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Jasonlboyd

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Posts posted by Jasonlboyd

  1. Posted · Edited by Jasonlboyd · Report reply

    Well TX, the biggest portion of my education initially revolved around use of the awl, as well as how to maintain the damned thing. I'm inarticulate enough that I balk a attempting to explain those lessons. I will say that most folks punch too big a stitching hole. Now it may be considered a major transgression by many purist, but I feel that mastering the use of an awl takes time and effort, and that punching holes for stitching may, and can be done by other methods. Many folks use a Dremel tool or a drill press to get the holes done in a reasonably proper manner - after all, they are nothing more than a bunch of uniformly sized and spaced voids in the leather. If using the Dremel or the drill press method, use a drill of no larger than 3/64" -- 1/16" is too big. You can also use a small brad or nail chucked up in the press - No larger than a 1 1/2" X #16 (skinny little beggars) OK, you have a pot-load of holes in your leather and you want to stitch. I use a #1 sized needle, many will use a bigger one purchased from Tandy - 'taint a good idea. Start with your long piece of thread with a needle on each end by sticking a needle into the first hole. The damned thing will not be forced through by hand - if you can push or pull it through, the hole is too damned big. Pull it through with a pair of smooth-jawed pliers -- and DON'T work the needle up and down lest you bust the damned thing. Pull the thread till it centers up the thread in the hole. Insert the second needle from the opposite

    side of that first hole, being careful not to skewer the thread already in the hole. Pull that thread up 'till you have a small loop on that side of your masterpiece. Now, look at where the thread from the first needle is laying in relationship to the loop - either inside the loop, or outside. It actually makes no difference which it is, AS LONG AS ALL SUBSEQUENT STITCHES ARE IDENTICAL --- EITHER INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. NOW, RETURN TO THE FIRST NEEDLE AND STUFF IT IN THE NEXT HOLE. YOU MUST ALWAYS PUT THE FIRST NEEDLE THROUGH THE HOLE ON THE SAME SIDE OF THE PROJECT. First needle through, snug it up and pull back toward yourself a bit. Second needle from the opposite side making sure that the thread is inside or outside the loop as was the first one/-- snug the stitch up tight. Go for it. The biggest thing is to remember that each stitch must be done exactly as the preceding one. While old Jeff taught me, he brought into question my intelligence, my hearing, my ability to follow directions, and my ability to do anything correctly in that I was left handed. Frankly it's one hell of a lot easier to show someone how to do it than it is to write it down. I hope this is at least a bit clearer than mud. But as I said, each step must follow the preceding ---- exactly. Mike

    Very informative. Let me ask, how to you keep your needle threaded if the holes are this tight? I know my holes are much larger than they could/should be, but if I don't do this, it seems like every 4 or 5 holes I have pulled the thread out of the needle and I am trimming to re-thread! Also, if I want to order thread, how do I know what size to order?

  8. Posted · Report reply

    I know everyone has their own opinions, but I need a recommendation on the best bargin for an awl. I am still brand new and I got the basic sewing kit from Tandy. I got holes punched in almsot 3 out of 4 sides of a checkbook cover before the awl came out of the handle. I know this awl isn't the best, but with plenty of wax and stroping, it was getting the job done. I would love to have a top of the line awl, but not ready to invest a whole lot of money yet.

    Suggestions anyone?

  17. Posted · Report reply

    If I understand correctly, most people make their stitching groove while tooling the leather. If you stitch it on front and back, how do you ensure that your groves will line up in assembly? Do I just need more practice, or am I missing something simple? It almost seems like it would be easier to groove front, punch holes, then groove the back, then finish after sewing.

    Is this the proper procedure? Groove, finish, glue, sew?

  24. Posted · Report reply

    Welcome. I'm also new but I find myself getting bored with the kits and their lacking quality. I have made an iPhone wallet with card holder, iPod sleeve, and a swivel knife holder for my first projects. I am also considering a checkbook cover and a business card case for my next projects of my own creation. Glad to have you around.

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