Search the Community

For the HAND SEWING LEATHER WORKERS out there- <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1WOKsT64yEA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> This "How To" video was made for my buddy in Balian. This video includes how to begin stitching with the sewing awl, finish the seam, splice in longer thread, replace your bobbin, and replace the needle. So glad to share this with other handy people in the How To World. The sewing awl is an amazing tool. For the past 6 years, it has been a fruitful partner. This method is THREE TIMES FASTER than sewing with a single needle and thread. The sewing machine is great for leather, but sometimes it just can't handle seams that refuse to lay flat. As a general rule, if you can use a sewing machine- do. When you can't, the sewing awl is a versatile and efficient option. The best sewing awl I've found yet, is the one sold through "Tandy Leather Factory." If you don't have one of these Tandy shops in your city, it's easy to purchase through Amazon, Ebay, or Tandyleatherfactory.com. Expect to pay between 14-18$ for the tool. Buy "waxed poly sewing awl thread" to go with it. A big spool of waxed poly thread ranges from 6-20$ - Sold at the same online locations. Links provided below. Try to avoid buying a sewing awl with a hidden bobbin- like the "Speedy Stitcher"- this sewing awl is no good because you can't rewind the thread, and controlling the thread tension is much harder. While you're at it- order a replacement needle for when it does break. Because it will break. That needle is another 3$ well worth it. Your future self with thank you. Get a "size 8" needle. That is what you see here in the video. "Size 5" is smaller, but the sewing awl thread feels too big for it (sometimes when pulling the needle out, the needle will get stuck.) The instructions one the back of the sewing awl will leave you wanting. No, no, there is no instruction booklet that fell out. "Surely this can't be it" - you will think. Worry not, dear friend. Here is all you need to get your leather project underway. Important note: the rubber mat you see here allows the needle point to stay sharp, and reduce the risk of snapping your needle or stabbing your leg. I highly recommend getting a rubber mat. But if you are cheap, an old yoga mat folded in half will be fine. This tutorial comes from the leather design studio of Ahni Radvanyi. (Check out the shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/ahniradvanyi, and the most recent collection at http://ahnigear.com/) --Tandy Leather Factory.com Sewing Awl: http://www.tandyleather.com/en/product/sewing-awl-kit --Amazon.com tandy sewing awl: http://www.amazon.com/Tandy-Leather-Factory-Stitch-Sewing/dp/B00A2C8M6K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1450413240&sr=8-1&keywords=sewing+awl+tool