12 Best Leather Embossing Machines For Leather Projects In 2023

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Do you want to give your leather projects that professional look? If so, then it's time to pick out the best leather embossing machine!

The first step is finding a machine that will work with your budget and in your space. Next, read reviews on different devices before making a final decision. Of course, you'll also need to decide which type of machine would be best for you—there are manual embossers as well as electric ones.

We hope this list will help you narrow down some options and find the best leather embossing machine for you.

Our Top Picks

	Most Versatile - Sizzix Big Shot Pro Die-Cutting & Embossing Machine • 13-inch large opening • Industrial-strength • Compatible with different dies and folders
	Best Large Format - Vevor Large Format Leather Embossing Machine •Sturdy construction and finish • Thicker cutting capacity  • Works on various materials
	Best Electric - Fasttobuy Stamping & Embossing Machine • 10 x 13 cm heating plate • Digital display for temperature setting (up to 350oC) • Uniform pressure for better results

1. Fasttobuy Hot Foil Stamping & Leather Embossing Machine

What Customers Have To Say 

Customers recommend this leather embossing machine because of the value it gives for their money. It heats up quickly and comes with tools and extra parts, which crafters appreciate. They use it for various applications, though some find it tricky to adjust the temperature for different materials. 

Why We Think It’s Great

It is a manual embossing machine with a heating plate controlled from a digital panel that also displays the actual temperature (red) and the temperature setting (green). The maximum temperature setting is 350oC.

It has four balance adjustment screws with a spring for a more uniform press to ensure clean and crisp stamps and embossing. The platform has a U-shaped 5.1mm mounting hole that you can customize to fit your 6mm screws for your screw-on stamps. 

It also has a slot for your stamping T-slot holder if you want to add names and other texts on your stamped leather. However, you can get your stamping accessories by sending the company an email along with your orders. They provide brass letters, T-slot (using letters), and modules for brass letters, cutting, and serial numbers.

The base plate has a printed scale accurate to 1 mm in three colors for easier reading. It also helps to get a positioning fixture for faster stamping and embossing. 

Different materials and methods need different temperature settings. Refer to the table below:

Who Should Buy It

We agree with most crafters and think this is the best leather embossing machine for home and professional use.

2. VEVOR Leather Embossing Machine

What Customers Have To Say 

One leathercrafter admitted that he wanted to get a clicker press for a long time but was hesitant to spend thousands on a single machine. He was glad he waited and got this machine for a fraction of the machine’s price he originally wanted. 

Many other crafters concurred with his observation while another customer showcased his leather crafts using this machine. He cannot tell the difference in the quality of similar projects done on a more expensive device.

Why We Think It’s Great

We love this leather embossing machine’s sturdy construction from cold-drawn steel finished with black oxidation treatment. On the outside, it looks like something you can rely on for a long time. On the inside, it features a self-lubricating copper sleeve and a forged needle bearing that provides the machine the durability it needs.

For a machine this small, with an upper platen measuring 4 ¾ inches wide and 10 ¼ inches long, it can press up to 1 ton. The pressure relief pad absorbs some of the pressure from the machine, evenly distributing it to protect the device, the dies, and the stamp from damage. The platens measure 16mm, and the machine works best on 7mm thick materials, though it can still cut through 10mm materials. 

The bottom plate is larger than the upper platen, which is an improvement from the previous version. This design gives the machine more stability and capacity. The silicon-manganese steel spring wire presses down on the upper platen with the material under the pressing plate receiving uniform pressure, thanks to the double guiding shaft and ball bearing that supports the rod when you push the lever down. 

The leather embossing machine itself is on the heavier side at almost 62 lbs and measures 7 ⅝ inches wide, 15 inches long, and 17.3 inches tall when the handle is up.

Who Should Buy It

Whether you’re a newbie crafter or a seasoned one, this leather embossing machine is for you if you want to save without compromising performance.

3. Sizzix Big Shot Pro Die-Cutting & Embossing Machine - Most Versatile

What Customers Have To Say 

Crafters think that the Sizzix Big Shot Pro Die-Cutting & Embossing Machine is a worthy investment because it can work on a large assortment of materials, including leather and several layers of fabric. Other crafters even tout it as the beast of embossing machines because of its functionality and versatility.

Why We Think It’s Great

The Sizzix Big Shot Pro Die-Cutting & Embossing Machine is the largest in the Sizzix Big Shot family with its 13-inch opening. The platform measures 24 ¼ x 15 x 7 ½ inches and should have a designated place for it with its 40lb weight. The bulk is understandable with its heavy-duty steel, aluminum, and metal alloy construction.

The Sizzix Big Shot Pro includes a standard sliding tray, a standard cutting pad, a premium crease pad, two mylar shims, a standard adapter pad, and a die pick. For leather cutting and embossing, we recommend that you get a Bigz die and regular embossing folders, respectively. 

Remove the all-purpose platform when using the Bigz die and use the steel plate instead. For leather embossing, we recommend using the silicone rubber mat for more profound imprints. 

Who Should Buy It

The Sizzix Big Shot Pro Die-Cutting & Embossing Machine is an excellent investment for any crafter, primarily if you work with sturdier materials like leather, faux leather, fabric, balsa wood even thin metal sheets. 

4. Vevor 12mm Leather Embossing Machine

What Customers Have To Say 

Leather crafters agree with the amount of power this embossing machine has, given its compact size. One customer was shocked that it can deliver a 1 ½-ton pressing capacity. Another crafter called it a wonderful little press, and he is very proud of the wallets and key fobs he makes with this machine.

Why We Think It’s Great

For a leather embossing machine this small, we’re in awe of the power it can provide to make crisp and clean cuts and stamps on leather, faux leather, rubber sheeting, stickers, and other similar materials. However, it does not come with dies and stamps, so you need to order them separately from online stores.

Although the upper platen is small at 4 ¾ x 7 inches, the lower plate is bigger at 10 11/4 x 13 inches to give the machine better stability during the pressing process. The stage on which the pressing mechanism rests is slightly smaller than the lower plate. 

It can cut up to 10 mm pieces of leather and other materials in the list with its 1 ½ ton pressing power. We don’t recommend it for metal sheets, though. It weighs 8.54 lbs, only a fraction of the weight of larger Vevor machines. 

Who Should Buy It

For leather crafters who have a small workspace and can’t afford space-eating devices, the Vevor 12mm Leather Embossing Machine is best for you.

5. HHIP Heavy Duty Arbor Press Leather Stamping

What Customers Have To Say 

One crafter said he removed the ram and bore a 4mm screw hole on one end of the ram for his threaded stamps, then reversed the ram if the project needs the solid end. 

Another crafter is proud of the 3D stamps he did on his leatherwork in just 10 seconds. It’s a solid product, recommended by an innovative crafter who turned this arbor press into a leather heat press.

Why We Think It’s Great

The HHIP Heavy-duty Arbor Press is an excellent tool for everyone who loves working with their hands. This manually-operated press is very versatile as you can do rivets, punch and remove eyelets, and general automotive works. 

Although it is small with its base size of 5x11 inches and press height of 13 inches, it weighs 35lbs, assuring you of its solid build. Yet, for its small size, it has a pressing capacity of 1 ton. The rack and pinion mechanism ensures that you can achieve this much power without spending more muscle power than is necessary. 

The handle is adjustable, so you can adjust it to the kind of pressure you need and according to your comfort, allowing you to press from the front or the back of the machine. 

For embossing leather, you need a pair of press plates for larger stamps, or you can also customize the ram by boring a screw hole on the 1-inch square ram to use your screw-on stamps. We recommend a 4-6mm screw hole for this customization.  

Who Should Buy It

This heavy-duty arbor press is the best leather embossing machine for small-format stamping.

6. Vevor Large-Format Leather Embossing Machine - Best Large-Format

What Customers Have To Say 

One leathercrafter wasn’t willing to part with his precious $4000, so he got this leather embossing machine at less than a tenth of the price. The main plate may come loose, and it takes a while to tighten the screws. 

Other crafters also observed that it works best on thin leather during the cutting and embossing, leaving a good impression.

Why We Think It’s Great

We can’t fault anybody for loving this large-format leather cutting and embossing machine with its sturdy cold-drawn steel construction and rustic black oxide finish that prevents corrosion. Like other Vevor leather embossing machines, it features self-lubricating copper sleeves, silicon-manganese steel spring, and forged needle rollers. 

To ease the work on the machine and the user, the Vevor Large-format Leather Embossing Machine features durable dual ball bearings forged together for better durability and reliable performance. 

It weighs 119.8 lbs, and the lower base measures 13 x 19 inches, while the machine stands at 18 inches when the lever is up. It can cut through 15mm of leather and other materials with its 1 ½ ton pressing capacity. It also comes with pressure relief PP pads to evenly distribute the pressure without damaging the dies and the stamps.

Who Should Buy It

The Vevor Large-Format Leather Embossing Machine is the best alternative to an overly expensive press for leatherwork.

7. Zonepack ZS-110 Hot Foil Leather Embossing Machine

What Customers Have To Say 

Crafters were very happy with this leather embossing machine because of the high-quality stamps and embossed finish on their projects. Although some crafters complain of having difficulties using it initially, they deem the time and effort into learning how to use it very worthy. 

Why We Think It’s Great

The Zonepack ZS-110 Hot Foil Leather Embossing Machine is an upgraded version featuring a drawer-type iron base that is sturdier and can withstand heat better than the materials used in the previous version. It also includes a wheel on the top of the machine to adjust the heating plate.

The heating plate measures 10 x 13 cm and has one hole for the stamps. You can also assemble the T-slot under the heating pad with just two screws. To use the screw-on stamp, remove the T-slot, insert the screw into the hole, then secure it with a bolt. We prefer the hole longer so you can reposition the stamp. But if you use a 6mm screw, you’ll need to widen the hole because it is designed for a 5mm screw only. 

The front of the machine is a digital panel that displays the actual temperature and the temperature setting in red and green, respectively. You can adjust the temperature setting up to 350oC using the arrows underneath the display.  

The machine uses 300 watts to power it on and runs on a 110V power supply. It stands at 15 ⅜ inches, including the knob, while the base measures 4 ½ x 9 ⅞ inches and weighs 17.26 lbs. 

Who Should Buy It

It is the best leather embossing machine for advanced leathercrafters. The learning curve may be too steep for newbies, but you can do it with a little more patience.

8. Palmgren Heavy Duty Arbor Press

What Customers Have To Say 

At its price, the Palmgren Heavy-Duty Arbor Machine is a monster in performance and value, according to its users. It can tip over when pressing heavy items, so it is best to support the base with screws on a table or movable platform. Several leathercrafters tried it on their projects and found it very useful and versatile.

Why We Think It’s Great

The best thing about the Palmgren Heavy-Duty Arbor Machine is its wheel. Turn the wheel to position the ram over the stamp you’re working on before bringing down the ram with the lever. The lever is positionable, and you can lock it in place with a screw-on plastic knob. 

The 1-inch ram is reversible and has a locking device on one end if you want a uniform pressure between presses. One end has a magnet that holds the rounded, square, and pointed bits for other pressing jobs. To use it as a leather embossing machine, use a pair of steel plates to press the stamp together.

The arbor machine is 11 inches tall, and the base measures  6 ⅛ inches wide and 10 ¾ inches long. It weighs 34 lbs, owing to the heavy-duty cast-iron construction. The removable anvil has four positions and measures 4 ⅜ inches in diameter and 1 inch thick.

Aside from embossing and cutting, you can also use this for general automotive and DIY projects.

Who Should Buy It

The Palmgren Heavy-Duty Arbor Machine is an excellent investment for any crafter and DIYer. When properly cared for, it can last a long time.

9. Fasttobuy Stamping & Embossing Machine - Best Electric

What Customers Have To Say 

Customers can’t get enough of this leather embossing machine, and one crafter went gaga with the meager supplies he originally got along with the device. One shopper even posted numerous images of the personalized journals she made with this embossing machine. 

Another crafter urges new users to be patient with the machine, test out surfaces and temperature settings to get the best results.

Why We Think It’s Great

The Fasttobuy Stamping & Embossing Machine works on soft and hard plastic, paper and cardstocks, PU, PVC, leather, faux leather, cowhide, wood, and other surfaces. You need to have your stamps customized for stamping, but you can also buy accessories from the company for custom texts and serial numbers, brass letters, T-slots, and cutting modules. 

The heating plate measures 10 x 13 cm, but the base plate measures 14 cm. It has blue, red, and black measurement guides printed all over the plate, accurate to 1 mm for precision printing. We recommend you get the positioning fixture for easier positioning of your materials. 

You may want to increase the size of the slot hole (usually referred to as the U-hole) if your stamps use 6 mm screws, as the recommended size is for M4 and M5 screws. The balance screw with the spring is durable and presses evenly for uniform pressure. 

You can use this machine for embossing, hot foil stamping, and branding. The digital face displays the actual temperature in red and the temperature setting in green. Plus, you can set the temperature up to 350oC using the arrows on the display panel. For the temperature guide, refer to item #1 in this review.

Who Should Buy It

We urge crafters who work with bigger formats to get the Fasttobuy Stamping & Embossing Machine. It is the best leather embossing machine if you like working with customized texts with its T-slots.

10. TOAUTO Leather Logo Embossing Machine

What Customers Have To Say 

Customers love this leather embossing machine because of its wide range of applications. According to crafters, it has an excellent quality, and the double heating tubes are one of the best features since it takes half the time to heat it. 

Why We Think It’s Great

After the upgrade, TOAUTO added a heating tube to double its power and installed a drawer-type printing base to ease the setting up of the stamps and material. The base measures 12 x 14 cm, with 1 mm graduations printed on it in three colors for easier reading and positioning.

You can use screw-on flat stamps (6 mm) or customized alphabet and symbol stamps that fit into the T-slots under the heating plate. Use 12mm leather stamps for this machine. However, you can customize your jig to fit smaller letter stamps if you prefer. 

It also has a foil holder/roller to one side, although you may not install it if you prefer. The machine weighs 15 lbs and measures 36 cm in height and 22.5 x 14 cm on the base, including the stand.

This leather embossing machine works for plastic, paper and cardstock, wood, PU, PVC faux leather, leather, and cattle hide. The materials used for this device are aluminum for the housing, stainless steel for the other parts, and plastic for the knobs and handles.

Who Should Buy It

The TOAUTO Leather Logo Embossing Machine offers the adjustable height of the heating plate with just a turn of the knob. If you’re a crafter who loves shortcuts without sacrificing quality, this is the best leather embossing machine for you.

11.  Zonepack 8 x 10 cm Digital Embossing Machine

What Customers Have To Say 

Many crafters love this leather stamping machine because it is affordable and offers more value than other brands. The finish is immaculate and crisp. Another crafter appreciated that she received every freebie included in the package.

Why We Think It’s Great

The Zonepack 8 x 10 cm Digital Embossing Machine works on various surfaces, including leather, wood, paper, fabric, faux leather, and many other surfaces. It has a good temperature range of up to 350oC but works on a lower power at 300 watts. You can set up the temperature on the digital display with just a push of the arrows on the display pad.

The leather embossing machine is durable and light, made from stainless steel and uses both screw-on stamps and jig for customizable texts. You don’t even have to buy accessories like the positioning plate and a replacement heating element. 

The whole machine is 17 ⅜ inches high, while the base measures 8 ⅝ inches wide and 11 ½ inches long. Even with its size, it weighs only 13.2 lbs. 

Who Should Buy It

If you’re looking for more value for your money, this is the best leather embossing machine because it comes with the essential tools and accessories you need to get started.

12.  Zinnor Leather Embossing Machine

What Customers Have To Say 

Crafters agree that the Zinnor is an incredible machine that works in embossing and cutting leather and other materials. They don’t even need much force because pulling down the lever amounts to 1 ½ tons of pressure on their materials.

Why We Think It’s Great

The Zinnor is a heavy-duty die-cutting and embossing machine for leather and other materials made from carbon steel. The upper platen measures 26 x 16 cm, and the heavy-duty spring and ball-bearing make it easy to pull down the metal handle to create a good impression on the material you are embossing or cutting. 

The base itself measures 27 x 37 cm and stands on a platform about 5 cm high. It stands at 25.5 cm, and the handle is 33.3 cm long, with a red rubber covering on end to avoid accidents. The machine also comes with an open wrench, an Allen wrench, and four screws. 

The machine can cut through materials (leather, EVA, PVC, fabric, and faux leather) up to 12mm thick. However, it cannot cut through metal sheets. You also need to customize your stamps and dies, as this machine does not include any stamps. 

Who Should Buy It

Every crafter who wants to work with more than just embossing and stamping should get this leather embossing machine. 

Best Leather Embossing Machine Buying Guide

• Type

Before committing to an expensive embossing machine, know your needs and priorities. Always remember that the best equipment is the one that works best for you. 

• Capacity

For home use and start-up crafters, a high-quality manual leather embossing machine is an excellent choice. However, if you regularly take in multiple orders, using a pneumatic leather embossing machine is ideal.

• Durability 

You don’t want to invest in an expensive machine that won’t last for a long time, so find a solid device for embossing on leather and other similar materials. It also means more profits and better output. Read customer reviews so you have a feel of the machine’s overall performance.

• Portability

Manual leather embossing machines are usually heavier and larger than electric embossing machines, except for pneumatic ones. For large craft shops, you can afford large-format leather embossing machines. 

• Versatility

No crafter works on a single medium, so versatility counts, not only for the machine itself but also for the stamps. The best leather embossing machine does more than just embossing for leathers. It should work with other materials too.  

Electric embossing machines usually use screw-on stamps, and one device may use a different size of screw for their stamps. However, you can use these machines and stamps for hot foil embossing, blind embossing, and branding. 

Manual leather embossing machines are very versatile, and you can also use them to cut leather using cutting dies. The stamps are also interchangeable since you can use the stamps on different embossing machines, depending on the sizes. 

• User-Friendliness

Fully automatic pneumatic embossing machines work on specific software, so be sure you’re familiar with it before purchase. Other electric devices may look intimidating at first, but a short practice is good enough to get you going with your crafts. 

For a newbie crafter, the best leather embossing machine makes the process easier. Some leather embossing machines have a somewhat steep learning curve that newbies cannot relate to immediately.

Leather Embossing Machine FAQ

1. Can you emboss leather with Cricut Maker?

Yes, you can emboss leather with a Cricut Maker, and Cricut endorses their leather for these projects. However, It does not give the best result for blind embossing on both dry and damp leather. You can still add foil to your blind embossed leather, though, using the debossing or scoring tool and pressure-sensitive foil.

2. How do you use a leather stamping machine?

You can use a leather stamping machine for embossing, hot foil stamping, branding, and other craft projects on wood, paper, and faux leather. 

•  Blind Embossing on Leather

Blind embossing does not use foil or additives to impress an image. All it needs is a good stamp, a piece of leather to emboss, and a leather stamping machine. 

1. Set up your stamp as recommended. Some leather stamping machines have screw-on stamps, while others use a jig with a custom housing, especially for customizable texts. 
2. To use the leather stamping machine for blind embossing, preheat it to 100oC or lower. Most stamping machines use Celcius rather than Fahrenheit. 
3. Position your leather strip under the stamp, then pull the lever down for 3-5 seconds.

• Hot Foil Stamping

Hot foil stamping, as the name implies, needs a heat-activated foil. When heat embossing, try a small strip first to determine the best temperature you need. 

If some of the foil does not stick to the leather, then your machine is not hot enough. But if there are smudges on the finish, then your device is too hot. 

1. Prepare your stamp and set it on your machine before preheating it to 100oC - 300oC. 
2. Set up your stamp as recommended. The 300oC is best for very dry leather that you don’t want to case. 
3. Cut a piece of foil and position it over your leather piece. 
4. Pull the lever down for 3 seconds on the 100oC setting or just enough to touch the foil and leather for the 300oC.
   

• Branding

Branding involves more heat than embossing, allowing the stamp to burn through the leather slightly.  

1. Set up your stamp, then preheat your machine to 300oC.
2. Put the leather strip below the stamp, then pull the lever for 3 seconds or more. The perfect temperature makes a clear finish, while a stamp that’s too hot leaves a smudged finish. 

3. Can you emboss finished leather?

Beeswax, shea butter, groundnut, neatsfoot oil, mink oil, olive oil, acrylic leather finish are some of the substances you can use to finish leather. It gives the leather a layer of protection from scuffing, water damage, and mold growth while enriching the dye colors, giving the leather a glossy and professional finish. 

However, can you emboss finished leather? While leather crafters recommend finishing after adding all embellishments, including stamps and embossing, you can still emboss finished leather, especially if they are on flat surfaces like billfolds, journal covers, portfolio pads, and similar leather goods. On products with uneven surfaces like bags and shoes, embossing should be done before assembly and finishing it. 

As a precaution, we recommend applying the finishing you used on your project after embossing a finished leather to seal the embossed surface. 

4. What type of leather is used for embossing?

There are five types of leathers, and each has its qualities that make them perfect for a particular craft. You can emboss on all these leathers, but it is best to stay on the 2mm minimum thickness to leave a deep impression. If working on thinner alternatives, use a few layers of felt under the leather during the embossing. 

• Full Grain Leather

Full-grain leather is of the highest quality in terms of strength, water resistance, and flexibility. However, unlike top-grain leather, it has a rustic and imperfect finish because it does not undergo sanding or buffing. 

The outer layer develops a patina often observed in aged leather goods, further protecting water damage. This type of leather is best for crafts that require toughness, like saddles, knife sheaths, footwear, and furniture because of the surface fibers.

• Top Grain Leather

Top-grain leather is synonymous with fine leather. This type of leather has a lovely soft texture and is flexible enough to stretch during the crafting process. You’ll find this kind of leather on high-end shoes, handbags, and wallets. It is also very resilient, water-repellent, and strong. 

• Genuine Leather

Also known as corrected leather, genuine leather does not necessarily come from a specific hide layer. Instead, it undergoes treatment to give it a uniform appearance; thus, the term “corrected.” It cannot compete with top-grain leather in terms of appearance, but many crafters use it for general leather goods.

• Split Grain Leather

Split grain leather is a lower-grade leather made from cutting under the top grain layer of the hide. It has a different texture than the other leather type, but manufacturers treat it with dyes, embossing, and surface altering to give it a pleasant look. 

• Bonded Leather

Bonded leather is also known as reconstituted leather and is made from bonding leather scraps and polyurethane or latex on a fiber sheet. Manufacturers then dye, stamp or emboss, and finish it to give it a distinct look. Most low-cost patterned leathers are bonded leathers.

5. How do you emboss fake leather?

Slightly heating faux leather helps to deepen the impressions from embossing and stamping. A type of faux leather, also known as polyurethane leather or vegan leather, is very durable and can withstand some level of heating. 

To emboss faux leather using a leather embossing machine, follow these steps:

1. Set up your stamps and preheat your embossing machine at 100oC. 
2. Stamp your faux leather sheet for 2 seconds. 
3. You can also hot foil fake leather by putting a heat-sensitive foil over your faux leather sheet. 

If you don’t have an electric leather embossing machine, you can heat the back part of your faux leather with an embossing heat gun. Put your stamp over the faux leather, then press it for 5-10 seconds with a manual leather embossing machine. 

Conclusion

After a thorough review of the leather embossing machines, we vote for the Sizzix Big Shot Pro Die-Cutting & Embossing Machine as the best for its versatility and affordability, trusted by thousands of crafters. It also features steel gears and shafts to withstand the more resilient leather fibers.

Another excellent option is the Vevor Large-Format Leather Embossing Machine because of its solid construction and capacity. It uses no electricity and can be used for cutting leather, EVA, rubber board, and other similar materials. 

We also recommend the 10 x 13-inch Fasttobuy Upgraded Hot Foil Stamping Machine as the best electric leather embossing machine. With its digital format, you can set the precision temperature to do more than just embossing. It also gives a uniform pressure, so even if you’re using a large stamp, you get a constantly crisp and clean finish.

Do you agree with our list? Which best leather embossing machine caught your attention the most? Let us know in the comments below.