If you use muslin on the back as you quilt or embelish, it will glide easily on the plate, I would use a teflon foot or use freezer paper or even tissue paper on top to keep the foot from sticking. I have embrodiered on leather and it is great! I am assuming (never should, shame on me!) that you are not talking "rough" or natural leather, and rather a finished leather that would wipe clean. My sofa is rough and would not make good placemats, but awesome purses! Linda