Sewing machines...

[foxkid]

Just out of curiousity, would a sewing machine designed for leather be capable/usable for sewing fur? I'm guessing it would (though I guess some fur sewing machines have blowers, which I guessing is just a nice/useful addition over a standard leather-capable machine)

[furcoatman]

it is hard to make a generalization like that, because there are fur machines for different types of fur as well. leather sewing machines use special stitches that are not used in fur. that said, i can sew leather on my fur machine, but i'm not sure if you could sew fur on all leather sewing machines.

 

do you have a particular sewing machine that you are wondering about? if you can share a picture or more info on the machine you are talking about, that would help.

 

as you can see here there are many types of machines just used for fur.

http://www.bonisparts.com/index2.html

[AKcoyote]

Furcoatman covered the basics and is a better resource for the question than myself.

 

To approach this from a different angle, many machines designed for leather do a 2 thread stitch similar to what one would see with a standard sewing machine. Generally fur machines do a single thread stitch that requires a much smaller seam allowance where the pieces are joined.

 

Also in general, seams in leather garments are visible, whereas if done properly most seams in fur garments are almost invisible from the fur side of the item.

[foxkid]

Well, I'm a total newbie to all this, but it just crossed my mind that here in the UK, it wouldn't be too hard to source a leather sewing machine, but a fur sewing machine would be impossible to source (and too expensive to import). The local classified ads occasionally have leather/industrial sewing machines, which I'm guess are more than capable from a heavy-dutyness point of view... I was just curious what other considerations and differences there were.

 

I'm not looking to do anything mega professional here with it. It was mainly a passing thought that if I could source a leather sewing machine cheaply I could probably use it as a way to experiment with making some relatively cheap linings for hoodies/coats etc, and would make it easy/hassle free to put together ad-hoc rabbit fur boxers for sleeping in.

[foxkid]

@furcoatman & AkCoyote... on Bonis sewing machines, I see you have a little knowledge so would be grateful if I could pick your brains over any info oir tips you can supply with getting started. Going to a local furrier over here is somewhat out of the question (there's about a dozen n the UK, and the nearest one I've aware of is 150miles away)

 

I did manage to source an old Bonis sewing machine. I know it's the A series and uses the 292 needle size. It's an old machine and the text on the label at the bottom is worn, so I don't know the exact model, but it looks to be the same the as the one you linked to:

 

http://www.bonisparts.com/a-21.html

or it might be the A-18 two pages on.

 

Given I have little understanding on the topic, I'm thinking of looking in the classified ads for a cheap sewing machine, ideally an industrial one so I can get to grips with the basics first and have some idea. While I know this is still very different given modern electric machines are a very different kettle of fish, it'll give me a chance to experient maybe on some craft rabbit or similar.

[furcoatman]

i am happy to help, but i am not sure what i can do. if you would like to message me, i will send you my email.

 

my suggestion is to try hand sewing. it is the closest you can get to using a real fur machine.

 

let me know!

[furlover200]

I have hand sewn a couple pillows and such with the fur. It takes forever, but the final result is good!

[foxkid]

Gonna dig this thread back up from the grave as I really need to find time to look into this more.

 

I'm just wondering as far as motors and tables go for these, are they generic, or do you need to get specific types. As far as I can see as long as you can find a belt to match the motor and machine, then I guess it should be OK. I'm guessing the table needs to just have the mounts/holes to attach the machine and motor correctly right? If so could someone let me know a little more. Are these sizes standarised in any way? The reason I ask is that I'll have to get the machine abroad and shipping here into the UK, but ideally would like to just get the table/motor locally if other industrial sewing machines use similar tables/motors.

[AKcoyote]

Generally, one would buy a fur machine with a clutch motor and table as a complete kit. Bonis does not appear to offer such packages, but their website could be misleading.

 

The Techsew machines offered by RaphaelSewing

http://shop.raphaelsewing.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=30_34

are sold as a complete kit with clutch motor and table.

 

If cost is a consideration, I would recommend starting with hand sewing. Just be sure you are using a furrier / leather sewing needle otherwise it will be very difficult to push a needle through the leather. Hand sewing needles designed for leather are triangular from the point for about 1/3 their length. This allows the needle to cut the hole for the thread.

[auzmink]

Just as an update to this...I have started sewing mink pieces together with an ordinary sewing machine....you can buy leather needled for them and the do the proper cut through leather . skin.

The pile on mink is ok for most sewing machines, but a newer type can do slightly better stitch patterns to sew the edges more closely...

Am still experimenting, but would prefer a proper fur machine..

 

Auzmink

[fuzzin_fox]

How's you're luck been so far auzmink.

 

I've also wondered about this, and hoped maybe some of us can share info/experiences here.

 

If you buy a sewing machine, what happens regarding the table, and motor etc? Are these standard sizes, and if so, how does one find out. I see fur sewing machines listed abroad, but hate to think about shipping the table as well, so was hoping to get the motor and table locally (as I assume there must be some standardization here)