How to select a Sewing Machine for Making Leather Products 

Very useful video for a novice like myself searching for a machine to make some leather pillows. Thanks for your efforts. RU-vid is so great as people share their knowledge freely.

Ive watched this video so many times and I always feel like I learn something new every time I watch it. Thank you Arthur

"Push for quality & don't be afraid of sharing" I love that ideal! You are a very good teacher, I'll be watching you more. Thank you for your generosity of spirit.

I love your no-nonsense approach and the fact that you actually show the machines. You are talking in the video just like you are sitting right there with each viewer. Fantastic job! I could talk to you all day (or listen, ha ha).

Thank you for sending good energy this way, I believe in energy and how much it can change the way we feel. Arthur

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us, it is so amazing to learn from someone with experience, specially for someone like me that is so hungry to learn and can't go out to classes. Thanks again, I really appreciate you.

Thanks, Arthur... many good and valuable points you made there. Isn't RU-vid amazing? Over 146,000 people have learned from your wide experience in this video. :)

A kind fellow for taking the time to serve this up to us. I enjoyed it.

Mr Porter, I have been watching your video's for some time , and I just wanted to say how much I have enjoyed them and how much you have helped a beginner like me, Thank you for taking the time to put this information out there for all of us, Chuck

I learn so much from watching your videos! I'm looking to make leather goods in the near future and I believe that this video alone has just saved me money because instead of learning through trial and error, I now know what to look for. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. It is much appreciated.

Thank you Mr. Arthur for your inspiring videos , you take pride in your work and I love that. I look forward to watching more of your Awesome creations, thank you

hi Arthur, just wanted to thank you for your videos. I bought a used industrial machine with virtually no sewing experience and was afraid to use it until I found you. You have a gift for teaching--thank you again SO much.

"It's like pulling a boat with a motorcycle." LOVE IT! Very helpful video, thank you so much, Arthur. Your conversational style is very accessible and informative.

Your videos are the only one's i will watch and understand properly.....very informative. I would not want to learn from anyone else. i too have an industrial straight-stitch with a clutch motor. soon to have an industrial walking foot to make handbags/purses in leather. Please post more videos.

Thank you so much for this video, answered questions that I didn't know I had in the back of my mind. I make hats, also have 4 straw braid antique millinery sewing machines from year around 1884. The info. you shared about the AC/DC motor helped. The DC motor I purchased 5 years ago, love the regulator for sewing straw braid and never knew about the AC motors. God Bless you Sir.

Mr. Porter, thank you so much for the thorough and concise explanation of the machines. I really appreciate the time you have devoted to your students.

Janaiana, you are so WELCOME and Thank you for watching, you have no idea I much it mean to me that these videos are helping you and other people around the world, I also LOVE what you are doing for people in Brazil. Arthur

What a blessing to find this video ...Arthur you are amazing. Thank you for sharing!

Really Great! Thank you for sharing your experience & preventing me going though all the sewing machines you have to get to where you are. Experience is Everything!!! You are a treasure. Wish I could take your classes in person!

Such a gift to be able to teach like you do. I have just started and have learned so much from your videos. It's clear you enjoy what you do as well as teaching about what you do.

You have the best "how to" videos on RU-vid by far. You answered about 95 % of my questions of which machine should I use on leather. Hands down best videos. Luv and props to you, keep up the great work

I love this video. It is amazing what a graphic representation of the mechanics of what a certain type of machine can accomplish compared to another machine. I want to ask so many questions, but, I think you have answered them all with a beautifully produced tutorial. thanks a bunch!

Thank you so much for your videos -- I just discovered them tonight and watched 3 already... your kindness is much appreciated!

Great job - excellent video! Very informative. I tell my guys at work the same thing about "quality" - that's what will out live you. In six months or a year, nobody will remember how fast you did something but the quality (or lack of it) will still be there for all to see.

Your experience shines Mr. Porter! I learned more in the 29 minutes than I have in days of internet research. Thank you very much for sharing! I'm looking for a used machine now and your advice taught me what to look for!

I will say that I have learnt a lot through watching your video!! My goodness I have made mistakes with machines that I have bought which "the seller has claimed they sew through leather" I can therefore relate to everything in this video!! Thanks so much because you have explained the facts in layman terms which I can understand!!

great video! Being a machine person it is nice to find somebody that can convey details and you seem to do a great job thanks!

Just discovered your channel and have learned so much as a beginner, thank you so much for these videos.

Thank you for being on youtube and freely sharing your knowledge. I'm just starting out in leather and canvas and really can't afford lessons. You are a real help for guys like me. Please keep it up.

Thank you for the information on sewing machines and the motors. I am a beginner and looking to purchase a machine. I read some of your answers to the comments posted and I am learning more information. You are a great teacher! Thank you!

Arthur, this is the first time that someone cleared my mind for me on the type of sewing machine. Thanks so much and keep it up!!

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and making all us crafters more sensitive to knowing that when working from the stand point of industrial machinery that there is not one machine to do every job. Each industrial machine is tailored for a specific duty.

Hi.Arthur. I just retired, have never been interested in sewing in younger years, but thought I'd like to take an upholstery class now which, by the way, I've not yet found offered in the Memphis TN area. I was actually querying for industrial upholstery machines and came across your site. I thoroughly enjoyed your video presentation as it was so well done. You not only displayed a wide range of machines, including demonstrations, but went into detail with examples of usage of each. Thanks for the lesson. It was well worth my time, and I appreciate yours.

Thank you so much for making this video. It was perfect and your knowledge and willingness to share it with the world is very much appriecated.

You, sir, are a scholar and a gentleman. Thank you for making this video. More importantly, thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with others.

What a blessing you are. Thank you so much for sharing your wealth of knowledge. I've gained so much.

Thank you Arthur for making your videos . Very helpful.

I miss this soooooo much Mr. Porter! Thank you for everything!

You are a wonderful teacher!!! The explanations were very thought out and answered many questions in regards to the sewing of leather, machines and why there are differences. Thank You for being so generous to share your knowledge, skill and great attention to detail. Anyone to be blessed to have lessons from you, I could only imagine how inspired they would be. You are an artist with style and grace, craftsman extraordinaire that has just touched my creative soul and raised the level of my game.

Thank you Arthur. I watched RU-vid videos on how to do it and got it done. Machine sews perfectly now.😁

Thank you for such a detailed video. You've really helped me to better understand sewing machines. Will be watching more of your videos.

Another great video. I felt like I was sitting with you in a weekend chat. Thank you very much.

Thank you for the great video. I am new to sewing and I learned a lot watching this video.

Dear Arthur, I just want to let you know how much you inspire me and what you do to my heart. For I know, where there is love, there is a love for you!!! I know I can't be alone, when I say this, "I Love You!!!" Thank You from Heart❤️ I want you to know that you are the kind of person that makes this world beautiful. Through your style that is pure artistry and vibrant, with the energy of a galaxy, more brilliant and dazzling than any star~ You are what wisdom and life was intended to be bequeathed to this world by those that built the pyramids, gave us the math deeply embedded in the pyramids, navigated the globe and were masters as you, teachers like you and all had dark beautiful skin like all those of the great Dynastic epochs that wrappings of kings still are embedded with Melanie, and even today complements any color fabric no matter how bright. I know this because, In Bahia Brasil, I studied percussion with the group Ile' Aiye' all Pro Black Afro movements~ Bands, Percussion Community Groups that stirred up controversy in the 1970's Yeah~They tried to adorn me with bold colors and even all white against my white freckled skin~ Let's not go there. I hope you are well, I just went down to Tandy Leather, I'm horrible at this so far but I have a vision because of you. Sincerely, Randy Chavez

You're a good man Arthur Porter

Sir thank You very much. You helped a lot in one video and explain so much with no money down.

I’m so glad my mom told me (well she demanded) that I watch this video first. Had I not, I would have messed up my brand new Viking Oval 670. I recently visited the new Tandy store in Ft. Worth during a business trip and was all set to start sewing fashion garments with leather. I’m going to be in Dallas/Ft. Worth January 2014 and will email you for more details about attending a class or such. I’m so floored as the information I didn’t know. Thank you tremendously for sharing this valuable knowledge and preventing my from slowly killing my $1200 new machine. I need to buy the proper tools/instruments.

Thank you for sharing this information with us and being so thorough.

Hi Arthur, Thank you Thank you Thank you!!! You made me smile, laugh and fall back in love with sewing. Your video is so on point and user friendly. I'm looking for a workhorse machine and your breakdown of walking vs straight foot stitch and AC vs DC is so very helpful! Thank you again! Jaime

That Singer Merrit home machine that you are working on is the exact model of my first sewing machine. What good memories. I wish I still had it, I traded it in for a New Home that I ended up hating. This was all years ago, I have other machines now. I really enjoy all your vides, I just discovered your channel and it's taking me awhile to go through them all.

Now that was an insight I never expected. I am gathering info for my first machine. I can understand why the constant pressure helps with the stitch but only after seeing your video. I appreciate your pace as well. I have subscribed. Thanks, Arthur. Brian

Hey Arthur, I wish I lived in your area, I would attend all your classes. You are an excellent teacher. Thank you so much and God bless you!

Congratulations for the video. Very clear and useful. Even I have bought a non proper machine for leather sewing (a portable one...), next step will be, this video accordingly. Thanks and regards from Romania!

Hello Arthur Porter. Thanks you for taking the time to make this very informative video. It's answered many of my questions and more. I am a very experienced (domestic) sewer and have used leather and suede many times but I now want to sew heavier weight leather for bags etc. I found this video so useful . Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge! sending you so much good energy your way.

Arthur - Thanks for posting this very informative video - excellent explanations of the walking foot and motor size - all very helpful - thanks very much. Harry

Your video was very helpful as I'm in the market for a machine now. I didn't know the difference between the AC and DC machines. And I wasn't sure I could sew on my home sewing machine. You saved my motor!!:)

Thank you for a very informative review of sewing machines. You will find me looking over more of your videos. A newbie with lots of ideas and glad to find resources.

Arthur! Your'e brilliant! Thank you for sharing your insight!

I just want to say thank you for explaining the sewing machines in great plain English for a person that is just starting to learn how to sew leather. I have been stitching a saddle stitch by hand but that gets old ..lol. My poor Singer 15 125 is now a nice wall hanger. Again thank you for your video.

Excellent, In depth tutorial! You took time to explain things very well. Thanks!

Awesome presentation and a great introduction to sewing of leather, something of which I know very little. I baulked when I saw that it was almost 30 minutes, but there was not a minute wasted. Looking forward to seeing your video on actual sewing techniques.

Thank you. Arthur!!! Love the information. Knowledge is growth!!!

I learnt so much from this video. I am looking into starting leather sewing. Thank you so much!!

Thank you for the great video's! You are thorough and knowledgeable and most importantly you instill confidence with focus on what's important. Much gratitude from Canada!

Hi Arthur, This is the first time ever I'm posting a comment on RU-vid and I must say that this video helped me a lot in confirming my thoughts on sewing machines. I just took delivery of my walking foot industrial sewing machine this morning. It is a Typical GC0303 DC motor-driven unit mounted on its own table. I have been doing motorcycle seat upholstery as a hobby here in Sydney Australia for 3 years now and the bike shops here in Sydney just keep on sending me their customer's seats for repair every single week (I think they like my work!) doing seats from scooters to BMWs and Ducati's. I got away with a 2nd hand Janome to start my work, eventually getting rid of it (skipping stitches too much) and using a Toyota Denim machine bought from a craft shop. It was brand new with a "walking foot" attachment to it, mostly made out of plastic which was fine for the first 10 months but eventually started breaking apart, losing upper tension which led to uneven stitches. I did really well despite the machine handicap though I dreamed that someday I could get the thickest thread and a decently wide stitch similar to the commercial pro upholsterers. Today I have made that step from hobbyist towards professional bike seat upholsterer. I am glad to see your video to affirm that the investment I made on this REAL sewing machine (with the meager savings that I have) is the right decision for me. Can't wait to go home and do my first job on the right machine. Thank you for inspiring me with your video.

Hi Arthur, thank you for sharing your knowledge. i always admired with people who love to share their skill with others. I'm a selfthought sewer who first learn to sew through other peoples free tutorial on internet. i used to sew simple clutches and pencilcase with my home sewing machine. had ever tried handsewed 2 of my tote leather bags and now getting interested in sewing leather with machine. I'm from Indonesia, south east asia, and not easy to find those magic machines you showed.

Hi Arthur. I came across your video today and just wanted to say thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge with us. I've enjoyed sewing duffle bags for my sons and have been really pushing my small Brother cs6000i to no end. Now that I know I enjoy making bags, and have had several people inquire about them, I've been considering an industrial machine and thanks to you now know it must be a walking foot industrial! Can't wait to pick your brain when I'm ready to purchase! You are a blessing and your students are truly blessed to learn from you.

You are a bundle of information,I have learned so much. It would be nice to have a industrial sewing machine with a walking foot but a little out of reach to be making leather gifts and not being in the business. You do wonderful work. Have been watching your videos constantly. Thanks for educating me and everyone else.

This video has been very useful and thank you for helping people like me who are thinking about doing stuff like this, keep up the good work! By the way, nice watch.

Arthur, I enjoyed you presentation. Thank you for taking the time to make it.

Great information! New subscriber. I'm new to sewing (1 year), but, I now realize that I need an industrial machine to sew leather products. I will scour craigslist and see what i could come up with. Thanks for sharing.

Brilliant You Are! I have learned SOOO Much more, just watching your videos; and am gaining even more confidence daily. Thank you Arthur for Sharing, Passing On your wisdom, knowledge; and expertise in the Sewing Industry. You are a High Quality Professional, indeed! God Continue to Bless, with Perpetual Success! ~Add Love!™ Sewing To Sew!®

Great video sir. I've been using my grandmothers 1950s Singer clone and instead of the motor I have been hand cranking it. I don't do leather but do use marine grade vinyl and I had all kinds of problems and now I know why. So thank you for the education.

I'm not sure exactly how thick leather we'll get into, but I know we'll need a walking foot and hopefully can get a relatively quiet machine. Thanks for taking the time to share you expertise, Arthur!

TY so much. I learned quite a bit. Can't wait to see more videos.

Love your Videos!!!! I am a milliner and I want to invest in a industrial sewing machine, but have always been intimidated, but after watching your videos , I am more confident and I will be purchasing one soon. And I will share and pass it on!thank you! You are a God Send!!!Alisa

Very good information , clearly and thoroughly explained. Thank you for your time and effort.

Great video thanks for showing the comparison between the machines. I was contemplating cheaping out on my machine but this definitely helped make my mind up to save more money and just get the machine that is going to do what I need.

Great video....Love the clip and rubber band idea for holding threads. Wish there was somebody like you in my area giving lessons.

What a beautiful watch you're wearing. Thanks for the info.

The best...of the best learning experience. Thank you...and thank you without end Keep up the good work !

thanks for sharing your knowledge man .. appreciated

Great video sir. When i read that you're in Dallas....praise the Lord! I'll be calling about a sewing class in the Fall as I want to make a few leather goods for myself and family. Thanks again for the excellent video. You're a wise man.

I like the fact the DC motor goes quiet when you stop peddling, more restful to use in that sense, though am used to a (domestic) pedal that does what I tell it. Great video, thanks, really liked going through the different machines, and why they are/are not suitable for leather, very helpful as am currently looking for a machine for leather.

Great video, thanks for sharing your knowledge on these machines. I love the tip on using the clip with the rubber band to hold your thread, I'm going to do that on my machine right now.

I thoroughly enjoyed this video Arthur. I am a perfectionist and I really appreciated your comment at the end of your video about pushing for quality. I need to know how to cut leather with perfection. Its something that I have yet to look into but I will need to learn that too. Great job on your video. I have to see the rest. ;)

Hello Mr. Porter, I want to thank you kindly from the bottom of my heart for you sincere kindness and love in sharing your trade. You are truly an inspiration to me and please know you are making a difference in the lives of those you touch. God Bless you...

Amazingly helpful video! BRILLIANT!!

Great tutorial, clear and exhaustive!! Thanks so much, you are a great man!!

Im so greatful for all of your videos!

Yes this video answered a lot of questions on which type of machine needed. Walking foot is the answer. I was watching videos by TuffSew Machines and found this one.

Thank you so much, Arthur. This information is indispensable.

great. very clear and helpful as i look into making the move from hand-stitched leather. thank you for caring enough about the craft and art to make this available, very well done. "Push for Quality" absolutely.

Thanks again and I purchased a Chandler Walking foot industrial sewing machine today. It has been delivered and set-up. It is like the Consew in the video.

This makes SO much sense. Thank you sir!

Thank you so much for your information. I have learned a lot from you.

Great,great video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.

Thanks for the video! I’m in the market for an industrial walking foot machine. I’m glad I saw this before I settled for a straight stitch. It’s so hard to find a used walking foot machine.

Thank you for posting. I've learnt so much.