Workshop essentials

Tools & Supplies We Recommend

The exact kinds of tools our patterns are drafted for — machines, needles, thread, cutting tools, and leather notions. We only list things we'd use at our own cutting table.

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Machines

Machines

SINGER – Heavy Duty 4452 Sewing Machine

A popular pick for sewists moving up to heavier fabrics — a strong motor and metal frame that handles faux leather and denim far better than basic machines.

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Presser feet

Presser feet

HUFFEKISS – Universal Walking Foot (Low Shank)

Fits most low-shank domestic machines. The single most useful upgrade for sewing faux leather — it feeds thick layers evenly so nothing shifts or puckers.

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Needles

Needles

SCHMETZ – Leather Sewing Machine Needles 110/18 (5-pack)

Wedge-point needles that slice cleanly through leather and faux leather instead of punching ragged holes. Change to a fresh one at the start of every project.

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Thread

Thread

Sissewpro – Bonded Nylon Thread V69, Black & White

Strong bonded thread in the weight most leather garment patterns call for. The black-and-white pair covers nearly every project in this shop.

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Cutting

Cutting

Fiskars – 45mm Rotary Cutter

The workhorse cutter for pattern pieces — sharp, comfortable, and widely recommended for cutting faux leather and heavy fabrics cleanly.

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Cutting

Fiskars – Self-Healing Cutting Mat 18" x 24"

A sturdy double-sided mat that protects your table and keeps rotary cuts accurate. The 18x24 size fits most pattern pieces.

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Leather tools

Leather tools

Chumia – 8-Piece Leather Edge Tool Set (Beveler, Groover, Burnisher)

A beginner-friendly kit for finishing leather edges — bevel, groove, and burnish for that professional, store-bought look on belts and straps.

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Hardware

Hardware

BetterJonny – Leather Snap Fasteners Kit (24 sets + tools)

Heavy-duty metal snaps with setting tools included — handy for vests, jackets, bags, and corset-belt details.

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Marking

Marking

Dritz – Chalk Cartridge Set

A long-time sewing-room staple for marking dark and light fabrics. Fine lines, easy to brush off when you're done.

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Notions

Notions

The Quilted Bear – Pattern Weight Set

Holds pattern pieces flat on fabric without pin holes — especially nice on faux leather, where every pinhole shows.

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Fabric

Fabric

Osunnus – Faux PU Leather Fabric by the Yard

A soft faux leather with a fabric backing that's easy to sew on a domestic machine — a good match for most patterns in this shop.

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Secondhand finds on eBay

Sewing machines especially hold their value — a used machine from a careful seller can save you a lot. These are plain search links, not tracked.

eBay · secondhand

Secondhand SINGER Heavy Duty machines

A used Heavy Duty in good condition can be a great deal — check the seller's feedback and ask about its service history.

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eBay · secondhand

Secondhand industrial walking-foot machines

Ready to go beyond domestic machines? Used industrials are workhorses — best for sewists with space and a mechanically-minded friend.

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eBay · secondhand

Leather craft tool lots

Bundles of bevelers, punches, and mallets often sell for less than buying tools one by one.

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Prices and availability change constantly — always check the listing before you buy. We never invent prices, ratings, or rankings on this page.