20 Best Sewing Machine For Leather And Denim (2023 Updated)

I received this product to test from Brothers, and posting my honest review after using it few times for a week now. I’m extremely pleased with this sewing machine. I’m some what experienced at sewing, I’ve made curtains, hemmed pants, made a few clothes and made mask for our local nursing home residents.

Brothers new strong and sturdy has improved the sewing machine with computerized functions simplifying this machine, with new features such as the very bright LED light the light brightens and lights up the workspace.

There is a lot of personal control in terms of sewing speed, starting and stopping, and raising the needle up and down. The stitch selection includes standard, utility, stretch, and decorative stitches.

The needle threader works great also super easy to thread. The bobbin cover is clear, and so easy to use. This is huge, as you can see when the bobbin thread is low without having to stop sewing and open the slot where the bobbin is stored also, There are 50 built-in stitches, which is a lot of your primary task is stitching.

Nonetheless, this machine does such a good, reliable, predictable and satisfying job. I highly recommend Brothers. This strong and sturdy machine is so easy to use I was able to start sewing within the hour of reading the manual.

Thank you Brother for making a solid fantastic machine and user friendly.

I received this product to test from Brothers, and posting my honest review after using it few times for a week now. I would consider myself as an intermediate/experienced at using sewing machines. I have done lot of hemming and pillow cases etc.

mostly. Kids’ clothes and their tae-kwon-do badges and such a lot. So yes this machine can be used for far greater purpose than what I use it for, but if I ever get more into advanced sewing, this seems like will be a perfect fit that as well.

One of the feature I found most convenient and impressive was the automatic threading. Usually I’ve had some bad experiences in the past, where threading mistakes ends up locking up the machine or complicating the task.

So the automatic threading feature takes away that pain. Being all new and modern, the sewing machine has a built in LED light, that lights up the working area and makes the sewing/detail work easier.

One simple but brilliant (in my opinion, compared to my old sewing machine) is the clear bobbin thread cover, where you can see how low are you on your threads. no need to open the cover frequently to check.

One other thing I’d also mention is the control over the granularity of the speeds and such. I found the manual to be very helpful with all these functions. I’d definitely recommend. Thanks.

I received this product for free from Brother in exchange for my honest opinion/review of the product. I desperately needed a more modern sewing machine. Years ago I was given a decent machine but it has seen better days and could be frustrating to use.

This machine is computerized, wow what a difference. I’m now part of the modern world. Previously, on the old machine I wouldn’t have even tried to sew through thicker fabric but this machine does so with ease.

No snagging or pulling it sews smoothly and quickly. Love all the built-in stitches, a nice selection and changing between them is so easy. Bobbin setup, so easy! Even with well thought overhead & or directional lighting I really appreciate the LED light that is included.

I have to believe it will reduce eye strain. It’s also quieter than my old machine which for me is a big plus. I’m still going through the manual which has been quite helpful in not only setting up the machine but in showing me all the features & functions.

I’m now inspired to try projects I haven’t tackled before. I’m impressed.

I needed a good sewing machine for basic sewing, and I bought the name brand Singer. I used it for a project that I needed to repair and the very first time, it gave me problems with sewing. I had to repair that project which was replacing the velcro on my work knee pads.

So, I did not want to use the name brand and I looked at the Janome HD 1000 Black Edition. What got my attention, was the 25 years warranty and the second thing that got my attention, was it came with leather sewing needs.

I said to myself, that if it can sew basic leather, then it should be able to sew the velcro and elastic band; and the price topped it off as well. When I got my new Janome and used it on my project, I was very happy that it was easy to setup and the only problem I had was that I had the thread in the wrong direction.

Finding the solution for that problem was easy. When I fixed it the correct way, it was fast and easy and I finished the job and had no more problems. The name brand kept giving me problems even when I got help from their customer service, that why I went with the Janome sewing machine, and I am happy that I bought this sewing; my only regret was that I wish I would have found the Janome sewing before I bought the name brand sewing machine instead! It is truly a heavy duty sewing machine.

Bought it because of the brand and as my eyes aren’t that good anymore I was sold on the” self threading” feature. ugh. big mistake ! It is too quite complicated and I still needed someones’ else help because I couldn’t see what I was doing.

So that cancels that benefit. 2’nd – that thing is BLACK ! And the light from the puny lightbulb is not enough. White machine reflects light – this black obviously doesn’t so the side light is needed or you’ll be sewing literally in the dark.

And the worst part is performance !!!! I used the machine only few times to shorten pants etc, nothing heavy or complicated. Stored in closed case with a hard cover. Few weeks ago needed to use it again.

nope , wouldn’t turn at all. Took it for maintenance, they oiled it and tested and I thought , ok. works. So started sewing at home. maybe 15″ of stichting. now is shredding bobbin thread and pulling the fabric in.

I’m done with it ! What on Earth happened to this brand ?.

I have had 2 of these (This model is identical to the thread banger I had in 2004). These machines go for 8-10 years if you take it in for normal service to a sewing store or just oil it regularly and keep dust out of bobbin chamber.

As another reviewer noted- no cheap thread! No cheap needles either! Use Gutterman needles and match them to the project. Secondly do yourself a favor and study tension settings. For example you can’t sew vinyl on the setting for cotton batiste, if you do the machine will jam up and of course your needle will break.

Mechanical machines are wonderful, but remember you are 100% in control the machine is not going to do anything for you. It’s a great machine, take time to learn it ❤️.

I was so dissapointed with it machine. It couldnt even go through 4 laters of meduim weight, even with the correct needle, it BROKE. Then I was sewing simple cotton; skipped stitched, kept skinning the thread which I had ever seen before.

I was working on an old Singer of my husband’s and that thing was great so I was expecting something better with this HD one. I watched review videos and it looked great but nope. Horrible. I took it back and lost money on the restocking fee but I honestly did not care because I was so angry with the machine.

The return and Joanns store were so understanding and sweet so I’m happy it was such an easy return because I HATED THIS THING! The only amazing thing was that the pressure foot extended higher and it seems hard to find that in other machines.

Anyways, would not buy it.

I bought my machine from Hobby Lobby just a few months ago. Since day one the upper thread will constantly pull out no matter what tension it’s on. Annoying but I can deal. Now the machine skips stitches.

I have changed the needle, changed the thread, constantly rethread the machine and it just randomly decides to skip stitches. I have done the tension and stitch lengths as well. I can understand it skipping stitches when I am sewing a top stitch over a bag where I have multiple layers including marine vinyl and foam but it stitches perfectly.

No hesitations at all. Then i go to make a mask with bias tape, just two thin pieces of cotton and store bought bias tape and it skips stitches like mad. Yes i have re set the machine tension and stitch length and changed to a fresh needle since i don’t need a large needle.

This is the most annoying thing about this machine. I almost wish i didn’t buy it.

I am frankly disappointed by the Heavy Duty 4423. The pedal barely reaches the floor. Singer decided to economize not just on the electric power cord, but on almost all other features. Plastic and flimsy exterior.

Disappointed with the quality of the stiches on simple cotton fabric, I can only imagine what will be with other materials. Still considering if I should return this purchase. I did not expect this from SINGER as I had a different model from the same company 30 years ago and there is no comparison in quality.

Simple to use, but this is the only positive I have discovered so far.

Mediocre, far from Heavy duty. As an experienced seamstress, I find this machine extremely mediocre. First of all horizontal bobbins are the worse and not long-lasting. Other their internal metal case, the rest of the machine is made with cheap materials all plastic.

The light is THE WORSE I have seen in my entire seeing life, there are internal main pieces that in any machine would be metal and are plastic in this one. It’s very noisy even after oiling it and any machine comes with a hard case but this one came with a cheap fabric cover.

The backstitch button is in a totally unpractical place and will advise being VERY gentle with the 2 wheels on the front (to change stitches and length) because I am sure they will break in a few months.

My friend lends me her brand new for me to see if I would get it. Definitely no!And this is not a beginner’s friendly machine.

In the first 6 days, I have broken 3 machine needles. I have City & Guilds qualifications as well as a degree in Textiles along with over 50 years experience of using sewing machines and in that time I have broken only a couple of needles.

Other problems experienced with this machine include the upper thread breaking and the lower thread jamming several times. All the previous reviews were glowing and my reason for buying it. As this was bought for my granddaughter, I thought it wise to try it out before giving it to her.

I’m so relieved that I did this. I’m still trying it out for a few more days before either returning it to the shop or sorting out the reason for these problems myself. It’s a lovely machine and would be ideal for a novice so I’m really disappointed.

I bought the LS-1 basic walking foot 110v. It runs quite loud due to the belt system. The walking foot doesn’t seem to be a whole lot different than a regular foot was a little disappointed in the walking foot seemed to work differently than what I seen on videos.

Does so far sew pretty well but harder to control than what appeared on videos as well. I wanted a heavy duty machine that was easier to control so I could teach my daughter a little easier but not the case with this machine.

I did receive my machine very quickly in shipping. Was not very impressed with the plastic wheel since, the rest of the machine is a heavy cast iron type metal it saddened me they would add some plastic parts.

I will continue to work with it and hope to have for many years to sew my leather bags and totes. I see lighter weight things on this machine as well like canvas and faux leather so far it does sew really well.

My LS-1 arrived a few days ago. Setting the machine up was not a problem. I did need to adjust the bobbin winder, but this was easy because of the very clear instructions in the online video. I do upholstery for myself and family.

I usually have a project in the works. I am very impressed with how the LS-1 handles layers of upholstery fabric. I ruined a domestic sewing machine by trying to sew too many fabric layers. I chose the LS-1 over the LSZ-1 because you offer the double piping foot for the LS-1.

What would make the LS-1 the “perfect” portable walking foot sewing machine for me to work on upholstery? I would like to have a piping foot that I can sew “fiber flex” cording with because foam is not my first choice for upholstery.

Of course, I did know the installed foot would crush fiber flex cording before purchasing the LS-1, and that I would have to use foam cording to make piping. Because of the helpful information you provide online, I could easily make an informed decision.

So Matt, this is a request for your punch list and will remain on my wish list, another piping foot for the LS-1. I really love the LS-1 even though it is not “perfect”.

My old sewing machine stopped working a few months ago and this is such an excellent replacement! I love the style, it’s sleek, portable & not so heavy! I just love it! It has so many options I haven’t even tried them all yet! Besides all the options (like stitches & designs) it is so easy to use! Use friendly, easy to thread (which is huge!) and seamless stitching.

It runs smoothly & I love the easy to use pressure foot, it gives me great control! I’ve only used it so far for mending but threading & bobbin changing is simple, you can select stitch length easily too! It comes with so many supplies – a dust cover, tools for maintenance & needles/bobbins! I’m so happy & love this is built for the somewhat novice sewer as it’s strong & tough!.

This is a great machine for sewing and quilting, with excellent stitch quality. It’s good for quilt piecing, quilting, garment sewing and decor sewing. It has a metal frame and metal parts inside, much better than the usual plastic disposable junk machines that are out there.

Most of the bad reviews here seem to come from those who bought machines that were refurbished but sold as new, and from user error. You have to match the needle to the type of fabric and thread that you are using.

And it is important with vertical horizontal bobbins to THREAD AND INSERT THE BOBBIN CASE PROPERLY. DON’T use cheap thread that will lint up your machine! And thread your machine right, and follow all of the instructions in the manual, and you should have no problems.

I already sent you a review but got no response, so here goes again. On-line ads touted this machine as able to sew through 8-12 layers of heavy denim, leather, even a wooden yardstick! Well, maybe but to me, it’s no better than any other sewing machine and in some ways, worse.

It stalls, going through 5 or 6 layers of COTTON. In the threading process, it has chintzy-looking thread holders – and a lot of them! It was difficult to loosen the interior (traction) wheel in order to wind the bobbin: I could not get a good grip on it.

Made for an 8-year-old’s hand size, maybe? When I sewed my first pieces together (as instructed, sew for 2 minutes due to possible oil discharge on new machines), the bottom thread was straight and the upper thread was loopy, despite the fact that I had adjusted the tensions as the instructions suggested.

I had to play with it a bit, to get the machine to sew with even tension above & below, but instructions say to put it on 4: mine is past the 5, heading to 6, to get it to sew correctly. After 10 or 15 minutes sewing, the bobbin thread broke and the machine was absolutely FROZEN.

I could not budge the hand wheel forward or backward. I tried everything and finally ended up removing the two bobbin holders from beneath the machine surface (you have to take the plastic storage bin out in order to do this): Eventually, I was able to grab the broken piece of thread and dislodge it.

BUT THEN, I was left with a torn-apart bobbin area and it took MANY attempts before I was able to put it back correctly. This wasted 1/2 hour of my time – on a brand new machine!!! I have sewn for 50 years and to me, this is NOT a quality piece of equipment, nor a “user-friendly” machine.

I gave it a “2” because with several adjustments, it did sew. But it is NOT the wonderful, heavy duty machine it is advertised to be. It is just mediocre, typical made in Taiwan quality. I bought it to make masks, because my old Singer gave up the ghost.

Sorry I picked Janome. I will be returning it as soon as I can get into the store. Thanks for asking.

I grew up with my mother owning a Singer. They just feel different than any other machine I’ve tried. (I’ve killed three other brands in the past ten years. Usually by the end of the first project. ) I have completed five projects and I’m half way through six and seven on this new Singer.

I am very impressed with the 6600C. My mother’s machine was black and had a reversable plate for selecting a stitch (early-mid 90’s). I think it had 100+ stitches. It may have had more stitch options but the 6600C sewed through canvas and denim like it was butter! I love it and I hope that it lasts longer than my mothers (which was a very long time)!.

I bought this machine a few months ago and was very impressed at how quiet the motor is for a machine that stitches a project so quickly. I had no problem sewing through layers at a consistent speed – compared to other machines where I’d have to slow down substantially out of fear of breaking the needle.

I only wish it had more speed control where I could start out a slower pace and gradually increase as needed or vice versa. I am still a novice at installing zippers and it would be helpful. I did end up returning this machine because of that one reason.

But other than that, this machine really delivers and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a great heavy duty machine.

My mom gifted this machine to me for my birthday and it’s my first time using a sewing machine. I made sure to follow all the instructions in the manual and have had great success with it. I’ve already sewn 2 dresses.

Any issues I had were because of an error on my part and I could fix it by looking up the issue in the manual or youtube. I love that it came with so many presser feet, and I’ve had fun with all the stitch styles it can do.

I only had issues in the beginning with the bobbin but haven’t had any since. I’m very happy with this machine.

I purchased this because I needed a step up from the dinosaur I was currently using. I was so excited to receive this machine because of all the great reviews. Soon I realized this was not the machine for me.

This is machine is great and well built and it had no problems. BUT. I just can’t sew when my material is feeding through the machine and has a mind of its own. My material would constantly go to the right and I would have to try to pull it back.

Too much struggling to get a straight line. The guide plate for measurements is WAY off (no matter if you are using stitch 00 or stitch 01). I was trying to make something with a half inch seam allowance and it always was coming up short.

SO please take that into account if you are going to purchase this machine. Switching between stitches and figuring out which one is the best was easy to accomplish. Someone in an earlier comment said something about the needle being too far back and I agree.

It was hard to see what I was doing sometimes. The light is too dim. I would still have to put an extra lamp behind the machine to see what I was doing half the time. The presser foot made it hard to see especially if I was following a line or something.

All in all, I would not purchase this or any of the Project Runway machines again. This machine wasn’t for me but it doesn’t mean it won’t be for you. Just telling what my biggest gripes were about this machine before I returned it to the store.

This refurbished Singer 44S was purchased to be shipped to a friend in another state. It arrived quickly in two days. but without needed accessories for it to even sew! It’s online description did not state what accessories it included, but the photos on the left side of the webpage show a machine with a buttonhole foot, an all purpose/zig zag foot and the large thread spool cap.

It arrived without any of those and also did not have its small spool cap, nor the button sewing on foot, and not the zipper foot either. If you know about sewing machines, you know all those are needed or the machine can’t sew.

Other small items were also missing, such as a pack of needles and a lint brush, etc. IMHO those are of little concern. The missing accesories could be a one off mistake, but the machine does not even seem refurbished! Even though cosmetically OK, the machine has a straight stitch foot on it and the stitch width was set as wide as it could be set.

The tension dial was set to 7. Even a sewist would not set up a machine that way, let alone a tech refurbishing a sewing machine. No way. Strangely, the 44S accessory package does not even have a straight stitch foot as part of its package, so a tech refurbishing the sewing machine would not have left that on there instead of putting on a general purpose/zig zag foot it’s supposed to have on it.

This is an AS IS machine and not a refurbished one. My friend can’t test sew with it to know if it even sews well without the needed accessories. The word accessories sound like these items are superfluous, but they are actually imperative to sewing with the machine.

It could have exchanged with this machine picked up by FedEx and another one sent. but the question to online customer service was if this refurbished machine sold and shipped by Walmart is supposed to include accessories or not.

since it’s not verbally described in its webpage online. The very nice customer service reps could not assure that the machine is to have accessories or not. I’ve bought several refurbished sewing machines in years past and they were always well set up with everything in their accessories package as offered when new.

but that was well explained in their webpages. Online customer gave me the address and phone number to the distribution center and I will certainly contact them tomorrow. Thank you for reading this long review.

Hope it helps someone else from an unpleasant surprise.

I have five granddaughters between the ages of 10and 15 who are interested in learning to sew! I got this sewing machine to teach them as the machine I have is far too involved for them! It is heavy duty and has alot of weight to it so it doesn’t move around while sewing.

The machine is easy to thread as each step is numbered on the machine. The bobbin also has a picture of how it goes in. The machine sews nice even stitches and has the capability of several other stitches as well and this is done very easily by just turning the dial and stitchsettings.

The machine also has a reverse button which is another easy to use feature. It also has a light but I wish the light covered a little more surface area! It came with all-of the basic needs for sewing including a couple of extra presser feet , extra bobbins, and a buttonhole attachment.

My first granddaughter who is 10 tried it out and caught on quickly especially with how to thread it because of the numbers on the machine. Using it was an extremely positive experience for her first time sewing! The manual for it is available on line which I downloaded for reference.

It comes with a cloth dustcover which is important to use to keep it free of dust particles in the air when not in use. Overall I found this to be a great machine for beginners, crafters and those with basic sewing machine needs.

Great quality as Singer is known for and also easy to use for those with little or no experience. I would highly recommend!.

Very straightforward machine. If you took home-ec in school, you can use this easily! I have owned “computerized” or digital machines in the past; they make me crazy trying to micro-manage my creativity! THIS machine is powerful, and to-the-point.

Manual adjustment of stitch tension, length, and style. That’s it. Pick your needle according to fabric weight, choose the right thread, TEACH yourself how to tension/loosen the stitches on scrap fabric that matches the fabric for your project, and the machine reliably and strongly does what you’ve asked.

I am just a “hobby” / mending / personal alterations type sewer, but I wanted to be SURE that when I went to hem some jeans or patch a heavy coat that I would not be stuck with a wimpy machine struggling to punch through many layers of sturdy fabric.

This machine has delivered. As for the “reconditioned” designation, the machine I received was COMPLETE with everything it originally came with, original instruction manual, in original box, and in all ways appeared and works like a NEW machine.

I have not been compensated in any way to write this up; I just give credit where credit is due and this is the right machine for a very good price for my expectations.