Nanamoms

I want to purchase some "leather" fabric to make bookmarks for my grandchildren. I want to be able to do decorative stitching and embroider their names on them. What type of leather fabric is best? What thread should I use? What needle should I use. I will be either sewing "In the Hoop" on my embroidery machine or sewing both on regular sewing machine (have several to choose from...LOL) and embroidery machine.

Also does anyone know of a pattern or site with a tutorial? I can wing it but right now my senior moments are catching up with me!!

Thanks, everyone!
Carolyn

Tartan

I have not had good experiences sewing leather. I can do it on my Singer treadle with jean thread and needle but it is a pain. Don't know how you would do it with an embroidery machine. You have to watch that the sewing doesn't cut the leather.

irishrose

A leather needle works best on leather, but because it has a triangular point and cuts the leather, I don't think you could embroidery with it. I have sewed leather and fakes with a regular size 14 needle, but I think I'd try the embroidery on a scrap first.

mermaid

I've sewn lots of leather on my regular machine--with leather needles. But have you considered ULTRA SUEDE? It embroiders like 'butter. I've been making pouches for flash drives (memory sticks) for Xmas gifts, and they are off ultra suede with embroidery--the poly thread and a regular size 14 needle . These are ITH, so the embroidery is on front and then back is added for machine to satin around the edges. No problems at all. I'm thinking the suede would make wonderful bookmarks as well.[ATTACH=CONFIG]382736[/ATTACH]

Nanamoms

Wonderful idea, mermaid!! I was thinking about a suede/leather look fabric! Your cases are adorable. I had also planned to put a backing on them so the back of the embroidery wouldn't show. Did you use a stabilizer?

I think I can find a "In The Hoop pattern" on some of my embr sites. I know I've seen them in the past.

Off to hunting...

nativetexan

i sewed on faux leather and used either a roller foot or a teflon or plastic foot that moved easily. can't remember the needle i used though.