MACHINES

About Our Machines

SHOES

SINGER 29-4: Born in 1906, this is the machine that started Catherine down the path of antique collecting (and using).  The 29-4 is our go to machine for repairs on shoes, jackets, and other items that can’t fit on a traditional flatbed machine.

SINGER 18-2: Some operations are more easily done when you can orient your work to the right side of the needle.  This machine was born in 1923 and still rolls along just great.

SINGER 19-10: Although this resembles a typical cylinder arm machine, it is quite special.  The feed dogs and sewing foot orient parallel to the arm, allowing the user to stitch up the shafts of boots and even sleeves.

DURKOPP ADLER MTYPE 888 ECO: When we need a powerhouse for stitching shoes, the 888 is it.  The roller foot and precision German engineering allow us to sew the curved lines of sneakers and other shoe styles with ease.

GLOVES

SINGER 172K1, SINGER 91K6, SINGER 46K15: This trio of specialized machines makes glove fabrication a straightforward task.  The tiny post of the 91k6 and the sideways needle orientation of the 172k1 and the 46k15 allow us to speed through tasks that would otherwise be very time-consuming on a flatbed machine.

CHAIN STITCH

SINGER 112-4 ZIG ZAG, SINGER 24-56 STRAIGHT STITCH: Although these are technically designed for hat making, we use them for a variety of tasks.  The single spool thread mechanism means we only need to load a top thread.  Chain stitching is incredibly strong and an elevated machine paired with a very small, stubby cylinder allows us to zig zag in the tightest of spaces.

EMBROIDERY

BROTHER PR600II: Paired up with Creative Drawings Embroidery software, we are able to digitize and embroider up to six colors per design and dimensions up to 7.5 x 11.5 inches.

SINGER 114W103:  Sometimes the look of modern embroidery doesn’t quite fit a project.  For more vintage looks, we have a vintage singer that can do chainstitch or moss stitch motifs.

LIGHT DUTY

JUKI DDL-5550N TRIPLETS: Made in Japan, these three machines are the workhorses of the shop.  Most of our light duty work is done on these.

JUKI HZL-F300: Occasionally we need specialized stitches for stretchy fabrics and that is where the HZL-F300 really shines.

SINGER 20U ZIG ZAG: Considered by some the best combination straight/zigzag machine that Singer released, this Japanese made machine is delightful not just for its consistency but also for the fun paint scheme.

SINGER 271K1 BUTTONHOLE: When we need button holes fast, this is our go-to machine.  We are able to set up specific sizes for buttons on jackets, sweaters, shirts, and more.

HEAVY DUTY

JUKI LU-2810-7, JUKI PLC-2710-7, JUKI PLC-2760: Cathy learned leatherworking during her time at an upholstery shop, so it only stands to reason that a fleet of heavy duty Jukis would come to live in the shop.  These are fantastic tools for heavy weight leather projects.

YAMATA FY5318: This was the first industrial machine Cathy acquired and it has been a favorite ever since.  Dubbed “The Battleship” due to its ability to sew through nearly anything, the Yamata is regular shop staple.

SINGER 7-33, SINGER 11-36: These machines are by far the most aggressive stitchers in the shop.  Boasting the largest needle sizes in the studio, they can sew through the thickest leathers, and even wood.

BOLDING/WELDING

H&H US-510, H&H SF-828: Not all projects have to be assembled with thread, and that is where the H&H machines come in.  For projects that need a high-tech or seamless look, ultrasonic bonding is the answer.

GEO KNIGHT DK 20SP: We use this machine for fast, consistent applications of various heat transfer vinyls.  We keep a regular stock of colors and textures from brands such as Bemis, Framis, Aviva, and more.

OTHER SPECIALTY

FORTUNA SKIVING MACHINE: Some leather projects greatly benefit from having seam allowances thinned out to prevent bulky seams.  Considered the most dangerous machine in the shop, the Fortuna skives down leather edges with a sharp, rounded blade.

STANLEY BOSTITCH MASTER FINISHER: Rescued from a life collecting dust in the back of another shop, we had a new motor put into this machine and use it regularly for foam work and shoe repairs.

PRACTIX DEBOSSING MACHINE: High pressure, high temperature, and precise timing allow us to press beautiful designs into leather, velvet, neoprene, and more.

BOSS LASER CUTTER: We use this machine to do small, precise cuts in materials like leather, foam, cardstock, and select fabrics.  This is also great for fabrics that must be sealed before stitching (spandex and other synthetics).

GERBER AUTOMATED CUTTING SYSTEM: For larger cuts and materials up to ¼” thick, the Gerber can slice and dice with a rotary cutter or drag knife.

PAINT BOOTH: Our paint booth is large enough to fit full costumes and helps keep messes contained when airbrushing, aging, and distressing fabrics.

30 GALLON DYE POT SETUP: We can dye natural and synthetic fibers, up to quantities of four yards per dye bath.

SCREEN PRINTING SETUP: Between our large exposure unit, washout station, and variety of in-stock inks, we can design, process, and screenprint both fabrics and garments in-house.