BEST Leather Sewing Machine for Beginners 

$2k... going to be a tough sell to the wife considering I was looking at those janky manual shoe fixing machines lol

Parker,Thanx for taking the time out of your busy schedule to help the beginners in our craft. I see on a Cobra class four and Ive found ways to see fairly light leather. That being said blessings on you and your family and Thanx for extending that hand to those just starting out in a craft that people like us just won't let fade away. Again Thanx and blessings on ya. As ever just Tom 🤠

Informative, simple, and honest....always enjoy listening to what you have to say. You treat us all like we're your friend and neighbor! Take care, you two!

First I like your videos. I have been doing leather work since 1974. You really are one of the few that tells without condescending the new leather worker and informing us old timers. Thank you.

I been sewing since I was five years old and now that I’m a grandmother I want to start making leather bags,belts,wallets and whatever else things of that nature Thank you for the great reviews in helping me choose for my needs👍

Like your first (?) video on machines back in the day, this one was great. Lots of valuable lnfo in just a few minutes. Your first video helped me to figure out what kind of machine I want. I lucked out and found an old Adler harness stitcher, kinda restored it, 3D printed some extras and now I'm happily sewing along and learning as I go. Thanks a lot for helping the community 😁

Thanks for sharing your knowledge Parker. Enjoy all your videos and the work that you share with all of us out here trying to learn the craft.

Thanks to you & Nikki & Mallory, I purchased this machine today! ❤ your content, Tfs your skill!!

I really like the versatility of the Cobra 26 and The Leather Machine Company has a great reputation for their service after the sale. I'm almost ready to get one myself and can't wait.

Perfect video. And any endorsement of Cobra machines and the Leather Machine Co should emphasize the OUTSTANDING customer service they provide in everything from choosing the best machine for your needs to helping you troubleshoot any issues you encounter.

So true, installing my speed reducer on my juki was a bit of a nightmare but it was worth it to me. But I would highly recommend a cylinder arm for your first machine because you can always get the flat bed attachment.

Appreciate the great Content I’ve been going down the rabbit hole to find good machine for me and this is one of the few videos I have seen with why you should get a certain leather machine, I know that seems like common sense but you provide great information on this and some great recommendations as well. Once again thanks!

I bought a cowboy outlaw manual hand crank machine. Good strong machine. Have had little issues, mainly operator error. Good machine to learn on.

Thanks for the honest review! I have a Juki 1541S and I installed a smaller pulley and with the servo motor, I can go super slow but with plenty of power. Just my two cents!

Don’t stop Sir.we appreciate you.

For a flat bed machine I recommend the box reducer that mounts between the table and motor is a easy and fast way to add a reducer use it on my Juki 1541 and you can still tilt your machine back without touching a belt

Thanks Parker (even if it was a few days late - I went with the 2750 Pro, even though I was on the fence about the Cobra Class 26 for what felt like months. Keep sharing insights!

Haven't seen you for a while, glad your good, it came up because I was looking hat servo motor powered sewing machines And if I could power my machine using a Portable power bank. Awesome info video, as usual, and a Big Salute from UK P.s last time I saw you, you just had a child, so hope all is well!

Kevin from Springfield Leather says that there’s no machine that does it all. And he’s 100% correct. The Cobra class 20 and 26 are great for lighter projects (wallets, card holders) but they don’t have the foot clearance for thick holster and sheaths. The Class 3 and 4 are perfect for thick projects, but they generally will blow right through lightweight projects.

Excellent video Parker!!! I think you covered all the bases. For me I’m going with a Cobra Class 26. I get the best of both worlds. Thanks for the video!

Thank you! Great starting point.

I just received my very first sewing machine yesterday. It’s nothing fancy, Singer M3500. 😂 I’m just sitting here looking at it…not sure what to do. I guess I can make cat toys or pillow cases for starters. A nice, rectangular piece. 😂 I don’t foresee me sewing leather anytime soon. Anyway, your video was fun to watch. You’ve got a lot of knowledge and have helpful content. Thanks! 😊

Thank you for sharing! New things to think about.

Appreciate the content you guys make so much! I've been shopping for a solid month now trying to decide on the class 20/26 vs the techsew 2750 pro vs 4800 pro. Still haven't made up my mind, but videos like this help a ton! I guess its time for me to decide if I'm going to ever make bags, and if I want the auto lube / more adjustable thread tension and presser foot height. Sooooo many choices, which I guess is a good thing?

I have been making leather holsters, mag pouches, shooter's belts, etc, for almost 40 years. The only machine I have ever used is my vintage Tippman Boss Saddle stitcher. Hand crank, one stitch at a time. It is a cast iron body, which is the best. We purchased a newer one that was made from mystery metal that broke 5 minutes into it. Sent it back. I love my hand crank stitcher...

So helpful!! Thank you Parker!!!

Thank you Parker. I've been wanting to get a machine for a long time but just not sure what to get. I think the cobra class 26 with the bed attachment is where I need to be. I actually watched this several times. Great job. Thank you.

Hi bud, great video. Thanks for the great advice. 🌟

Love your workmanship & beautiful projects! W

Parker, thank you so so much man. You're like a big brother to us in the leathercraft world and it means a lot that you help out so much with this valuable info.

Ogden, UT. Rock on. I'm right up the road from you.

Thank you. From Australia

When I was selling industrial machines, I would find out what kind of work that person was wanting to do. If the stitch count was under 300, I would recommend the Tippmann manual sewing machine. Works great for wallets and small gun holsters. For larger jobs, you want a top loading machine over a side loading machine as the hook assembly is geared more towards the heavy work you are trying to do. And no, you can't get a machine for 1000 that will sew thru an inch and a half of hard leather while taking a large thread (#207 or larger). Just remember, you will get what you pay for.

this was just awesome, no BS and good info, thanx

We have a Thor speed reducer and needle stop down on our Juki 1541...works great.

I would like to recommend the Sailrite Fabricator. It looks to be the same as the class 20. I have one and the servo motor is smooth. It's also less expensive then the others.

Bought a 1541 when I started, found a proper aftermarket reducer and installed it first thing. Moved the oil pan and motor mount in order to align the belt at 90 degrees. With any industrial machinery you have to be your own mechanic, period.

My Cobra 26 comes in two weeks.. I have a Juki1541S flatbed which I love too..but really looking forward to the Cobra 26 for that speed reducer for bag making . Great video and informative as always.

Thank you for this vid. I unfortunately bought my boat anchor after watching your Cowboy CB3200 video. 🤣 This was a much more seas ok bed honest take.

Great video thanks

From watching your previous video similar to this I ended up with the sailrite leathercraft which the stichmaster transformed into. Thanks for the info.

Thank you for the video. I've worked with leather most my life, but I've hand stitched everything. What do you think about the manual leather sewing machines vs the motorized ones for a beginner?

Thanks for sharing all your knowledge and experience. Great videos. I have a question as to where you purchased the belt end clicker and the hand clicker plus where can I purchase the clicker plates?

I’ve been hand making bags, wallets, keychains, laptop bags, and belts by hand and am looking to get into a machine. Belts are probably the thickest leather I work with. What machine would you recommend for someone like me? The cobra 26 is beautiful but I don’t have that kind of dough. Thanks in advance!

I’m debating repairing a used 1901 pfaff machine or buying a new machine. It needs a few hundred in parts and that is no guarantee it will work flawlessly. As a hobbyist I’ll probably repair the old machine until I get a larger work area built.

Buy once cry once, Cobra Class 4 premium pkg. with all the attachments, presser feet, table and so on, and add the flip down edge roller guide, about $3500 plus shipping and good to go. I have the sailrite machine, it's good but limited for leather use, so saving for the Class 4 and running it for all leather goods. The Sailrite machine be it the Stitchmaster or the leatherwork version, which the only difference between them is one is white and the other is green, are also identical to the Sailrite Ultrafeed LS-1 Basic Walking Foot sewing machine. You can get attachments for it to make piping, binder attachments, presser feet for zippers and sewing fabric vinyl and canvas along with application specific needles which makes the Sailrite very versatile for things other than leather, I discovered that my Stitchmaster is quite the upholstery machine, Sailrite has lots of project kits and general how to videos using the LS-1 wich is basically my Stitchmaster with a different needle and presser foot installed (all of which fit the Stitchmaster and Leatherwork machine) the only limit is they are straight stitch only, no zig zag stitch. So don't discount the little Sailrite machine, it has many uses, but I'd pay a little more and get a Cobra Class 4 as a second machine because you get a lot more throat depth than a Class 26 for about $800 more you won't have any real limitations of what you can fit under the needle, and that isn't much more money for this type of machine. Do your homework, I did mine, have the Stitchmaster and I'm saving my pennies for the class 4 with all the extras. Sew nylon belt rigs, rifle slings, etc... on the Stitchmaster and sew leather holsters, saddles, belts, bags, boots, wallets and so on on the class 4. #92 thread on the Stitchmaster and #207 or #138 on the class 4. Thanks again as your old video on the Sailrite machine was part of my homework before I bought that machine.

What do you think of the Tandy Cowboy sewing machine? Have you had an opportunity to try one out ? I was thinking about purchasing one for my first machine.

This is 👌 awesome advice. For making normal thickness leather bags and briefcase out of chrome leather, do you think Cobra 4 will not be suitable at all ??

Thanks for the insight what would you recommend for sewing 8 to10 oz leather belts, firefighter radio straps,mask covers the machine i use now works but lookin for upgrade. I use a walking foot flatbed off brand up grade to servo motor no reducer was thinking of just putting a reducer on it an input thanks.

hey parker! thanks for always trying to help the community and give your wisdom away. Would you say that cobra has overall better quality than techsew? I'm about to purchase a new machine and you have bought them all.

Thank you!!

You guys are really making this “I wanna get into leather working thing because I need a hobby’ into ‘eff it, I’ll buy a plastic model’. Literally.

hey there parker - just wanted to let you know I have learned much from your vids ---thank you so much for your patience an what you know ---thank you again

Your channel is wonderful and distinctive and I am a good follower of you and I hope to add the Arabic language for translation so that I can follow and thank you

Thank you guys for the video. What do yall think about the cowboy 797?

Thank you for the video. I want to make footballs and also wallet and belts. What would you suggestion out of these machines you talked about?

Great video

Do you think the class 20 would be better for inlays and overlays?

Ok I need your opinion. I do holsters, sheaths, wallets, bags, and various other items. I have always done everything by hand. Witch machine would you recommend to where I could do all of my items from my thick items to my thin items without messing them up? Thanks in advance.

You must have been reading my search history.. I hand sew wallets and holsters, wallets being max 10oz, holsters ranging from 16-20oz. Which would you recommend to tackle both those jobs?

Are the cobra machines also good for sewing canvas bags? Thanks!

Is the Sailrite Ultrafeed LSZ-1 any good for making small leather projects like belts, wallets and bags etc as a hobby? Great helpful channel, thanks.

I picked a hand crank machine. It has a rotating walking foot. I can do patches on leather.

So if you could choose between the Titan 1541 or the Tandy leather sewing machine for a new leather crafter and sewing what would you say to buy?

This is exactly the information I’ve been searching for that was elusive af until your breakdown. Thank you. There’s not many quality videos out there about leather sewing machines

Starting to do leather hat patches and need a machine that can handle that primarily. It seems the walking foot post type are a good option. Opinions? Or is a Tippmann Boss enough?

As a hand stitcher (I enjoy it) except when the stick happens, but how would you rate the weaver 303 for a beginner? I do all wallets, money clips, belts etc.

Hello. I'm a total beginner. I'd like to make small bags and purses by repurposing some older bags and their materials. I'm a basic sewer, so this is something I would love to learn more about. You mentioned The Cobra 26 model with the side platform. That sounds right for me. Any more suggestions about getting started, where to purchase a machine from and maybe even some classes? Thank you!

hi, what would you recommend a Adler 167 3 or PFAFF 335 or Juki Du 1181 N ? thanks a lot

I got a Chinese shoe patcher because I couldn’t afford a cobra but I have a juki it was my dads. Unfortunately it’s a table one and I do a lot of horse tack I’m saving up for the cobra 26 I think you said with the cylinder arm.

I have the Class 26 with the table top attachment and its been awesome. Use it for mostly prototypes but you could easily crank out solid work on it. I have no plans on sewing anything thicker than 2 or 3 layers of a bag edge so there was no reason for going up to Class 4. The only thing that sucks with the Class 26 is the reverse is a hand lever and not a pedal. Also the timing on the back-stitch is slightly shorter than the forward stitch. So you kind of have to finesse it a little to back-stitch into the holes perfectly.

Hi, another question, obviously I’m new to these machines, would any of these be good for sewing sheepskin?

Someone may say that the brand doesn't matter . But my old Toyota was built to last I believe that is more than 40 years old . I have it for more than 6 years and it never let me down . I believe that the same relatability can be expected from Pfaff Adler Juki and Seiko .

I have a chance to get a 2 year old iKonix KS-810 with table, motor and extras for a very good price. I’ve been sewing garment weight leather on a Bernina and I’m not happy. Will my mood improve with that machine or should I keep looking? I love your channel even though my products are totally different.

Ok I’m just just starting, I have a heavy duty singer, what about using that with leather needles for starting small leather projects?

Plz reply. I'm getting into guitar strap making. I got a stinger heavy duty. Not really thick leather but i want to know if it's safe enough for thin leather

Hello Mr. Parker, thank you for your video topic. Great timing!! We would like a new machine that allows 138 thread walking foot straight stitch sweet servo motor etc. What do you think? God bless thank you, Stephen PS. ...Sailrite Fabricator nice price point...

Have you messed with the Cowboy 4500... sounds like a decent machine for what I think I want to do

Would you recommend a class 26 for leather patches on hats? Thanks man, subscribed!

The real OG is singer, a lot of juki machines among others are copies of singer. I started off sewing with a singer 111-56 walking foot, dream of a machine. Paired up with a brushless servo motor, oh baby! 😂

So what do you think of the Reliable industrial machines?

What’s the best machine to do hat patches and some hey dudes? Cobra class 26 or a postbed 810?

What about a Juki DNU-1541s for making leather wallets and sheaths? I have the opportunity to get one, never used one.

hey, bud, you put the speed reducer gear set under the table. is there a reason you can't put it behind the machine on top of the table? can use all 3 gears and no clearance issues with oil pan

Hi Parker, my son has started working with leather. Making bags, saddle bags, wallets, purses, holsters etc. He is wanting a sewing machine that will do everything he needs. We need to stay in a budget of about 1500.00. He is new to this. Any suggestions? I would like to surprise him for Christmas but have no idea what I am looking at. Thanks!!

Hey for a first leather sewing machine, would you recommend the weaver 303?

Hello Parker, This is the video you should have started with years ago. You hit it out of the ballpark this time.

Would the Cobra class 20/26 be good for other materials like heavy vinyl? I’d like to do repair work and create new designs of tool boards (I’m a lineman) and make custom covers for things

Hi Parker, Why did you recommend the Cobra Class 26 over the Class 3 ( the Class 20 is accepted) ... just trying to decide between the 26 and the 3 ... any advice would be well received.

I need some advise. I seem to to be getting a lot of requests for laptop cases. I also do wallets, belts, luggage tags. What type of sewing machine should be the best machine for what I do?

I am a total beginner and would like to do a hobby side business making horse tack (headstalls, breast collars) for the older generation riders. Doubled and stitched type leather tack. What machine do you recommend, I have a decent budget but I don’t want to go into debt if I don’t sell anything. Thanks for the video by the way!

I just have a few personal projects with my Kenmore 158 70s vintage. I doubt if it will handle saddle leather, but hopefully knife sheaths and phone cases for me, family and friends. Do you have any experience with those vintage Kenmores?

What do you think about the sail rite leatherwork machine?

Hello! I stumbled upon this video while trying to decide between the Cowboy Outlaw and the Master Tool Cub. The Cowboy Outlaw was recommended by the instructor of my leather class (my intro to leather work, aside from youthful scouting experience, has been a western holster class) however the class is offered through Tandy leather at one of their locations so perhaps the instructor is biased. I love the idea of a slow moving automatic machine vs hand operated. Yes to bags, wallets, etc. however I also want to be able to do holsters, knife sheaths, etc. The sub 2k price point is more appealing but getting the right machine is more important. Would one of the two Sailrites, with leather kit, in your provided links work for holsters, etc? Or what would your recommendations be? I appreciate any input that you have. Thank you!

Hola estimado amigo Por favor soy un seguidor de tu canal y realmente me gustaría que pusieras subtítulos a tus videos , seria algo genial... Saludos desde Perú

I’m just getting into motorcycle seat upholstery. What machine would you recommend for leather and vinyl?

The best machines are found on the used market produced by the traditional manufacturers. They last forever but are increasingly hard to find because they get snapped up instantly before being shipped to developing countries. I was lucky enough to but a Seiko machine that has been clones by Japanese and Chinese manufacturers. In seven years it hasn't put a stitch wrong and I have no regrets paying around 60% of the cost of a brand new cheap brand machine.

Baseball glove repairs. Would the Cobra 26 work and/or be the best for This? Ty

It seems this Standard model fits my criteria as the wide range of needles from #10 to #23 is just what i want. But I cannot get the thickness of the leather it can sew. Do you have any idea?

I’m looking for a treadle-powered machine for doing occasional leather projects. Any recommendations?