Embroidery on leather may sound intimidating, but with the right tools and techniques, it’s not only possible — it can also be a profitable skill for those who want to start a small printing business or expand into custom apparel and accessories.
In this guide, we’ll cover how to choose leather, select designs, pick the right needles and stabilizers, and hoop correctly to avoid damage. Whether you’re a hobbyist or planning to turn your craft into a business, these tips will set you up for success.
When Embroidering on Leather, Keep These Essentials in Mind
1. Choosing the Right Leather
Leather comes in many forms — cowhide, lambskin, suede, and buckskin — each with unique textures and thicknesses. Some are soft and flexible, while others are firm and structured. Experiment with leftover pieces before working on your final project to see how each reacts to stitching.
2. Picking the Best Design for Leather
Heavy, filled embroidery patterns can cause tearing because of the density of needle holes. Instead, go for light, airy designs with open fills and delicate motifs. These sit well on leather without stressing the material.
3. Selecting the Needle
A size 80/12 leather embroidery needle works best. Its wedge-shaped tip slices through leather cleanly without creating large perforations, unlike standard embroidery needles.
How To Do Machine Embroidery on Leather
Machine embroidery on leather requires patience and precision. Follow these tips to achieve smooth, professional results:
Use a medium-weight cutaway stabilizer. Spray a temporary adhesive between the stabilizer and leather to keep layers firmly in place.
Hooping is essential. Proper hooping ensures designs line up correctly and prevents shifting. To avoid hoop burn or scuffing, place thin strips of muslin on top of the leather before tightening the hoop.
Stitch slowly. Leather creates more friction than fabric. A safe speed is about 350 stitches per minute, which reduces pulling or puckering.
Preparing Leather for Embroidery
Before you start stitching:
Position the leather flat and ensure no folds get caught.
Smooth it carefully onto the stabilizer.
Always test your design on scrap leather first.
Embroidery on leather requires a little extra care, but the payoff is worth it — from custom jackets and purses to luxury accessories, the results can be stunning.
Conclusion
Embroidery on leather takes practice, but with the right needle size, stabilizer, hooping technique, and thoughtful design choices, you can achieve professional-quality results.
If you’re planning to start a small printing business or expand your embroidery services, mastering leather embroidery will set you apart from competitors.
👉 Ready to bring your ideas to life? Contact us today at info@ezstitchdigitizing.com or message us via our Facebook page.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you embroider vinyl like leather?
Yes, embroidery on vinyl works similarly to leather. Use a leather needle with a wedge tip so it cuts cleanly through the material. Stitch slowly and use stabilizers to prevent tearing.
2. Is it possible to embroider a leather jacket?
Absolutely. Leather jackets can be embroidered, but always test on scraps first. Choose light, open designs and avoid overly dense stitching to keep the leather from weakening.
3. What’s the best stabilizer for leather embroidery?
A medium-weight cutaway stabilizer is recommended. It holds the leather steady during stitching and continues to support the design afterward without stretching or shifting.
4. Can you embroider a leather purse?
Yes, but extra care is needed due to seams and thickness. Hoop carefully, use protective muslin strips, and stitch slowly to achieve neat results without damaging the bag.
5. What’s the ideal speed for machine embroidery on leather?
Around 350 stitches per minute is best. Leather’s thickness creates resistance, and slower stitching reduces stress on both the machine and material.
