


Leather is luxurious, but it’s tricky if you want to sew with it. It’s a tough and tick fabric that not all sewing machines can sew successfully. If you are going to be using leather, you’re going to need the right equipment. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
In this post, I will go over the best sewing machines for leather for every budget and skill level.
Let’s dive in. 💕
1. JUKI DDL-8700 Servo Industrial
What I Like
With a sewing speed of 5,500 stitches per minute this is one of the fastest sewing machines on the market. No matter how fast you are looking to go this sewing machine will be able to do. This is great for experienced seamstresses or large projects that have lots of straigh seams.
Durable
If you are looking for durable, this is as strong and reliable as they come. It comes with an all-metal frame that most sewing machines don’t have today. This is built to last with only a few plastic pieces you can be sure that it’s not going to suddenly break on you.
What I Dislike
The Juki DDL-8700 is no joke. You’re going to need to make sure that you have a table that can withstand the weight of this machine. It weighs 150 pounds and typically needs a special, all-metal sewing machine to support it. Otherwise, you risk damaging the furniture in your home by placing this behemoth on it.
Only Single Stitch
Like most industrial sewing machines, the Juki 8700 only comes with the straight stitch option. If you are new to sewing, then using this sewing machine can be difficult.
Who Should buy
You can have with you a machine that’s easy to manage and maintain at a reasonable cost.
This model can handle a wide array of garments such as skirts, jackets, polo shirts, etc.
Although it limits only one type of stitch, which can be an issue if you’re on the adventurous side, the Juki 8700’s most significant advantage draws from its built-to-last design.
2. Juki TL-2010Q
What I Like
The Juki 8700 and the Juki TL-2010Q are opposites when it comes to portability. The Juki TL-2010Q prides its self on being lightweight and portable yet powerful. It only weighs 25 pounds and is less than 18 inches long.
Maximum Speed Control:
The speed control lever allows you to control the sewing speed for precision sewing.
You can set the speed anywhere between 200 to 1500 stitches per minute. This gives you the perfect range to handle a variety of projects. At this speed, it’s perfect for beginner and intermediate sewers but can be slow for experienced sewers.
Automatic Needle Threader
Another reason why Juki TL-2010Q is excellent is its automatic needle threader.
The automatic needle threader is invaluable for those who want to sew with ease.
It pushes thread through the needle seamlessly, which helps save time and prevents mistakes.
It also has an automatic thread button that trims the thread by lightly pressing the push-button.
What I Dislike
Depending on the types of projects you are doing the workspace is a bit small. Especially given that it weighs around 25 pounds you would expect it to have a larger work space.
Not Bright Enough
You can’t rely on the LEDs that are included with this machine. Without proper lighting overhead it can be difficult to see. It only has three little LEDs that don’t provide enough light for comfort.
Who Should buy
The adjustable speed that’s tailor-fit for both beginners and experienced sewers makes the Juki TL-2010Q all the rage.
3. SINGER 4452 Heavy Duty

This sturdy, durable sewing machine comes with various attachments, including an embroidery arm and a built-in carrying handle for easy transport.
With the SINGER, you can tackle any project, from upholstery to quilting.
You’ll also be able to stitch through any fabric using the included accessory feet.
Once you purchase your SINGER Heavy Duty 4452, we recommend getting extra bobbins and needles so that your work never has to stop because of thread breaking. You will be able to make plenty more projects without worrying about running out of bobbins!
Read my full review of the SINGER 4452 Heavy-Duty.
4. Singer Heavy Duty 4432
What I Like
The simple stitch selection allows you to change the stitch easily.
Needle positions available
This machine comes with at least three needle positions to choose from: inserting zippers, cording, and topstitching.
Automatic systems for maximum efficiency
To start with, you can adjust the stitch’s length up to 6 mm. The twin needle capability is my partner for a productive day.
What I Dislike
The dull color of the machine can be considered a drawback.
Poor lighting
Although it comes with LED light, this machine’s illumination needs improvement.
Hard to control motor
Due to its powerful engine, some users reported having experienced some issues in handling the machine.
Who Should buy
The Singer Heavy Duty 4432 is ideal for sewing jeans and denim, but don’t use it excessively to avoid overheating. Give it a break, or give yourself a break. It is an excellent machine for moderate sewing of jeans and denim.
5. Brother ST371HD

It also features a jam-resistant Quick-Set drop-in top bobbin, making it easy to thread and get sewing in no time. With its heavy-duty metal frame, this machine is built to last. It also comes with an instructional DVD so you can easily learn the basics and get started.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for an affordable machine or a more experienced sewer wanting to take on larger projects, the Brother ST371HD is a great choice. Read the full Brother ST371HD review here.
6. Janome Industrial-Grade HD1000
What I Like
I appreciate the basic stitches and the easy-to-follow instructions manual. It also has an automatic needle threading system that saves time.
Removable free arm
Let’s face it; there are times when the free arm is controlling our motions while working. With this machine’s feature, you can easily remove the free arm whenever you like, fuss-free!
What I Dislike
This machine can’t sew all types of fabrics. That is if you want to avoid jam or overheat.
Not easy threading
Its automatic needle threading system doesn’t work as efficiently as it should be.
Who Should buy
However, it is essential to note that this machine shouldn’t be used for thick fabrics as it is prone to jams and overheating.
With 25 years of warranty, you can exhaust the benefits this machine can offer for a long time without the what-ifs. What’s more, enjoy no-charge maintenance in its first year. Isn’t that amazing?
Frequently Asked Questions
You can use a sewing machine for both leather and regular fabric, but it’s important to choose a machine that can handle thick, heavy materials like leather, and adjust settings and needles accordingly to prevent damage.
In Conclusion
You’ve got a solid grasp on the top sewing machines for leather crafting, featuring the JUKI DDL-8700 Servo Industrial, SINGER 4452 Heavy Duty, and Juki TL-2010Q. With their high sewing speeds, adjustable RPMs, and heavy-duty capabilities, these machines are designed to tackle tough leather projects efficiently. When choosing a machine, consider the features that matter most to your leather crafting needs, from automatic needle threading to precision stitching. Now, get ready to take your leather crafting to the next level.