Leather jacket repairs
 

I have been asked if I could do minor repairs to a leather jacket by a friend. It looks like the zipper is just coming unsewed at the bottom. My question is regarding my machine.....a Janome 6600....taking into consideration the thickness of leather, will my 6600 be able to sew through all the layers without stressing or damaging my machine? There will be the outside layer of leather, edge turned under, ....then the zipper....then the inside facing which is another double layer of leather. The repair itself is simple, but is the machine strong enough? What thread would I use? Thanks in advance for your advice and knowledge.

I don't know about others but I would not use my 6600 to sew leather. No way.
I refuse to sew leather anyway. Even denim, I prefer to use my Kenmore.
If it breaks, no big loss. I paid big bucks for my Janome and I will not take the risk.

I would not do that. the machines are too expensive.
mine would not go through that thick of fabric.

A shoe repair service can deal with the leather and replace the zipper IF that would be needed.
And who knows where to find a shoe repair these days? Ask the places that sell leather whether it be
jackets or luggage. It might have to be sent out of town, but better to safe than sorry!

I have an older New Home MC7000 that I have used to sew leather, but possibly not the thickness you have encountered.

IF you have a vintage singer such as a 15-91 or a 99 they would be able to do the sewing. Mine goes thru all of that with no problems.

If you do decide to sew, be sure to get a special leather needle. Might it be possible to repair by hand using a leather needle for hand work and a heavy thread or cord. Go to the Tandy website for information about products/projects of leather: http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com

I would tell her to take it to a pro. Even a shoe repair or a saddle maker might repair it- or the person who does fur coats if a professional seamstress isn't available.

I put a new liining ina leather jacket using my Pfaff 7550 and had no problem at all. I just used a size 16 needle and it worked baeutifully. My BIL is thrilled with the new lining.

Yep! It will take it; use a leather needle and go for it! Make sure you put some tension on the pull through part of the zipper fabric to keep it taunt while it sews. Good luck! GiGi