Brian, that's a great tutorial!

I've got one of these old Singer machines and I had wondered if it were strong enough to sew inlays. My Singer was originally a treadle unit, but has had a variable speed motor kit installed on it. I've got an Artisan leather stitching machine, but the smallest thread that it can use is larger than what I prefer for inlays.

I am amazed at how little effort it appears to take for the needle to pierce the leather. Is there a specific reason that you choose to turn the sewing machine by hand, instead of using the treadle?

Steve

Yes, this is very easy to do with little effort required. It certainly requires less effort than hand stitching around the inlay. Remember too that in the demo I am stitching 2 pieces of 8-9 oz leather plus the inlay-- total thickness -- .280" -- yes nearly three tenths of an inch. It has been my experience that if it will fit under the foot, the machine will sew it.

In reality I use 3-4 oz leather so it is even easier for my actual sheaths.

You could certainly use the treadle , but I do not because I have greater control using the hand wheel. If you have never used a treadle sewing machine, it is a skill in itself to keep everything going the right direction and that is a skill I have not mastered. My hat is off to the people who clothed our country using these machines.

Even on a large sheath, it only takes a minute or two to sew around the inlay when turning the machine by hand, so I will stick to that. The only reason I have the belt is to wind bobbins.

Brian

I'd have never guessed this. I have a Cobra for the heavy stuff, and I guess now I'll have to drag Grandma's old Singer out and see what's salvageable. I hope I can figure it out.

Great video from an excellent craftsman and a hell of a nice guy. I'm going to keep prodding you about seeking promotion!

Great instructional video! Now I got another piece of equipment I need to buy.