What type of stitching irons do you use?

[Yukonrookie]

Apologies for yet another question folks,

What are y’all using for stitching irons? So far I’ve been using a couple 2mm diamond irons and there’s nothing wrong with them. Just curious as to what you folks prefer. I’m wondering on getting wider spacing and maybe better quality.  Mine are craftool and I got nothing bad to say about em, just that I’m thinking if trying out some higher end tools in general, as I’m enjoying this leather thing a whole bunch for sure and will keep on learning for many years to come, praise God. 

I’m guessing some sizes and spacing are better for some tasks and so forth? 

Also, I see there are “reverse” diamond irons that give sort of an offset pattern, if that makes sense. What would be the advantages to them? I read some calling it the “perfect saddle stitch”….

Thanks folks

Hank

[fredk]

I use; 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, depending on what I'm making. But my favourite are these stitching holes pliers (they're the 2mm spacing)

Edited 11 hours ago by fredk

[TomE]

Lots of opinions about this.  My opinion is that if you learn to use a sewing awl you'll be faster and more versatile than when pre-punching holes.  You can do a lot of good work with an inexpensive awl (I use Osborne awls and hafts) and an overstitch wheel to mark the holes.  The holes always line up because you punch them after the project is assembled, and the hole size will match the thread.  It is particularly good for fine sewing and for sewing irregular shapes.  For example, I sew a lot of loops (keepers) and buckles on horse tack, and by angling the awl you can sew underneath the loop.  With an awl you can make small adjustments on the fly for stitch length and the path of the stitch line to make things work out.  Most of the time in hand sewing is spent pulling up the stitches and using the awl only takes a couple of seconds per stitch.  The one time I pre-punch holes is when sewing leather on woven fabric, so that I'm not cutting the threads of the fabric/webbing with an awl.

I think the reverse stitching punches are designed to complement the forward direction when sewing 2 layers back-to-back.  Use the reverse punch on the backside then the slanted holes will align when you assemble the layers back to back.