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[Dank Farrik]

I am new to machine sewing and have ventured into creating my own ammo belt/ bandolier using handbag quality faux leather. I chose the material mostly because it’s far less expensive than real leather but I also like that it’s vegan (animal kind).

I have just got a Singer Heavy Duty 4423 sewing machine. Having never sewed before, I am having trouble getting the stitches even and straight.

Any troubleshooting/ advice or knowledge about sewing would be most appreciated.

Thanks,

Paul

[helkwood]

Sounds like your fabric might be a little too heavy to feed properly? Something I've found very useful for  sewing heavy fabrics/multiple layers of fabric is a walking foot like this one here: https://www.joann.com/brother-sa107-walking-foot/16386385.html It replicates the feeding motion of the feed dogs underneath the fabric on the top layer of fabric so they both advance at the same time without you needing to manually control feed. Also make sure you're using a large needle for faux leather. Other than that, maybe spend a little time practicing on scrap fabric; faux leather is very unforgiving since once you've stitched it, the holes are there for good. If your design is complex or has a lot of loops/pouches, it's probably a good idea to make a mockup in denim or heavy cotton to get a feel for the construction. I hope some of this was helpful, I've been sewing for 16 years and it's consistently proven one of those most useful skills in my arsenal. Take time to learn good technique and I guarantee it'll pay off! 

[Sylvilagus]

Another thing that can help with pleather is sandwiching it between two pieces of tissue paper to sew. Pleather can be kind of sticky and the tissue slides easier.

[Dank Farrik]

Thank you both for your responses!! I look forward to trying these tips out. But I will begin by practicing with scraps of the material I have before continuing for real.

[jethroskull]

How many layers are you trying to push through? You might be expecting more than that machine is capable of handling.
(Heavy Duty in those Singers refers to the amount of metal in the frame. I have the 4411 and it's nice, but it does have limits.)

[Dank Farrik]

Right now I’m just using one layer of a scrap piece. Close to 6oz leather. Maybe 1/10th inch thick.

[jethroskull]

That's about the same as four layers of heavy cotton; say the edge of a flight suit collar, but firmer material. You will definitely need a stouter needle and some patience, if not access to an industrial machine.