Help! Saddlestitching High Stitch Count

[MrBill]

Hello, All!

I'm new here and absolutely delighted to be a newcomer to such amazing artisans. I look forward to sitting at the feet of the masters.

In saddlestitching a high stitch count with small thread -- 12-14 stitches an inch -- do I still follow the step-by-step of one awl punch at a time, or since the stitches are so small, can I pre-punch? Do I still use an awl or can a simple round hole to the trick?

Sorry for the simple question but I'd rather ask than not.

Thank you!

MrBill

[Kevin]

I like to precut my holes, so they are more consistent. The finer stitch you do, the more important it is to angle your holes with a diamond shaped awl, I don't think you can do 14 per in. with a round awl without your holes all running into each other. I'm sure someone can do it, but not me.

Kevin

[MrBill]

I like to precut my holes, so they are more consistent. The finer stitch you do, the more important it is to angle your holes with a diamond shaped awl, I don't think you can do 14 per in. with a round awl without your holes all running into each other. I'm sure someone can do it, but not me.

Kevin

Thank you, Kevin, for your gracious reply! I look forward to following your advice. Health and happiness to you!

[harnessman]

Hi

I have successfully hand saddle stitched up to 16 SPI, but what an incredible pain as it takes forever to get anywhere! Anyway, the higher the stitch count the smaller the awl and the thinner the thread needs to be. For fine work I go down to 92 or even 69 and use a twisted point #18 leather sewing machine needle, or smaller, for an awl. With this fine a thread it is also very VERY easy to pull a stitch right through the leather. Another consideration is that this fine a stitch should be limited to thin leather, maybe total thickness of not more than 4-6 oz. otherwise it is practically impossible to keep the back side holes from drifting into one another, at least it is for me!

hope this helps and good luck with your project.

I also pre-punch 6 or more holes at a time depending on wheather things are glued togeather before stitching and where the stitching is, straight runs, more holes, around tight corners, less holes.

Jim

Edited June 15, 2010 by harnessman

[MrBill]

Hi

I have successfully hand saddle stitched up to 16 SPI, but what an incredible pain as it takes forever to get anywhere! Anyway, the higher the stitch count the smaller the awl and the thinner the thread needs to be. For fine work I go down to 92 or even 69 and use a twisted point #18 leather sewing machine needle, or smaller, for an awl. With this fine a thread it is also very VERY easy to pull a stitch right through the leather. Another consideration is that this fine a stitch should be limited to thin leather, maybe total thickness of not more than 4-6 oz. otherwise it is practically impossible to keep the back side holes from drifting into one another, at least it is for me!

hope this helps and good luck with your project.

I also pre-punch 6 or more holes at a time depending on wheather things are glued togeather before stitching and where the stitching is, straight runs, more holes, around tight corners, less holes.

Jim

Hello, Jim;

Thank you so very much for taking the time out of your day to share your expertise. It is VERY helpful and will be incorporated immediately. It sounds as if you do magnificent work!

Thank you again, Jim, for welcoming me into the Guild. May God continue to bless you and yours!

All the best,

Mr.Bill