SCHMETZ 1738 Needles for Industrial Sewing Machines | DBx1 LR - for leather (10 pcs.)

SCHMETZ DBx1 LR or also known as 1738 (A) LR, 1738 (A) LR, 16X230 R TW, DBXF2, 16X231, 287 WH are industrial sewing machine needles for leather with LR (Reverse Twist) cutting point. The needle's cut is at ~45° angle to the thread direction, so the stitch on leather looks decoratively slanted (slight left slant) with a clean, distinct cut. Chrome coating reduces friction and heat, providing long service life in intensive production.

🧵 Suitable materials

• All types of natural and synthetic leather
• Leather combined with textiles (bags, linings, belts)
• Thicker coated materials (e.g., car upholstery, bag components)

✨ Where LR shines

• Decorative/topstitch seams on leather with a sleek, even slant
• Footwear and garment industry, leather upholstery
• Sewing bags, suitcases, car seats

🎯 LR (Reverse Twist) advantages

• Cleanly cut stitch without tearing the leather
• Aesthetically slanted seam – ideal for decoration and visible topstitching
• Stable stitch even with thicker threads

🧶 Thread recommendations on leather

Choose needle and thread size according to leather thickness and desired effect (the thicker the material, the larger the NM and the thread tex):

• For decorative/topstitching: polyester or polyamide approx. tex 75–150 (No. 20–8) with needle NM 120–160
• For medium-thickness leather: polyester approx. tex 50–75 (No. 40–30) with needle NM 110–140

🔧 Compatibility

Suitable for industrial lockstitch (straight stitch) machines designed for DBX1, 16X231, 287 WH, 1738 (A),16X230 R, DBXF2 series needles.

Needle system (equivalents): DBx1 LR,1738 (A) LR, 16X230 R TW, DBXF2, 16X231, 287 WH

📐 Technical data

• CANU: 14:25 AX1
• Tip type: LR – Reverse twist point (cutting point 45°)
• Coating: Chrome
• Shank Ø: 1.62 mm
• Overall length: 37.9 mm
• Length to eye: 33.9 mm
• Shank flattening: none (no flattening)
• Blade shape: straight
• Number of grooves: 1
• Stitch type: Lockstitch (straight stitch)
• Packaging: 10 needles

ℹ️ Note

The stitch appearance in photos refers to machines with side-twist threading; in front-threading setups the visual slant effect may differ. If a different stitch slant is needed, choose the appropriate cutting point (e.g., LL for very straight seams).

✅ Why these needles?

• Optimal for visible decorative seams on leather
• Wear-resistant, designed for long, stable production
• Compatible with the industry's most popular lockstitch machines