn.to/3RTJrHe
leather burnisher ------ amzn.to/3RVcMRq
Beeswax bars ------ amzn.to/3NFjGYz
Hobby Knife ------ amzn.to/48wiH4T
Hobby Knife Blades------ amzn.to/48tbbb5
Size 2 Edge Beveler ------ amzn.to/3vbEgJM
Edge groover ------ amzn.to/3v5FtCi
Links to the tools and supplies I use!
French skiver and other tools: OWDEN Amazon Store: amzn.to/2W1nTy0
NOTE! I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. If you click on one of the affiliate links in this description and make a purchase, I may earn a commission

[@billmann1965]

Tried some of your tips and the double stitching and I was very happy with the result. The double stitch looks great.

[@automotivedyi1984]

Awesomeness

[@ThatNinja1]

Thanks for the info much needed on the bobbin tips.

[@leathercraftertips]

Thanks Hope it helps!

[@theresazelazny7445]

Useful information!

[@johnnyb2798]

Hi Jonathan, what size thread are you using? Can you put some info on the needle? This is a great video Thanks!

[@enyawdnitram185]

Hello. Perhaps you can help. I bought the Chinese shoe patch machine in October of 2022. I spent a month watching videos, etc. For some reason I could not get the machine to pick up the bobbin thread. So frustrated I put in the closet for a year. Pulled it out recently, and finally fixed the bobbin thread issue. Once the bobbin pickup worked, then I had an issue of the upper thread breaking. Watched some more videos, and did some intense sanding of all the bobbin parts. That stopped the breaking. Now, the thread is too loose. Before I just immediately tighten the bobbin spring, can you tell what would be causing the bottom thread to be too loose on my finished tests?

[@joegonzalez1378]

I just got this machine and after watching many videos I still had my top thread snapping, and actually figured on my own what you did, grinding the bobbin holder and problem fixed, and today I find your video showing what has to be done, awesome video 👍🏽

[@dourrou77]

can this machine do the job for shoe soles stitching ?

[@thegearcage6595]

Thanks for the quick reply I was also curious which maker is your machine? I just ordered one and noticed there at least six different makers of the same exact machine! Hope I ordered the right one!

[@leathercraftertips]

I can't remember. They take some time to get tuned up and working but a lot of the sellers on Amazon sell the same machine.

[@thegearcage6595]

@@leathercraftertips thanks I appreciate it

[@btnleather2941]

Hi, thanks for the video. With this machine how much thick sewing thread can you use maximum?

[@coreymercer4157]

Is it possible for me to send you my machine to get it operational? i have had it for a couple of years and havent been able to use it properly. i need help!

[@hughanderson7285]

Will it sew a long, straight stitch?

[@thegearcage6595]

What is the clear template you are using to mark and cut your leather?

[@leathercraftertips]

It's just a clear fabric ruler. Most of the time it's used with a rotary cutter for cloth. Check out Amazon or and fabric store.

[@wc587]

They would NOT fit on the axle. Sorry

[@jc-le4sf]

Worst machine ever.! Got mine a few years. Nothing but a nightmare. The sailrite is so much better! Period!

[@randominternetviewer166]

Yours work great :) always love to see people using this machine. I made mine motorized with a nema23 motor and some arduino speed controller. Love it a lot :) When I abuse it with very very thick stuff, thats when i start seeing breakage, otherwise anything else it sews just fine :)

[@mikeburton1703]

I wish i could get my machine sewing leather like yours......i would be a pleasure to sew with it ......i just can't seem to get my machine in the right cam timing.....i am going to do some of the things you mentioned on this video and see if it helped.....thanks for the video

[@CorsiAmoreKennels]

I just got this machine. My foot/needle do not go in synch. the needle goes down when the foot is up and the foot is down but stationary when the needle is up. . The foot does not rock to pull the leather through either

[@Chungustav]

I bought one several years ago and don't use it. I have spent more time fixing this thing than using it. Save your money and but a real one. I do leather work at least once a week and now hand sew everything as it takes less time than fixing this thing

[@wc587]

A simple way I found to improve the bobbin winder that came with your machine is to place flat washers that will fit the wheel on either side. Tighten the nuts that came with the winder against the wheel. This improves the winder by keeping the mechanism from wobbling. My winder was a bit mangled when it arrived so I took it apart and flattened the sides in a vice as best I could then put it back together. I was unable to tighten the round part that the screw goes through but the winder still works much better. I tried lock nuts but they would fit on the axle, hence the regular nuts that were already on the winder. Tighten them against the wheel so it doesn't spin. The wheel will then spin on the axle as it should.

[@TheSproox]

Just wondering, can you adjust the stitch length?

[@bwnco]

I just got my machine.. No instructions hardly at all... No pictures of how bobbin works an goes in.. My bobbins also dont have the hole yours does, can you make just quick how bobbin goes in an works n threading machine, string tension just simple stuff on how it should be threaded, tension, how bobbin drops in properly etc. Sounds stupid but only photo i have is of machine sideways on directions they sent which are basically worthless on set up n getting started.. Thank you..

[@rodwellsantos7836]

Hi guy’s I’m in my way my own babe patch sewing 🤔👍

[@kevinf1997]

I had something strange happen with mine. I was able to thread the bobbin and the thread isn't snapping but what does happen is when I try to sew leather it isn't pulling the bobbin thread through the leather so it unravels after I try to sew something. Any idea what might be causing that?

[@nelsod76]

Thanks for the video

[@seanmceachern2824]

i just got this machine a couple of days ago and, once i got it mounted to the make shift stand and started tinkering with it, the top thread snapped every time and then the needle bent. so, there were a couple of questions i had right off the bat that you answered with the size of the needle hole being made bigger, needing a different needle but, you also gave me a few ideas in the modifications of the feeder foot as well. thank you for taking the time to make this video, it is very helpful

[@danielei7395]

Hello. I would like to know the largest usable needle size for this sewing machine, and the maximum usable thread size. Thank you

[@randominternetviewer166]

Look for LR needles. Industrial ones intended for leather. The stitches will become slant and look professional

[@bwnco]

Nice modificationsr, gonna do this before I even try on my machine. Always some stuff person can do to any machine. The sanding i do to all my firearms and its easy an smooths actions up on casted parts also..

[@erinmur5]

Thanks so much for this great video. My bobbins don’t have that spring tab, do you think I can sew without it?

[@leathercraftertips]

You need it for tension. Without it the thread will be too loose. Amazon has had some replacement bobbin shuttles. Just make sure it has the spring or send it back. The one I'm using came off a Singer shuttle of the same style.

[@hamidmdiq2455]

Sam

[@Michael-DeltaWolf]

Is there anyway that you could show me in a video how you would sew up two ends together to make a complete circle / pipe or can that be done with that Sewing Machine ? The reason why I ask is the the sewing machine I have is to wide to take both ends and put them together and sew them together. Because it is only 21 cm in with and it is going around a air cylinder.

[@alexbowie6316]

Do you think that machine could sew a hem on a boat cover? It is heavy vinyl 17ft x 6ft. Nice job!

[@leathercraftertips]

I don't know. I had to adjust my machine a good bit to get it sewing the way I wanted. You may try an alteration shop. Sometimes you can luck out and then can sew thick items. Good luck!

[@RobertEvans-lz6bc]

Please would you go through the exact timing sequence including how to set up the rack or pitman arm in relation to the rest of the timing. No one really tackles that part and I’m depressed and frustrated! Help

[@christiandelestrade2980]

Hello Thread bunching underneath fabric and getting stuck? Anyone knows why?

[@wampuscat1831]

Mine does not sew , it makes holes but wont put thread in fabric . Probably like my Harley a dud .

[@glennmeek2718]

No matter how many of these vids I watch, I just can't get mine to work correctly. I'll sand and bevel the carrier hopefully that'll help, or I can simply turn it into a boat anchor.

[@enyawdnitram185]

Thanks for the video. I need HELP! My walking foot doesn't walk. The upside down U shaped piece barely moves left and right. So I followed that part to the other end, to the base. That arm has very little space from the end to the base. Also, one of those rotating levers at the base doesn't even press against that arm which is part of the U shaped piece. It's like the machine is damaged or I put it together wrong. Are both of these levers supposed to touch a metal arm?

[@abelvillarreal6488]

Very impressed with what you have done with the shoe patcher machine.

[@thomasgronek6469]

The stitching on the back looks really rough, but I know nothing about sewing, so take it with a grain of salt. Is this typical of every leather sewing machine? is it because of the tension? or just the nature of the beast ? If one cut a groove for the stitches to lay into, would that help ?. Is there any way to hook up a stop on the cylinder arm so that the stitching is straight and parallel to the edge of the leather (like a rip guide on a table saw ) ? Thanks for the video.

[@GIORDANO652]

Hi, I'm writing to you from Italy, your idea is nice, I wanted to know what type of thread you use and the number of needles you need, thank you very much

[@cyanvaughn3359]

Your content is top notch! So helpful in setting up one of these machines

[@stevenrobinson9610]

Thank you.... Great Video!!!! I appreciate your tool recommendations... I am going to order one of these patcher sewing machines

[@rwind656]

Thanks for the demo of how to improve the bobbin case and needle passage. And the needles. I wanted to patch a big item. But I have trouble holding onto larger pieces with only one hand while cranking. I am guessing I will need to motorize. Maybe I can erect some type of platform for the heavy material on the open side. Any ideas?

[@Ihavesaucej.a.m]

We make everything has a video of putting on a motor he bought for sewing and made a belt with a pulley an worked great. Thank you for this video bud!!

[@Ihavesaucej.a.m]

Vonhans lether

[@rwind656]

@@Ihavesaucej.a.m Sorry don't understand. Did you mean you have a video showing a motor adaptation?

[@Ihavesaucej.a.m]

@@rwind656 yes Search we make everything on KZbin he has a video adapting a small motor and a pulley type system with a rubber type of chain. Pretty cool. I’m having issues sewing with the new shoe sewing machine. I’m gonna have to go to a shop near by for extra help. Stiching is ill.

[@Ihavesaucej.a.m]

Make everything shop

[@callumari1696]

Neat job. Thank-you for the demo.

[@andreytsarenko6965]

Jonathan, any way you can show me how you would attach a patch to the hat? with the presser foot adjustable like this should be able to attach to hats relatively easy. anyway you could demonstrate?

[@RussellCompton-fh3gr]

thanks,,,ya small projects and links are nice

[@aiisaouihakim-5558]

What type and size of thread and needle size do you use please

[@Tubefish07]

Thorough video sir. Thanks for the jewels! Brilliant! Cheers mates!!

[@aiisaouihakim-5558]

I bought this machine is it good and effective

[@guidelineuk4876]

I think I might take a punt at this after watching your videos:😎 thanks for the great info

[@earlelzy9975]

I like the video and will try to use some of the mods.

[@christiandelestrade2980]

Thread bunching underneath fabric and getting stuck? Anyone knows why? I did the timing etc...

[@johnwrobel9212]

you might try tightening the upper tesion

[@gdogg169]

I got mine three days ago. Spent a day setting it up cleaning it filing and sanding things and setting up the cams and pitman rod that runs to the bobbin and shuttle etc and yesterday I fine tuned it but within a few hours or so it was great. Its probably not set up perfectly but she's steady as a rock and simple enough to fix/operate with a bit of tinkering and learning that I'm kinda digging it. I love it and can't wait to try some bags or wallets with it now.

[@falconsnestlv6785]

Thanks for this info! I will definitely try and get my machine going I’ve had it for quite some time but can’t get it to sew!

[@ironleatherwood1357]

Great video but don't see the links.

[@jeepweeler]

Great video. Thank you

[@Astrobiologica]

Thank you, set mine up exactly like this

[@automotivedyi1984]

Beautiful work

[@MultiKhaikhai]

Hi! Thank you for the video! I can’t get the bobbin cover to spin, is there a trick to loosen that screw?

[@leathercraftertips]

It may be too tight. Sometimes you really have to pull up on the back hard to get it over that post if the cover was made to thick?

[@glennmeek2718]

I used a set of screwdrivers with a 3/4 height handle to loosen mine.

[@patrickwillis1346]

Wish I could send mine to you. It can't see for nothing.

[@gdogg169]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnukmaSYbtmBpsU this guy does a whole series on these machines. I used this video and a couple others to set mine up. Took a couple hours of screwing around filing and sanding bits, cleaning the bobbins and whatnot with a dremel, setting the cams up but she works like a charm now.

[@justice.wilson686]

Great stitch. 👌

[@philochristos]

I'm going to get you to tune my Chinese sewing machine when I get it.

[@orion7741]

"sanded it down smooth".... dude, that is NOT smooth. lol. great video overall, but come on man, if you are going put time into your tools, you need to go all the way and not half ass stuff. that bobbing shuttle really needs to be polished, because you left it super rough after you sanded it. same thing with the french skiver you have there. its really dull, you can see it. they never ever come sharp. You need to put in the time to tune it up, and polish the edge. leather tools, even the expensive ones, always require some tuning up once you get them for them to cut properly. they never come really all that sharp.

[@golfertex]

My chinese machine still won’t sew; even though, I have modified it as suggested by this and 6 other YT channels. I am currently slowly sewing by hand and have quit messing with this piece of junk. I am going to cut it in half with the plasma cutter. I don’t even want to give it to Goodwill! If someone wants this, just pay for shipping.

[@jasongraham6611]

Where you located at I'm interested

[@golfertex]

@@jasongraham6611 Portland, Oregon.