How to Backstitch on a Leather Sewing Machine
The needle creates a permanent hole when sewing leather. This means that when you backstitch or back tack, it’s crucial that your backstitches sink directly into the holes you already created. This will give your leather piece a polished and professional look. It will also ensure your seams remain strong because you aren't puncturing the leather again and creating more holes when you backstitch. Luckily, our leather specialist, Corbin, has the answer. Corbin demonstrates three ways to achieve clean backstitches without adding extra holes in your leather. Watch the video to discover our tricks for crafting beautiful-looking leather goods.
With equal forward and reverse stitches, your backstitches will almost be invisible!
The first backstitching technique is to sew in reverse with an equal reverse stitch length set. Corbin will demonstrate this basic method, as well as a bonus alternative method that eliminates the third layer of thread. Next up is to rotate your leather piece 180 degrees so that you don't have to sew in reverse at all! This trick only works on small projects that can fit under the throat. His third backstitching technique is known as the pull-through method.
Stay till the end of the video for Corbin's three quick tips for backstitching. What's the ideal number of backstitches to create? Did you know that the thickness of your leather can affect your reverse stitch length? Does thread size affect the look of your backstitches? Watch the video to find out!
We’re demoing these backstitch techniques using the Sailrite® Leatherwork® Sewing Machine. The Leatherwork is an entry-level leather hobbyist machine at a beginner-friendly price point. It's a great machine for sewing bags, journal covers and accessories. If you don't have the Leatherwork or Ultrafeed® machines, don't panic. This leather sewing trick applies to basically any sewing machine. Watch the video below to learn three easy ways to sew an equal backstitch in leather.
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