[elkarcher]

This is an older machine, but am hoping I can use it to sew leather crafts. When it is lifted, the underplate is stamped with "Juki 201".
The parts that I can see on the underside are stamped "Juki" also.
Any information and where I might find a manual for this machine would sure be helpful. Thanks.

[sewslikethewind]

Hi,

With the right needle, one marked specifically for leather, and the right accessories you can sew most leather on most machines. I am not familiar with that model specifically, but have used MW machines. As I know they were all made by other machine makers.

If you want to do a low-cost test, get some leather needles sized appropriately to the weight of the leather you are stitching (the thicker the leather, the higher the number needle size). Because leather will tend to stick to the machine bed and foot put a sheet of wrapping tissue (like the kind gifts are wrapped in) under the leather, and another sheet above it so it will not stick to the foot or the bed.

Some alternate methods are talcum powder (I don't like this as over time it will build up in your bobbin case), special sprays for your bed (may discolor the leather), a teflon sheet (fine, but this is a low-cost test).

If the machine sews adequately, then consider investing in a walking foot and/or teflon bed sheets.

Have fun!

[ma0641]

Your machine is a JUKI made in Japan. Go to juki.com homepage and see if you can find a source there.

[elkarcher]

Thanks for the tips! I will give it a try. Were most of the accessories pretty standard for machines of this era or are they more propriatory for the specific manufacturers? This machine is stamped with "Juki 201" on the underside of the base of the machine.

[sewslikethewind]

The Montgomery Wards machines I have used all use standard Singer "high shank" feet. These are very common and cheap. If you are not sure you can take a photo of the foot to a sewing store and show it to them.