Leather Sewing Machine Needles

[@lx95020]

You are such a gem to this community.....so glad you make videos for all of us newbies. I have the DIA needles and I'm looking for that slant in the stitch that I can only get when saddle stitching. The reverse twist needles are amazing!!

[@harryrogers]

Thanks

[@isamudinalaminmuhammadsali2370]

Brother Harry, you are really kind hearted gentleman who loves conveying knowledge, experience and advice to those who are really in need of. Many Thanks..

[@harryrogers]

Thanks very much Isamudin.

[@WallStreet749]

I appreaciate my Mother so much more now she sowed professionaly. She always made it look so easy I never knew there was so much to it. Great Video Love watching

[@capedoryus]

Thank you again Harry. Finding an unwatched Harry video is like finding a new planet. Honoring the work that went into all the close-ups. You are a gem.

[@harryrogers]

Thanks John.

[@vajake1]

I don't have a leather sewing machine yet, but this was marvelous information! Thanks for posting it. I have often wondered about what thread to use. Now I understand that the tread and the needle must be fairly matched in size!

[@Orbnoticas]

Oh god thank you so much. You have saved me weeks of headaches and great monetary expense. I'm on the verge of tears.

[@faraz40468]

Harry . You are a wonderful person who love sharing knowledge wish you good health and long life . Thank you very much for the beautiful videos .

[@harryrogers]

Thanks very much Muhammed

[@robthewaywardwoodworker9956]

GREAT INFO! Thanks Harry. Glad I found this one, for sure. That reverse twist needle gives almost a hand stitched effect. Very cool and really well done. Thanks.

[@harryrogers]

Thanks Rob.

[@samTollefson]

Common sense advice always sticks in my head for a much better understanding than a pile of facts and figures. Thank you for your superb explanation!

[@amolpatil8777]

Thank you so much for video Your videos are very Crisp and up to the point ❤ Please make a video on thread size, its confusing as well

[@theswime945]

Dear Harry, thank you so much for making the time to create all your videos. I found you through research into vintage Singer machines; your specific advice on certain models, and your generic advice on practicalities, have been invaluable. I think this is the stuff that Tim Berners-Lee meant to happen... Very best wishes.

[@jackofalltrades9746]

Harry, you have inspired me, I have bought a 1946 singer 31K treadle machine in need of refurbishment, wish me luck it will keep me out of mischief if the repairs dry up Regards

[@harryrogers]

Good luck..there are manuals on the net ...ISMACS.

[@MartyBacke]

Leather work is in my future, but not quite yet. I enjoy your perspective on work and the knowledge that you offer on your channel.

[@harryrogers]

Thanks Marty

[@frankmuller5649]

Hey Harry, very nice introduction... which opened a whole new can of worms for me. I was thinking about sewing a bit of medium softer leather on my cheap Singer machine and already started looking into it... found leather needles of course... thought by myself.. hey.. if the machine is able to do it... but look at what you have done to me now! Channel sizes for different thread thicknesses, different points for effects... wow... here I go researching again. ;) Please don't get me wrong... you did especially well because you told me what others should have in a very easy and plausible way in a few minutes. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your knowledge, a healthy and happy 2017 for you and your endeavors!

[@harryrogers]

Frank Müller Hi Frank...great to hear that....I have also popped a shed Talk up on leather sewing machines!

[@frankmuller5649]

Watching it right now... compound feed... wrote that down if it gets really serious. Thank you again for sharing... very much appreciated!

[@ioannispavlidis4666]

Thank you so much for your help. (Athens Greece)

[@wonkydogleathercraft6698]

Just getting a seiko industrial serviced and as I've never used a machine this vid is very helpful. Thanks harry

[@harryrogers]

Sounds good.

[@gudmundurkristjansson2241]

I just love watching your videos, truly a wealth of information. Thank you so much!

[@harryrogers]

Thanks Gudmundur.

[@rondumontier1187]

This is funny timing. I am just getting ready to order new needles etc... I try to use schmets (spelling may be off) Anyway another great video. Thanks from Montana

[@AlexKall]

Very good information and video! Thanks a lot, now the size number mean something. What do nm stand for by the way? If it was nanometer it would be very thin of a needle at 160 😅 realized that they write it with uppercase letters, doh 🤦‍♂️ Still wondering what it stands for 🤔

[@amolpatil8777]

Which needle is good for smaller hole size but long for bigger thickness of material aroun 2.5 inch thick

[@TheRobertralph]

Really valuable video. Thank you for making it!! It helped me a lot.

[@Laetitiaangelini]

Thank you for your amazing channel!! I learn so much from you!

[@harryrogers]

Thanks very much

[@denasewell]

Yes!This helped tremendously!You are so right about the overwhelming amount of needle sizes and types .I have been sewing since I was very young but only fabric of course!As always you give such precise and comprehensive information.I have learned such a wealth of knowledge from your channel!Do you have Patreon?

[@piecetoyou8285]

Harry, Is there a system with leather needles with a smaller number in size thickness which gives a thinner groove` but still maintains the same size needle hole or bigger for thread, I ask this because I used the biggest needle 250 for my singer class 7-33 sewing veg tan, and used bonded thread that passed through the eye easy and fitted in the groove with ease but caused major skipping snapping fraying looping double looping under hook and material, I tried three types of bonded thread in all sizes and all gave same issues,even though they all fitted groove and eye nicely,even did where you check for needle sliding down thread, so I went to a different thread that twist held together but was not as shiny neither did not look like the same poly nylon and this worked no trouble,, I just can`t place my finger why the poly nylon gave issues like this.

[@harryrogers]

Hi, a couple of thoughts ....some needles are wide reverse twist which gives a decorative stitch and the head can be wider than the shaft with these. I usually use the rtw needles, which still give the decorative stitch but are more commonplace. It's worth looking in detail at the needle manufacturers websites...for example Groz and Schmetz as they are quite informative.

[@piecetoyou8285]

@@harryrogers cheers Harry for quick reply and help full tip. I have heard of the reverse twist i will look into them

[@Thestripper1]

There's also the way the eye of the needle is facing.. Maybe this is not needle dependent but machine dependent? But your needle has the eye at 90 degrees to the sewing direction while every machine I've ever used has the eye pointing in the same way as the sewing direction. Can you say something about this. Thank you for a great video!

[@Esteric100]

Excellent very informative better than the charts thank you

[@salwakhattab6101]

My machine is singer 15k 31 when I bought it it was sewing many thick fabrics and thick leather and the needle broke, I used a new one but it sew leather and thick materials not any more , and it cut the thread when I try to do It and there is a sound in bobbin area probably when thread is cutting , what could it be ?? ,

[@harryrogers]

Sounds like the wrong needle...need a leather point of correct type for your machine.

[@ikayamanmomps8023]

Hello again another great lesson 👌 Thanx. Learning a lot one video at a time I live in a really small village so no sewing shops around i wanna buy some nèedles on line for some size 20 thread ...more or less what size do you think will work ...its all new to me ... but love a challenge.. servo motor and pullys already on the way .

[@lhuber7914]

This video is very informative, thank you.

[@nuralam9013]

Hi harry,,, thanks for your information. Now, i wanna know the singer numbering of the needle, say needle 90/14, (How could we determine the 14)........

[@harryrogers]

I use metric needles so I think you will need to Google the Singers...there are lots of charts etc. to help you Nur. Best wishes Harry

[@FreakyScaryChannel]

Harry, Thanks for another killer video...Cheers from Utah...

[@harryrogers]

FreakyScaryChannel Thanks

[@paolomh113]

Hi Harry, Could you give us some needles and thread recommendations for the Singer 201k on thin leather. Thank you.

[@JUMALATAAR]

Thank you or all your fine movies. I bougth an old adler industrial machine and it didnt pick up the tread to begin with. No it runs fine but it has only one needel, boy am I careful with that one . Wow ..You have plenty lol .. thanks now I can order some(with right tipp for me). Question I bought a fur sewing machine to and wonder if they have same kind of needels. I got it running yesterday. Greatings from a inspired beginner in Sweden.

[@harryrogers]

JUMALATAAR hi I have never used a fur sewing machine but I know the type you mean...I guess try a leather point and a round point and see what works best...someone here may know or ISMACS might have a manual online.

[@ARDELEAN.Designs]

I am a fan! thanks for sharing!

[@starfish3704]

Hello Harry . Which threads are best for handbags nd slight thicker leather ? I like the decorative top stitching on the thicker leather. I am looking for Tex 90 threads but cannot find them easily here is Germany and when, the colours are very limited. Can you recommend some shops in the UK please. Many thanks in advance...

[@harryrogers]

Hello..perhaps try eBay...I mostly use nm40 for bags.

[@willrice2792]

Who knew? I never had a clue . Thanks, I needed that!

[@safanathan7789]

Dear Harry, thank you again, for your kindly information:)

[@amule123]

Thank you for all the info! Wanted to ask, if you’re doing a turned seam for a bag, is it better to use a diamond needle, so that the thread doesn’t show once the bag is turned?

[@leetomlee7265]

thanks for showing. I was so confused. Now i understand a bit more. So there are only two kind of needle tips, chisel point tip which is RTW and diamond point tip no matter what system it is for leather? And it is true that in every system a needle has a channel?

[@harryrogers]

Tom Lee Tom there are other tip types....but yes most needles have a channel.

[@leetomlee7265]

I might be a bit dumb. I cannot find the other types of tip. Would you mind showing other tip types in other video. I want to buy a leather sewing machine. There are too many selections of the same kind, I mean different brands. Do not know which brand is more reliable and worthy of the money. I do quite a bit of garment sewing. Needles for garment are simple. When it comes to leather, watching your video gave me insight of different needle tip types. How can i be sure i am getting the right needles for my project? Thanks

[@harryrogers]

Tom take a look at the schmetz needle guide that is on line...that covers about 8 needle types.

[@koditja4313]

good job harry. now I need to buy me some leather needles...

[@MrGreenBentley]

Hya Harry you never mentioned the length of the needles or the machine type you were using to stitch with. I,m currently rebuilding a DURKOPP 18-1 leather patcher here and it came without a needle. So I,m currently trying what is being suggested by the chat forums on line , I currently don,t have a manual and in any case I,m told they are in German and need translating which I,ll look into soon. The engraved deck of the machine shows an engraved needle and the serial number 657. which I,m told are no longer available , was told the SYSTEM 88 strong long will work. also 332l .I ve also been told the the length of the needle should be 45mm and it has the round shaft, I know its a long shot but is my machine mentioned anywhere in your paperwork there, as the Durkopp adler company has no records I was told for my machine due to the factory Being bombed by us in ww2. . I want the best chance when I come to getting the needle to pull from the boat shuttle beneath the deck. Thanks for reading my ramblings. Paul at Ipswich in sunny Suffolk .

[@Slipsch]

What size should I get for small leather good to bags?

[@PegCoombes]

I’m looking on College Sewing for the guide you showed but can’t find it, do you have a link please?

[@harryrogers]

Also ISMACS website.

[@johnnycambridge1746]

Hi Harry can I ask what white pen are you using and is it indelable Thanks john

[@harryrogers]

Hi its a leather marking silver pen and you can get them on Amazon and EBay...they are sort of wipe off but can mark, and are sometimes sold with an eraser pen which generally works!

[@starfish3704]

Hello Harry, where do you buy your bonded nylon or polyester threads Tex 90 in the 🇬🇧?

[@harryrogers]

If you only want one or two look at Ebay.

[@starfish3704]

I will try eBay UK then. I live in Germany and to order these things from the US is ridiculously expensive... they cost around 30 Dollars and above per cone and then still have shipping costs . If I buy over fifty Euro‘s worth they slap taxes onto it at our customs too..🤯 if you have local companies to recommend , I can buy from them too. My daughter lives in the UK and I can pick them up from her when I visit her in a regularly basis. Many thanks for your help.

[@valentinocarvajal]

ver cada video es motivar a la dedicación absoluta, gracias.

[@harryrogers]

Gracias me gusta hacer las películas

[@leetomlee7265]

Is the foot a zipper foot? i am confused with compound walking foot, walking foot, and a zipper foot. Can you explain to me? Appreciate!

[@harryrogers]

Tom Lee Hi yes that was a zipper foot....I have also posted a film on machine feed...including compound feed ..in the leatherwork playlist.

[@leetomlee7265]

Are these names for the same thing: compound walking foot with left toe, open toe pressure foot, left toe zipper foot? i could not find the film. Is it possible that you send me the link? Appreciate.

[@kaysh7381]

Hi sir i have question.. what kinda machine are you using stitch amazing .i have singer 29k ..and u have pffaf to fast for me to control it .. thank you and ur job amazing

[@harryrogers]

Kay Sh Kay it's a Juki compound feed.

[@carolynparsons795]

Thank you , I have learned some good information.

[@javiermeza2557]

Harry Ive been binging your vids for two days now. Amazing what you can learn from masters of the craft. I wanted to ask you. Im 28 years old, ive been tooling leather for 4 years. Its time for me to up my game and start sewing/cutting/finishing my products. My question for you is: how long have you been working leather? Do you think its a craft that will be here in 30 years? I have some anxiety for investing my time in leathercrafting only to have a robot take my job in 10 years or so. Are you happy with your profession? Does it become lonely in the workshop after years?

[@animallovefest143]

Hi Javier, I'm curious... Did you begin doing leather work, invest your time & future? To answer your question... I believe leather work has been around throughout our existence, and will always be around as a creatively desired product. While machines can do many things, even now three years later, there is something to be said for handcrafted creations. I hope that you pursued your dreams, no matter what they are and are happily successful. Many blessings, Christina & The Animal Love Fest 😽😽😽🐺🐰💋

[@tasinahmed3711]

for leather wallet which needle and thread is perfect

[@leetomlee7265]

Thanks for sharing. Is your machine a regular sewing machine for garment? If i am sewing a small purse, would you say needle size 16 is good enough? And what size of thread should i use? I like the diamond shape needle. Sorry for my stupidity. Appreciate any help.

[@harryrogers]

Tom Lee Hi Tom ...it's an industrial machine so a lot beefier than a home machine, but could be used in a garment factory. I think it's best to go to a dealer to try machines with samples of what you want to sew. I use 120 needles..a European size...assume you are US based. Regards Harry

[@leetomlee7265]

Thanks for replying me. yes i am us based. i live in the bay area where leather sewing machine is not popular, which makes it going to the shop and trying the machine is impossible. there is one with their own name but the only one review is so bed that i dare not go. that is why i have been not able to get the machine for a long time. i need to depend on you and youtube contributors. i went to some well-known leather shop here in the bay area to inquiry about thread and needles. One sale lady told me that she never heard thread had sizes and i should bring mine here to match.

[@jackmiddleton2080]

Anyone know why I am getting little puncture mounds on the back side? I am going to try soaking a piece of leather in water and seeing if it still happens.

[@harryrogers]

Is your needle chisel point and the narrowest that can be used with the thread...that may help.

[@jackmiddleton2080]

It is a chisel but not the smallest. I have a size 22 but the lowest an online chart I found recommends is 19. I was going to try that as per your advice in the video. Thanks so much for your response and all your videos.

[@jacquelineayley6762]

Thanks so much. Very helpfu!

[@dusenu]

Hi harry.. please make video of Typical GC 2605 🤐

[@Kiwiford2]

Hi, I’m brand new to sewing and made my first pouch out of an old coat today. Lambs leather very soft. What needle would you recommend? I have a zoje8700. Also what type of interfacing would I use to make a bigger bag as it needs a little more body. Any hints on the soft leather not stretching when sewing. Thank you 😊 Marie from New Zealand 🇳🇿

[@harryrogers]

Hi Marie..Its very difficult for me to suggest what to use for your leather and machine combo...I know what works in mine for calf leather but I'm sorry you will need to ask your dealer what is best for your machine. Ditto lambs leather because I do not use it....I guess a stiffening liner is one option ranging from cloth, canvas or mesh embroidery sheet. Compound feed machines reduce stretching....I am sorry none of that is probably particularly helpful. Rgds Harry

[@Gatewrights]

Hi Harry. You say your thread size for bags is nm 40. Do you know what the Tkt size is ? Thanks

[@harryrogers]

Hi check out the charts I mention....I think one was by Tolledo Sewing Machines..on their website.

[@tjjaffacake]

What machine was you using please?x

[@harryrogers]

A Juki DNU1541

[@jonathanpujol]

it would be nice if you share some links were to buy needles like that, i'm from argentina i'm working with leather and i really want to buy new needles, over here they're expensive, i want to buy the one with the angle stich. Do you recommend any brand? or site?

[@harryrogers]

Hi I believe College Sewing uk may post abroad.....I find the Schmetz RTW very good.

[@harryrogers]

I have just put a couple of links in the description...thanks Jonathan

[@jonathanpujol]

Harry Rogers thanks to you harry!

[@deltajohnny]

Thank you very much for the very clear and easy to understand information about needles! The links offer extensive information about leather needles from the two german manufacturers I have heard good things about and I am sure that with your invaluable help I will be able to choose the correct needle for my applications ;-) May I ask you the type of white pen you use in the video to write on dark leather? I need to purchase one and I have no idea about these pens. Thanks!

[@harryrogers]

Hi - on ebay they are called silver leather marking pens

[@deltajohnny]

Thank you very much, Harry, for the speedy response, and with this new information I have a new mission!! :-)

[@deltajohnny]

Harry, only one more question: I see that they sell them with or without a "pen cleaner". Do you recommend purchasing them with the pen cleaner or it would not be necessary? I read somewhere that some pens can be cleaned with the finger... Thanks again!

[@harryrogers]

I clean mine with water..but the cleaner might be good and worth having.

[@deltajohnny]

Perfect! Thanks again, and I will order a pack today. I really appreciate your advice and it is really wonderful to be able to help each other using Internet. By the way, one of these days I will order a belt from your website and I am sure that I will be extremely happy with it :-) Best regards from Spain ;-)

[@leetomlee7265]

Is that true every needle, no matter what brand, have channel?

[@donnam4229]

You da man Harry! Thank you 😊

[@acsc3459]

I need waking boot double transport machine

[@peterburgess2176]

Hi Harry very informative. I've been looking for some RTW needles for my old Singer Patcher 29K but can't seem to find them anywhere, any ideas?

[@harryrogers]

Peter Burgess perhaps college sewing machines UK

[@amandaizquierdo3559]

Where do you buy your needles?

[@harryrogers]

Hi from College Sewing Machines UK.

[@ProfoundConfusion]

Brilliant video, Thank You.

[@Lapeerphoto]

Thanks man! That helps a little

[@waleedgamal2793]

You are very good man harry

[@capricepinckney72]

Thank you!

[@br31woodlands69]

Thank you sir

[@dwmajor3156]

great video....

[@riadsakhri9032]

thank very much . can i connect with you in whatsapp

[@20568701]

thank you so much! be great

[@alejandramontiel7206]

Preciosa casa

[@Mina-so8su]

Thank you

[@djjessejames]

"I'm going to keep this simple" 9 minutes later...

[@siham7010]

Simple doen't mean short.

[@essmene]

"College Sewing Charts" ressource has died of link rot. :(

[@DLSWV]

👍likes the videos.

[@plazro]

Hi. How can you prevent the feed dog marking the leather on an old Singer 15k. ( sorry for the daft questions, I’m new to the hobby) 😆

[@harryrogers]

Reduce presser foot tension with the top thumbscrew. Put a thin sheet of paper over the feed dogs....or even pvc tape sometimes works. You can lower feed dogs by adjustment of screw underneath...and that often works. As a last resort if you have spare dogs, file the points off a tad....but it won't grip as well....so only try if you have a spare set.

[@plazro]

@@harryrogers many thanks again 😁

[@gergemall]

Thank you ❤

[@stevestumbaugh8982]

Great video. THANK YOU