Each time we hear the word cobbler, it reminds us of the rhyme from school. The way it ends with a bang and a bang explains the job of a cobbler. Mending and making shoes is not the easiest of jobs, is it? Working with thick leather and molding it into a perfect shoe requires a lot of skill and patience.
Having a trustworthy and robust sewing machine can help save time, energy, and effort. You can sew and mend shoes faster and have enough time to develop your business. Getting the stitches right is crucial when making shoes. The stitches have to be neat and tidy. After all, footwear is the most roughly used items in our day to day lives.
Whether you want to mend shoes at home and try making new ones as a hobby, or whether you are a business person looking to invest in a proper sewing machine for shoes, we are here to help you.
We have come up with a list of the top 5 best cobbler sewing machines in the market. We tried to bring some diversity by including both tripod-stand-type and table-stand types of sewing machines.
Check the article to read the features and benefits of some of the best cobbler sewing machines. You also get a buying guide in detail, with factors to consider when buying a sewing machine for shoes.
Well, there’s an advantage to buying these sewing machines. You don’t have to stick to shoes alone. You can also sew canvas, tents, and other leather items on these machines. That’s cool, right? Despite being cobbler sewing machines, these are still useful in different ways.
So shall we get started without waiting anymore?
Table of Contents
- 1 Table of Contents
- 2 Quick Comparison Table!
- 3 The Best Cobbler Sewing Machines For The Money
- 4 #1 FamYun Hand Cobbler Shoe Repair Machine Dual Cotton Nylon Line Sewing Machine - EDITOR'S CHOICE
- 5 #2 IRONWALLS Leather Sewing Machine 360 Degree Rotate Shoe Repair Mending Machine - Best Noiseless Model
- 6 #3 HYDDNice Hand Cobbler Shoe Repair Machine - Best for Durability
- 7 #4 JUKI DNU-1541 Industrial Walking Foot Sewing Machine - Best Pre-Assembled Model
- 8 #5 Consew 206RB-5 Walking Foot Upholstery Machine - Best Reliable Model
- 9 Best Cobbler Sewing Machine Buying Guide
- 10 Wrap Up: Our Choice
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison Table!
FamYun Hand Cobbler Shoe Repair Machine Dual Cotton Nylon Line Sewing Machine
4.8
4.6
The Best Cobbler Sewing Machines For The Money
#1 FamYun Hand Cobbler Shoe Repair Machine Dual Cotton Nylon Line Sewing Machine - EDITOR'S CHOICE
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
The first cobbler sewing machine on our list is a manual model that has to be operated by hand. That is probably the only drawback of this model. If you have no issues with that, you don’t have to look any further. You can make shoes, sneakers, high heels, and footwear of different kinds by using this model. It is a professional model designed to deliver the best output and be productive at all times. Let’s see the features of this model in detail.
Features & Benefits
Design
The machine weighs 24.2 pounds and comes with a tripod stand. It is a strong and durable unit made of good quality metal and lasts for a long time. The company offers only a 3-month warranty, though. The sewing machine comes in different colors in case you want something colorful and bright.
The walking foot can be rotated in 360 degrees and can sew in all directions. This makes it super easy to sew shoes without changing or moving the fabric every time. You can also reach the complex spaces and curves on the shoe with ease. The stitch quality is something you will never complain about.
Performance
The sewing machine is used to sew leather (all kinds of it), cotton, nylon, and various other fabrics with ease. The string attached on the upper side can be moved and adjusted as per requirements. You can turn down the screw on the side to adjust the stitch length up to 6mm. The model offers a sewing thickness of 5mm.
You can use regular sewing needles with this model as long as they are heavy-duty ones. Just make sure to replace them with heavyweight needles when working on thick leather. This will prevent the needle from breaking and will save time.
Ease of Use
This is a simple and easy cobbler sewing machine. You don’t need to pull your hair out to set it up and use it. But yes, you do need to take care of it. The company provides a bottle of lubricant oil with the machine. Make sure to add a few drops (as per the instructions) before every use. This will ensure the smooth running of the unit and will reduce the pressure on the needle.
Another thing we love is the customer service provided by the company. The support team is available 24*7 to provide assistance. Anytime you have a problem or a doubt regarding the machine, just give them a call. They will help you sort it out.
Pros
- It is an easy-to-use sewing machine
- It is a durable and sturdy machine
- It can be used to repair all kinds of shoes
- The walking foot rotates 360 degrees
Cons
- It is a manual sewing machine
- The needle has to be changed to sew thick leather
#2 IRONWALLS Leather Sewing Machine 360 Degree Rotate Shoe Repair Mending Machine - Best Noiseless Model
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
The second cobbler sewing machine on our list is by Ironwalls. You would have noticed that these brands are different from the ones we regularly see in the market. It shouldn’t be surprising since the purpose is totally different. Durability and reliability are the plus points of this model, along with the fact that it hardly makes any noise. Who wouldn’t want a silent sewing machine for shoes when you have to use it from morning to night?
Features & Benefits
Design
The machine weighs 24.2 pounds and has a tripod stand (just like the previous model). Though the sewing machine is sturdy, a few users said that it tipped over quite often. It is probably because they received a faulty stand. We haven’t had any issues with the machine tripping when in use.
This is also a manual or a hand model and has been declared as an efficient machine by a lot of users. The unit is made of iron and has strong metal parts. However, a handful of users who purchased their units online said that their sewing machines came with missing parts. You shouldn’t have such issues if you buy from a reliable seller or directly from the manufacturer.
Performance
The machine comes with a walking foot that can be rotated in 360 degrees. That means you don’t have to move the fabric to make a shoe. You only need to change the direction of the foot. This allows you to reach the complex places on the shoe with ease.
You can sew using nylon or cotton wire. Any kind of fabric and material (leather to rubber to canvas) can be used. Make high heels, sneakers, cotton shoes, bags, and more. It is a versatile model.
Ease of Use
Well, it is quite easy to set up and use the machine. But it does take some time to complete the installation. Not that you’ll need outside help, but you can’t do it when you are in a hurry. Sit down and set it up correctly the first time.
Make sure to lubricate and oil the machine before every use. It won’t take a considerable amount of your time and, in return, will ensure a smooth and high-quality performance.
Pros
- It is ideal for daily use
- It can repair all kinds of footwear
- The machine doesn’t make much noise
- It is made of iron and has strong components
Cons
- The setup is easy but takes time
- Some users complained of missing parts when ordered online
#3 HYDDNice Hand Cobbler Shoe Repair Machine - Best for Durability
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
This is yet another manual/ hand-operated cobbler sewing machine on our list. The machine is manufactured by Hangzhou Yaye Import and Export Co. Ltd and has been declared as a superior model in the market. It is versatile, useful, durable, strong, and accurate. And since it doesn’t make any noise, the model easily scored more marks from users, and can be assembled and disassembled with ease. Oh, yes. It’s got a lot to offer, isn’t it?
Features & Benefits
Design
The unit weighs 24.1 pounds and also comes with a tripod stand. It has been made of iron to last for a long time. However, it seems that some components are a little delicate and tend to break. That’s something you need to be careful about.
That said, all the parts are coated with anti-rust oil. It prevents corrosion and slows down the wear and tear of the machine. Combined with a little oiling and maintenance from your side, this sewing machine can last for a few years without any trouble.
Performance
The walking foot allows you to control the direction of sewing. Yeah, in other words, it can be rotated in all directions so that you can sew shoes with great ease. Reaching the insides of the shoe is no big deal with this unit.
You can adjust the sewing speed and the distance between the needles for better results. The stitch quality is superb. The model has been designed for professionals and has some interesting advanced features.
Ease of Use
While it is a useful cobbler sewing machine and can be used at home and work, this one is not for a beginner. The setting up is easy for sure, but the operations can confuse a newbie. A professional will have no trouble whatsoever.
You can go ahead and sew shoes, boots, leather bags, rubber boots, raincoats, wallets, belts, leather jackets, and much more using this machine. It works with cotton, nylon, prince, and other such lines. Keep in mind to oil the machine regularly for the best results.
Pros
- This is a versatile model
- It has low maintenance costs
- It is of metal and is durable
- It doesn’t generate noise
Cons
- This is not a beginner-friendly machine
- Some components are delicate
#4 JUKI DNU-1541 Industrial Walking Foot Sewing Machine - Best Pre-Assembled Model
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
Juki is famous for designing heavy-duty sewing machines that can sew thick materials with ease. DNU-1541 is one such model that is useful not only to make shoes but also to work on bags, belts, wallets, and other similar items. It is an electricity-powered model but a non-computerized one. The best part of the machine is that it comes pre-assembled. You hardly need to do anything except put it together by fixing the head on the table and start using the machine.
Features & Benefits
Design
The machine is made of strong metal and is very heavy. There is no way you can port this from one place to another. If you run a business from a store, you can install the unit there and continue working long hours every day.
There is a handwheel that allows you to adjust the height of the needle bar until 36mm. The unit also has a knee lift lever that allows you to move the presser foot up and down while sewing.
Performance
The walking foot can rotate and sew in all directions. The unit has a rectangular feed motion where the fabric goes straight under the needle. You don’t have to worry about irregular stitches. The bobbin winder is built-in. The sewing machine also has a synchronizer hub and a side-loading bobbin system.
The best thing about this model is the stitch length. You can adjust it from 0mm to 9mm. That’s awesome, isn’t it? Not just that, the machine has a stitching speed of 2500 SPM, which also can be adjusted as per your requirements.
Ease of Use
Are you worried about using this machine? Fear not. This is a user-friendly model. It comes with a safety latch that automatically falls in place when a sewing problem occurs. You can release the latch by pressing a button on the base of the plate.
The unit comes with a powerful servo motor. However, the clutch is noisy. Well, you can get used to it, right? And since the model is self-lubricating, you don’t have to think of maintenance either. What’s not to like?
Pros
- The stitching speed is 2500 SPM
- The maximum stitch length is 9mm
- The presser foot height is 16mm
- It is a self-lubricating sewing machine
Cons
- The clutch is noisy
- It is a heavy sewing machine
#5 Consew 206RB-5 Walking Foot Upholstery Machine - Best Reliable Model
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
The last cobbler sewing machine on our list is this monster by Consew. It is, of course, no way less capable compared to the other models. In fact, this one of the most reliable and trustworthy industrial, walking foot sewing machines meant for heavy-duty sewing. Its speed, strength, and ability make it a must-preferred model among professionals from different industries. Not that it doesn’t have any minus points, but the advantages outweigh by a large margin.
Features & Benefits
Design
Well, if you saw the table at the top, you’d have noticed that this sewing machine weighs 200 pounds. Thankfully, this weight includes the table as well as the head. Still, 206RB-5 is a heavy sewing machine that sits in one place and does all the work you throw at it.
This model also has a safety clutch, so you won’t end up hurting yourself when working on the machine. And with a sewing speed of 3300 SPM, we can never be too careful, right?
Performance
The stitch length of this model goes up to 10mm (the longest on our list) and can be adjusted based on your requirements. The machine also has a large bobbin with thread winding capacity. You don’t need to move the fabric to change the bobbin.
One of the significant benefits of this model is that you can change the needle plate and the feed dog based on the type of fabric you are sewing. That’s something very few models allow, and we totally appreciate the feature.
Ease of Use
This model is not for beginners. The operations are complex and confusing. If you are still a newbie or learning, don’t think of this model. This one is meant for professionals who work for long hours every day.
It is a total workhorse and still manages to make as little noise as possible. Even though the model has only the straight stitch, it still delivers the best output every single time. The company provides a load of useful accessories so that you can use the sewing machine for more than making shoes.
Pros
- Super-fast sewing machine with 3300 SPM
- It has an extra-long stitch length of 10mm
- It comes with centralized lubrication
- The unit doesn’t make much noise
Cons
- It is not a beginner-friendly model
- It has only one straight stitch
Best Cobbler Sewing Machine Buying Guide
We sure learned quite a few things from the list, didn’t we? A cobbler sewing machine can come in different sizes, shapes, and models. It can be versatile or limited. But all of them come with the walking foot, without which we cannot sew thick materials like leather. So that is one thing a cobble sewing machine should definitely have. What else do we need to think about?
Take a look below at the factors to consider when buying the best cobbler sewing machine. Make a note of your requirements and see which of the following factors will play a crucial role in your decision-making.
Types of Fabrics
While shoes remind us of leather, we know that many materials are used to make shoes. Be it the lining or the soles, you need more than just leather to complete a shoe. The sewing machine you buy will have to sew through at least half of the following ones-
- Leather
- Canvas
- Pollster
- Nylon
- Foam
- Cotton
- Rubber
- Synthetic leather
- Wool
Durability
Sewing through thick and heavy-duty materials is no small feat. A regular sewing machine cannot handle the pressure of stitching leather for hours every day. A cobbler sewing machine, on the other hand, is built for the exact purposes. However, not all brands and models offer the same quality. You need a sewing machine that is made of metal and has strong parts so that they don’t break when you are working on a project.
Since you can’t keep buying a sewing machine once every year or two, you should carefully consider this factor. Don’t worry, though. We took care to list some of the best and durable cobbler sewing machines.
Stitch Length Adjustment
The stitch length will depend on the thickness of the fabric you are sewing. Even with leather, the stitch length will change based on the type. Thin leather requires a different length, while thick and hard leather needs another. The cobbler sewing machine should allow you to adjust and change the stitch length to get the right thread tension. You need quality output, right? And this is one way to get professional-level stitch quality from your sewing machine.
Sewing in All Directions
How can you get consistent stitches on the shoe without having to turn it in some awkward directions? The presser foot is the key. The foot should be adjustable and should turn in 360 degrees, allowing you to sew the fabric in all directions. Instead of changing the position of the fabric, you will be changing the direction of the foot. It’s awesome, isn’t it?
Needle Replacement and Availability
A cobbler sewing machine will naturally have different needles compared to the regular machines. The needles have to be bigger, sharper, and stronger. You need to use specific ones to get the right result. Still, needles are not going to last forever. They are bound to break someday.
No big deal, right? You can always buy more. That’s where the trouble lies. If you choose a sewing machine that works with only certain types of needles, and if these needles are not easily available in the market, what will you do? Your time will be wasted in searching for the exact needles, and well, you can’t afford that, right?
Steady and Sturdy
Yes, the cobbler sewing machine you choose has to be steady and sturdy. It cannot be shaky and wobbly when you are sewing through the leather. If the sewing machine starts to vibrate, the stitch quality will suffer. Even when you choose a cobbler machine with a tripod stand, ensure that it can take the pressure of stitching thick and heavy fabrics. When you set it up on a flat surface, it should stay put and do the job.
Ease of Setup
Who doesn’t want an easy sewing machine? Even if you are professional, you are likely to prefer a model that is easy to set up and use rather than a model that is way too complex and time-consuming. And if you are a beginner, well, we don’t have to mention your preference. It is given that you would choose an easy model. An easy cobble machine will enhance your experience of making and mending shoes.
Weight and Dimensions
A cobbler machine is not going to be portable without some effort. The tripod models have smaller bodies and longer legs. The tabletop models have larger bodies and even larger tables. If you are going to move around a lot, a tripod cobbler machine might be a better choice. It weighs much less than other industrial heavy-duty sewing machines.
Height
The last factor you need to think about is the height of the sewing machine. By this, we mean the height of the stand. You would usually make shoes sitting down rather than standing. So, the machine should be at a height which is convenient for you to work. If it is short, you might have to hunch over for long durations. If it is too high, you can’t work while sitting or while standing.
It is all the more tricky since every one of us is different and have different a height. Depending upon your preference to sit or stand, you can choose a cobbler sewing machine that reaches the exact height you want. The table-stand models are usually designed for you to sit and work.
Wrap Up: Our Choice
We understand that it is just not easy to choose a cobbler sewing machine with so many good models in the market. What if you buy something and the other one turns out to be better? That question always haunts us, right?
Let’s make it simpler for you by recommending FamYun Hand Cobbler Shoe Repair Machine from our list. It is not heavy, comes with a tripod, and can use nylon and cotton lines to sew shoes.
We have already seen the various features and benefits of this model in detail, and we can say that FamYun Hand Cobbler Shoe Repair Machine is worth the price.
