Would a stitching awl be useful to me for handstitching?

Tallbald · January 28, 2011, 12:02:02 PM

I received one as a gift and have not really tried to use it yet. It came without any directions. Is this still considered "hand stitching" as such? I want a good, solid stitch on my holsters and have been using the 2 needle, one thread method so far. It looks like it could be easier on my hands (arthritis). Thanks, Don

marine-mp · January 28, 2011, 12:31:01 PM

Tallbald,
I have one also, but have never used it. You can go to 'UTUBE" and search stitching awl and it will show how to use it, or maybe there is a tutorial on this forum. You might also consider a sewing machine.....I'm sure you've already thot of that. But, for hand stitching, my preferred method is ...yes....that 'ole 2 needles-1 waxed thread, saddle stitch. Semper-fi Mike

outrider · January 28, 2011, 01:34:01 PM

Hi Gents,

A stitching awl works just like a sewing machine..it gives you a lock stitch. when you push the awl through the leather and then start to pull it back out a loop is formed in the thread. you then insert a second piece of thread thorugh the loop and pull through the leather...a lock stitch is formed...sooo the loop created by the stitching awl is like the needle thread on the sewing machine and the second thread is like the bobbin thread on the sewing machine

bedbugbilly · January 28, 2011, 01:40:00 PM

tallbald - I use a stitching awl all the time as all I do is hand stitch my leathergoods. I also use "artificial sinew" which is basically waxed heavy duty stranded thread. Basically, I now mark my stitching holes with a small pair of wing dividers. I have a Tandy "stitching wheel" but I don't really care for it. With my dividers, I prick a spot where the stitching is going to end or begin, and then with the points of the divider set for the stitch length I want, I just "step off" the stitching holes. The points of the divider provide a spot for the tip of the awl to locate the stitch hole. By using the awl to push through the stitch hole, you provide a hole to thread your needles through. The blade on my awl is just a little bit smaller than the needles I use so I often have to pull the needle through with a pair of small pliers. Just like you, I use one piece of thread with a needle on each end to "saddle stitch" the seams. The holes made by the awl will actually close back on the thread once you are done sewing as opposed to "drilled" stitching holes which will not. As suggested, try to take a look as some video clips on stitching. After a little practice, you can become quite good at using the awl and saddle stitching and your holster will look nice with a seam sewed in that manner.

bedbugbilly · January 28, 2011, 01:51:13 PM

sorry - after reading outrider's post which was posted just before mine, I realized that what I was referring to as a "stitch awl" was probably not what you were referring to as a "stitch awl". I was referring to an awl that has a plain wood handle and a needle like blade that is used to create a hole at the seam to run a needle through. After what outrider said, I'm thinking that you may be referring to the "sewing awl" that has the spool of thread in the handle and feeds down through an awl needle - which is used just as outrider described. Sorry for the mix-up.

I sew my holsters with a saddle stitch and have never used one of the sewing awls that has the thread in the handle, etc. so can't really make a comment on them, good or bad. They've been around for years and thousands of 'em have been sold so they must work. I also would like to hear more about 'em from those that have used 'em - after all, never to old to try something new! Sorry if I was mixed up on what you were referring to.

outrider · January 28, 2011, 01:54:48 PM

Go to speedystitcher.com...they have a video on how to use a stitching awl

outrider · January 28, 2011, 01:56:56 PM

Billy,

I think he was referring to the sewing awl..but maybe not...but between the two of us we have it covered..

Dalton Masterson · January 28, 2011, 02:04:14 PM

I started on the speedy stitcher type sewing awl. I moved onto the saddlestitch method and havent looked back.
I do keep one of those here at work, and can make short work of fixing something if it needs it. The stitches dont look very good when I use it, but that may be the nature of them....

The 2 needle saddle stitch will be a lot stronger stitch than the lock stitch from the machine...

Go to the FAQ/How to section of this forum for more info..
Heres a direct link to the stitching post. http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,4739.0.html
DM

Tallbald · January 28, 2011, 03:42:35 PM

Thanks folks. I just was calling the tool what I've seen them called in some catalogs. I guess it more accurately is called a sewing awl. The ones I've seen and was asking about have a spool of thread in a large handle and a flattened needle. Thanks, Don

hawkeye2 · January 31, 2011, 10:18:31 AM

I started with a sewing awl 40 years ago and did a lot of projects, repairs amd rebuilds using it before moving to 2 needle harness stitching. I never had a problem with the work done with the awl and now that it has been brought to the front of my mind I may begin using it again for some of my work where stitch wear and strength are of less concern. What I'm trying to say is if you have it, use it. It doesn't matter if you go into the swimming hole head first or feet first just so long as you get wet.