Great info, Thanks! Sewing needles also have different shaped tips for different fabrics. Hubby and I are just getting into learning about tanning hides and how to work them for different needs. Love your machine :) -Kathryn
I like walmarts nylon ulpostery thread thats thin and good for the 16 or 18 needles and you cant tear it. And it comes in diffierent colors . The thicker the needle the bigger the hole it punches Rember that .I bought 21 and 25 needled for a singer 94 but i had to shorten them and grind a flat on one side but it worked .I didnt know how to find a bigger size online that would fit so i knew about the singer shoe machine might work
Great Tutorials! Thank you for the tips about needles; I think i fried my brain trying to research needles and thread today so your info was sooooo welcomed!
The small black spool that comes with the machine is a T30? I just got mine and I'm trying to figure out which needle and thread for hat patches. It's a totally new language for me. Thanks for making the videos.
buy your self a singer 201 or model 28 should be able to find a 201 under $50 if you look around,best machines ever made I use my model 28 hand crank machine for most of my leather working and only use the Chinese one when I run out of room under my 28's foot
The 15x1 is a domestic machine needle. You can adjust your needle bar height (single screw takes only a minute) and there is a different youtube video if you can't figure it out. Then put a round shank 135x17 (regular sharps point) or identical size 135x16 (leather point). These are also numbered dp17. These are heavy duty hitter industrial needles that will work so much better in leather. This machine is far superior to a domestic machine for thick leather (201 is a rotary hook if you must at least get a heavy class 15 hook that can handle denim). These machines are clones of the Bradbury A1 and reportedly can handle thicker with longer stitches than the much more expensive 29k clones. Best regards, Mike
That's a good question.... Two options: Buy from Bantam Saddle tack or buy the cheapest one you can find and be prepared to do tons of work to get it sewing nice. The one from Bantam should be ready to sew right out of the box.
I purdied min up some what and nice like ! These things chug like a train, love the sound. So fare I've only run the crappy thread it came with. It looks like the price has come down a little cheepest I could get one at the time was $115. Now I see $94 free shipping very cool. My first project was to get my money out of it by stitching 11 jeans with patches. Just as I began having fun I ran out ! These machines feel so much more substantial if you round out all the edges tweak and make sure you take out any binding what so ever on the adjustable parts etc. I have a 1930s Faff also love it, but this one is so much more enjoyable that I got another one just to tune it up... and sell polished painted and finished. You wont go rong geting one. I find the tension springs to stiff I will never need to tighten much... do you think replacing the springs with softer ones would be worth it to make them capable of finer tuning ??? Thanks.
Are you talking about the springs on the tension spring on the disks? If so, I would try it out and see if it makes a difference. But make sure to hold on to the ones that came with the machine. In case your working on a thicker project and need that extra tension.
@@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks Yes sir, the spring on disk. I'm running the cheep thread that came unit. The thread likes to knot up much before the the tensioner.. I've added small feed through loops to keep thread from feeding in knotted. It is working well but as I see it.. to much twisted thread. I'll have to try better material perhaps.
@@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks Well, I built a stand with an overhead arm. thread feeds from the top, through a narrow spring up top looks like a fishing pole spool stays still pulls from the side of cylinder/cor. It does not bind or have friction any were. After about two yards of sewing it just becomes too much. That is why I thought perhaps the pressure spring could be much looser, or the thread is just to cheep.
You got me there, I would try getting some new thread and trying that before making any mods. I have not heard of this issue before so hopefully getting some new thread will fix that. If not try modifying the spring. Let me know what you find out
Awesome videos, so when looking on The Thread Exchange how do you know which needles fit the sewing machine? There are so many different needles on the site. I just bought one these cobbler sewing machines and really looking to use thicker threads.
I have found your videos to be very useful, and informative. Thank you. I have one question... Have you ever tried to use leather needles on your Chinese leather sewing machine?
My machine came yesterday. Same broken needle and oil soaked manual. They place a patch under needle to show "Proof Of Sewing". Even thought it was not actual leather, it left marks from the pressor foots teeth. Other than the excellent needle information, but since I have lost track of which video was which, did you gently file down the pressor foot teeth a little to quit bitting so hard, it leaves marks on some leathers or other materials? Thanks, keep it going!
I would file or grind the edges off and then dip in a rubberized paint. You can also adjust the tension on the presser foot so it's not pressing into the leather so bad
I would highly recommend the T135 or 138!! Still have enough room to get a good run. These can handle the larger T207, but there's not enough room in the bobbin.
I have a machine like yours and I can't get the bobbin to send the thread back up through the little hole,,, can you help me I bought it new and would like keep it if I can get it to work like .... Thank you very Jerry
Check out this video: ruclips.net/video/M8SI3Yui1Qk/видео.html I go over the correct placement of the bobbin shuttle and that should get it running again. Jump into the video at the 6 minute mark.
Do I call China for needles, I’ve bought tons of needles and haven’t landed on anyone with larger sizes, I picked up some size 22 and hey won’t go down to the bottom, too tight a fit. Drop me a quick one on who to contact, thank out, Buz Bailey, Billings Montana. (Motor cycle seats)
I am not sure of any... If anyone out there has a good link to waxed thread let us know. As far as running waxed thread in these machines it's not recommended, but I have done it before and had no issues. I just used some bee's wax and waxed my own thread.
@J C As far as threads types, waxed or bonded nylon, you may choose to look at the website, wwwthethreadexchange.com They have thread information as well as needle information. The bonded nylon "TEX 135" is a good thread with a waxy like action. It is "UV" light resistant and same with chemicals, making it good for anything outdoors including leather vehicle upholstery. This thread has a 21 pound tensile strength and called GOV-3 cord for "MIL SPECS". After checking around, they have some of the best prices per oz of many other sites as I did a lot of research. The carry waxed, synthetic sinew, kevlar, fire resistant and many others. Depending on the material used in your project, you want to pick your thread. A large thread stand out and becomes more visible, but like TEX 135 bonded nylon having a 21 lb. tensile strength, perhaps sewing leather upholstery will be a good place to start. They say to make the smallest hole needed for obvious reasons, so next come the needle type. A point "D" or "DI" is a diamond shaped 3 sided chisel point where "R" is regular and shaped like a round ball point. A true reinforce "French Seam' is what you want in parts of your project, choose a shorter stitch on the backside to hold it together, then change needle & thread to larger on top stitch for function but appearance as well. Hope this helps a little, best of luck! Great little machine.
What size needle would best for #92 thread, its been recommended to me to use sizes 18,19, or 20, My question is which one will leave the smallest hole in about 6oz. of leather without the thread breaking ? Thanks
Great (Chinese sewing machine) Videos!! You influenced my decision to purchase one of the machines from Bantam saddle tack...and yes Matt is very helpful and knowledgeable. My intention is to use the machine for patch jobs and other heavy sewing projects. Mainly sewing leather knife scabbards and holsters. Would you mind providing the website/company name that you purchased the heavy needles and thread from? I am attempting to get my head wrapped around the needle and thread information, it is quite a challenge. Thank you again for the great videos.JL
That is awesome, I am happy to help!! The needles I ordered are listed as: Household Machine Sewing Needles HAx1 130/70SH 15x1 Flat Shank 10 size options. I ordered a bunch of different sizes under that listing. The sellers name is camerapoint based in Hong Kong. The thread I bought from threaddirect and I bought some: Coyote Brown 498 Military Thread Bonded Nylon Sewing Fabric T135 8oz Spool N130 and 4oz Spool Brown 1050 Yards #92 Bonded Nylon Sewing Thread T90 Fabric N135. Both of these sellers are on Ebay, I hope this helps!! The needles are pretty cheap, so I ordered a bunch of different sizes to see how the sizing works. As for the thread, I have learned a whole bunch by trial and many errors. LOL
I am really enjoying working with this machine. My intention was to use this machine to finish leather projects/knife sheaths wallets and other misc. items. So far the heaviest thread I have been able to use successfully is some that I ordered from the big "A" - Sgt.Knots V138/T135- in combination with the 22/140 needle that came with the machine. I am able to sew nylon webbing, heavy denim and canvas along with 2 layers of 3/16" leather. However when I stack 3 layers of the 3/16'" leather I break the thread every time. So I have ordered the #23 needle and the #24 needle to see if I have success..?? I have also ordered the next size smaller nylon thread V92-T90 and the next size larger nylon thread V207-T210. I will give a report when I have a chance to test these thread/needle combinations. Again thank you for the videos and beginning my obsession w "sewing machines"....JL
I have found that the correct needle and thread combo is crucial!! This site has helped me a whole bunch: www.thethreadexchange.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=needles_thread_size_chart
I had the same problem, took the sewing head (can) apart, made sure the spring was positioned in the slot of the inside shorter guide and would pull both bars over when removing from the can. Lubricated both bars, reassembed the can head. I made sure the needle tube was set low enough to pick up the bobbin thread and the walking foot now walks again. Hope this helps you.
hello all the the information in your videos is very helpful , I went and take a look in eBay to price one of this machines I find one for 161.00 can you please tell me where you bought your from. thank you
I bought mine through an American company called Bantam Saddle and Tack. You can find them at: www.bantamsaddletack.com/Leather-Machinery_c_21.html I did a review on their machine at: ruclips.net/video/5RxL_K4pNDA/видео.html Matt is the owner and he's awsome when it comes to customer relations.
I am pretty sure this link is still good. www.ebay.com/itm/10-Home-Sewing-Machine-Needles-Hax1-15x1-90-14-100-16-110-18-120-20-From-1-59-/131090387502?var=&hash=item1e8598922e:m:mT6uA0FhiMGRkWeDJBAV-XQ
I bought my set through eBay. www.ebay.com/itm/Household-Machine-Sewing-Needles-HAx1-130-70SH-15x1-Flat-Shank-10-size-options/254011416850?hash=item3b2442a112%3Am%3Amq3WcCjQhSaGmYEAZhp6cLQ&fbclid=IwAR06-I1uamrvCm-Vbx-NtBX_jU7T0V3d7gjO2BxPwc_rSd4TLP-rBlRvIcg
Skip to 3:53 If your just interested in the sewing needles.
You should get fabric pencils. You can mark a straight line then sew on it. The mark comes off easily as in non-permanent.
Good tip!!
Great info, Thanks! Sewing needles also have different shaped tips for different fabrics. Hubby and I are just getting into learning about tanning hides and how to work them for different needs. Love your machine :) -Kathryn
Good for you guys, tanning your own hides is very rewarding!! Thanks for stopping by.
I like walmarts nylon ulpostery thread thats thin and good for the 16 or 18 needles and you cant tear it. And it comes in diffierent colors . The thicker the needle the bigger the hole it punches Rember that .I bought 21 and 25 needled for a singer 94 but i had to shorten them and grind a flat on one side but it worked .I didnt know how to find a bigger size online that would fit so i knew about the singer shoe machine might work
Thanks for commenting and sharing
Interesting... Thanks for sharing.. Good job.. Have a good day..
Thanks for stopping by
Looking to see updated status on the largest needle and thread size combination you’ve used successfully so far?
Coming soon, I normally do my sewing videos in the winter months when there is five feet of snow. LOL
Great Tutorials! Thank you for the tips about needles; I think i fried my brain trying to research needles and thread today so your info was sooooo welcomed!
The small black spool that comes with the machine is a T30? I just got mine and I'm trying to figure out which needle and thread for hat patches. It's a totally new language for me. Thanks for making the videos.
buy your self a singer 201 or model 28 should be able to find a 201 under $50 if you look around,best machines ever made I use my model 28 hand crank machine for most of my leather working and only use the Chinese one when I run out of room under my 28's foot
Love the Irish music
Thanks
The 15x1 is a domestic machine needle. You can adjust your needle bar height (single screw takes only a minute) and there is a different youtube video if you can't figure it out. Then put a round shank 135x17 (regular sharps point) or identical size 135x16 (leather point). These are also numbered dp17. These are heavy duty hitter industrial needles that will work so much better in leather. This machine is far superior to a domestic machine for thick leather (201 is a rotary hook if you must at least get a heavy class 15 hook that can handle denim). These machines are clones of the Bradbury A1 and reportedly can handle thicker with longer stitches than the much more expensive 29k clones. Best regards, Mike
Thanks Mike, That's some good info!!
Who do you recommend buying the merchine from. Seen them for 75$-200$.
That's a good question.... Two options: Buy from Bantam Saddle tack or buy the cheapest one you can find and be prepared to do tons of work to get it sewing nice. The one from Bantam should be ready to sew right out of the box.
I purdied min up some what and nice like ! These things chug like a train, love the sound. So fare I've only run the crappy thread it came with. It looks like the price has come down a little cheepest I could get one at the time was $115. Now I see $94 free shipping very cool.
My first project was to get my money out of it by stitching 11 jeans with patches. Just as I began having fun I ran out ! These machines feel so much more substantial if you round out all the edges tweak and make sure you take out any binding what so ever on the adjustable parts etc. I have a 1930s Faff also love it, but this one is so much more enjoyable that I got another one just to tune it up... and sell polished painted and finished. You wont go rong geting one.
I find the tension springs to stiff I will never need to tighten much... do you think replacing the springs with softer ones would be worth it to make them capable of finer tuning ???
Thanks.
Are you talking about the springs on the tension spring on the disks? If so, I would try it out and see if it makes a difference. But make sure to hold on to the ones that came with the machine. In case your working on a thicker project and need that extra tension.
@@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks Yes sir, the spring on disk. I'm running the cheep thread that came unit. The thread likes to knot up much before the the tensioner.. I've added small feed through loops to keep thread from feeding in knotted. It is working well but as I see it.. to much twisted thread. I'll have to try better material perhaps.
What are you using as a thread stand? That might be the culprit.
@@MainelyAcresFarmBrooks Well, I built a stand with an overhead arm.
thread feeds from the top, through a narrow spring up top looks like a fishing pole spool stays still pulls from the side of cylinder/cor. It does not bind or have friction any were. After about two yards of sewing it just becomes too much. That is why I thought perhaps the pressure spring could be much looser, or the thread is just to cheep.
You got me there, I would try getting some new thread and trying that before making any mods. I have not heard of this issue before so hopefully getting some new thread will fix that. If not try modifying the spring. Let me know what you find out
Awesome videos, so when looking on The Thread Exchange how do you know which needles fit the sewing machine? There are so many different needles on the site. I just bought one these cobbler sewing machines and really looking to use thicker threads.
Going to start making holsters was wanting to use says 346 can it sew that heavy of a thread
The largest thread size recommended for these machines is #207
I need help because no matter what ive tried, my needle will not pick up the bobbin thread.
Would you happen to have the address or the number of the needle sizes? I am looking for a 20 to 21 for my machine. Please let me know.
I have found your videos to be very useful, and informative. Thank you. I have one question... Have you ever tried to use leather needles on your Chinese leather sewing machine?
I have not yet, the universal tip needles I bought a while back are still working good for me.
My machine came yesterday. Same broken needle and oil soaked manual. They place a patch under needle to show "Proof Of Sewing". Even thought it was not actual leather, it left marks from the pressor foots teeth. Other than the excellent needle information, but since I have lost track of which video was which, did you gently file down the pressor foot teeth a little to quit bitting so hard, it leaves marks on some leathers or other materials? Thanks, keep it going!
I would file or grind the edges off and then dip in a rubberized paint. You can also adjust the tension on the presser foot so it's not pressing into the leather so bad
So How has it done with the 135 thread ? how about the bobbins max thread size capacity ? thanks
I would highly recommend the T135 or 138!! Still have enough room to get a good run. These can handle the larger T207, but there's not enough room in the bobbin.
The stitches on this material looks good.
I have a machine like yours and I can't get the bobbin to send the thread back up through the little hole,,, can you help me I bought it new and would like keep it if I can get it to work like .... Thank you very Jerry
Check out this video: ruclips.net/video/M8SI3Yui1Qk/видео.html
I go over the correct placement of the bobbin shuttle and that should get it running again. Jump into the video at the 6 minute mark.
Do I call China for needles, I’ve bought tons of needles and haven’t landed on anyone with larger sizes, I picked up some size 22 and hey won’t go down to the bottom, too tight a fit. Drop me a quick one on who to contact, thank out, Buz Bailey, Billings Montana. (Motor cycle seats)
Just take a round file to the needle well and make it bigger.
What about 207 thread??? Have you tried thank you!
Any amazon links for the waxed leather thread that will run thru this machine? I spent an hour looking and could not find any.
I am not sure of any... If anyone out there has a good link to waxed thread let us know. As far as running waxed thread in these machines it's not recommended, but I have done it before and had no issues. I just used some bee's wax and waxed my own thread.
@J C As far as threads types, waxed or bonded nylon, you may choose to look at the website, wwwthethreadexchange.com They have thread information as well as needle information. The bonded nylon "TEX 135" is a good thread with a waxy like action. It is "UV" light resistant and same with chemicals, making it good for anything outdoors including leather vehicle upholstery. This thread has a 21 pound tensile strength and called GOV-3 cord for "MIL SPECS".
After checking around, they have some of the best prices per oz of many other sites as I did a lot of research. The carry waxed, synthetic sinew, kevlar, fire resistant and many others.
Depending on the material used in your project, you want to pick your thread. A large thread stand out and becomes more visible, but like TEX 135 bonded nylon having a 21 lb. tensile strength, perhaps sewing leather upholstery will be a good place to start. They say to make the smallest hole needed for obvious reasons, so next come the needle type. A point "D" or "DI" is a diamond shaped 3 sided chisel point where "R" is regular and shaped like a round ball point.
A true reinforce "French Seam' is what you want in parts of your project, choose a shorter stitch on the backside to hold it together, then change needle & thread to larger on top stitch for function but appearance as well.
Hope this helps a little, best of luck! Great little machine.
What size needle would best for #92 thread, its been recommended to me to use sizes 18,19, or 20, My question is which one will leave the smallest hole in about 6oz. of leather without the thread breaking ?
Thanks
I would stick with the 18
Great (Chinese sewing machine) Videos!! You influenced my decision to purchase one of the machines from Bantam saddle tack...and yes Matt is very helpful and knowledgeable. My intention is to use the machine for patch jobs and other heavy sewing projects. Mainly sewing leather knife scabbards and holsters. Would you mind providing the website/company name that you purchased the heavy needles and thread from? I am attempting to get my head wrapped around the needle and thread information, it is quite a challenge. Thank you again for the great videos.JL
That is awesome, I am happy to help!! The needles I ordered are listed as: Household Machine Sewing Needles HAx1 130/70SH 15x1 Flat Shank 10 size options. I ordered a bunch of different sizes under that listing. The sellers name is camerapoint based in Hong Kong. The thread I bought from threaddirect and I bought some: Coyote Brown 498 Military Thread Bonded Nylon Sewing Fabric T135 8oz Spool N130 and 4oz Spool Brown 1050 Yards #92 Bonded Nylon Sewing Thread T90 Fabric N135. Both of these sellers are on Ebay, I hope this helps!! The needles are pretty cheap, so I ordered a bunch of different sizes to see how the sizing works. As for the thread, I have learned a whole bunch by trial and many errors. LOL
I am really enjoying working with this machine. My intention was to use this machine to finish leather projects/knife sheaths wallets and other misc. items. So far the heaviest thread I have been able to use successfully is some that I ordered from the big "A" - Sgt.Knots V138/T135- in combination with the 22/140 needle that came with the machine. I am able to sew nylon webbing, heavy denim and canvas along with 2 layers of 3/16" leather. However when I stack 3 layers of the 3/16'" leather I break the thread every time. So I have ordered the #23 needle and the #24 needle to see if I have success..?? I have also ordered the next size smaller nylon thread V92-T90 and the next size larger nylon thread V207-T210. I will give a report when I have a chance to test these thread/needle combinations. Again thank you for the videos and beginning my obsession w "sewing machines"....JL
I have found that the correct needle and thread combo is crucial!! This site has helped me a whole bunch: www.thethreadexchange.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=needles_thread_size_chart
and this one: www.thethreadexchange.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=needle-size-chart
Here is a PDF that is easy to use: www.sailrite.com/PDF/Thread%20and%20Needle%20Recommendations.pdf
have you had any issues with the machine shredding the top thread?
Yes, I have heard of people having that issue. Normally it's the type of thread your using or the tension is set was too tight.
Hey quick question, i have the same machine as you but my pressor foot is not moving. Do you have any tips on how to fix this?
I can help via Facebook video chat if you still need some help.
I got it to work thank you though i appreciate the kind offer to help!
I had the same problem, took the sewing head (can) apart, made sure the spring was positioned in the slot of the inside shorter guide and would pull both bars over when removing from the can. Lubricated both bars, reassembed the can head. I made sure the needle tube was set low enough to pick up the bobbin thread and the walking foot now walks again. Hope this helps you.
What's the tool called to thread the machine with the hook ? I want to order 1
www.bantamsaddletack.com/Threader-for-Chinese-Patcher-Sewing-Machine_p_56.html
Mainely Acres thanks just ordered mine
My machine won't keep constant stitches. It starts out with good stitches then it starts making a birds nest on the bottom.
Oh no! Hopefully my new video with help out: ruclips.net/video/XJAhqb9tNpc/видео.html
hello all the the information in your videos is very helpful , I went and take a look in eBay to price one of this machines I find one for 161.00 can you please tell me where you bought your from. thank you
I bought mine through an American company called Bantam Saddle and Tack. You can find them at: www.bantamsaddletack.com/Leather-Machinery_c_21.html
I did a review on their machine at: ruclips.net/video/5RxL_K4pNDA/видео.html
Matt is the owner and he's awsome when it comes to customer relations.
Hello, guess what I bought it !! I just followed your advice on how to set it up and it works great. Thank you
Sweet!! I am happy I could help
My machine want handel a size 22 needle.
What's the shank size? Is it a HAX1?
Please give the link where you get the needles. Thank you
I am pretty sure this link is still good.
www.ebay.com/itm/10-Home-Sewing-Machine-Needles-Hax1-15x1-90-14-100-16-110-18-120-20-From-1-59-/131090387502?var=&hash=item1e8598922e:m:mT6uA0FhiMGRkWeDJBAV-XQ
Would you let me know where you bought your needles in this video?
I bought my set through eBay. www.ebay.com/itm/Household-Machine-Sewing-Needles-HAx1-130-70SH-15x1-Flat-Shank-10-size-options/254011416850?hash=item3b2442a112%3Am%3Amq3WcCjQhSaGmYEAZhp6cLQ&fbclid=IwAR06-I1uamrvCm-Vbx-NtBX_jU7T0V3d7gjO2BxPwc_rSd4TLP-rBlRvIcg
Thanks for your help and your reply. Very helpful, thanks again.