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Embroidery on Leather: Techniques, Tips & Machine Advice Embroidering on leather or faux leather can add a luxurious and personal touch to clothing, bags, upholstery, car accessories, and more. But leather is unlike any other embroidery surface — it stretches, doesn’t heal from needle punctures, and demands a special approach. Here’s everything you need to know for beautiful, lasting results. Key Considerations When Embroidering on Leather 1. Always Stabilize Your Material Leather is flexible, which means you must stabilize it. Use fusible interfacing or a high-quality cutaway stabilizer. This prevents puckering and distortion during stitching. Faux leather typically comes pre-backed, but verify before starting. 2. Hoop With Care Traditional hoops can leave marks on leather. A border frame is ideal: hoop the stabilizer alone, then float the leather on top. Secure it with temporary fabric spray or double-sided tape. Be mindful of the hoop's depth — leather plus interfacing is thick! Tip: Not all machines include a border frame. If you’re investing in a professional embroidery setup, confirm this accessory is available. 3. Digitize With Leather in Mind Leather embroidery requires lower stitch density to avoid tears. Avoid overly dense fills, short stitches, and excessive trims. Light, airy designs — like line art or sketch-style — tend to work best. 4. Embroider on a Flat Surface Don’t let your hoop hang! Heavy leather or thick materials can sag if unsupported. Always embroider on a flat table to maintain accuracy. What Thread and Needles Work Best? Thread: Use high-strength polyester thread — it’s more durable and flexible than rayon, perfect for tough surfaces. Needles: A size 80 embroidery needle is typically recommended for leather. Metallic Thread: If you're using metallics, reduce tension and follow all standard leather guidelines. Which Machine Handles Leather Best? When it comes to leather embroidery, you need a machine that’s built for strength and stability. All Ricoma embroidery machines are optimized for heavy materials and offer professional results on both real and faux leather.