hand stitching guide

[Tannin]

Hi Tanin ....................

...

Of course, the topic of "Sewing Awl" is also something that should be necessarily improved. One issue that should be urgently improved also 99% of the leather craftsmen. Unfortunately, the awls will prepare nowhere more not shown correctly even by the learned saddlers.

In our traditional saddlers this is something which is most practiced what has been learned very thoroughly and at least 3 years requires exercise until you can do it right.

But a usable sewing horse is always the first requirement to do so.

Hi Walter,

Any chance that you could post information on how you prepare awls (here or perhaps in a new thread)?

I was surprised when I first learnt that awls must be sharpened before use. I have several sharpening stones & sharpening sticks* & recent experience sharpening hand-tools & knives and so keen to learn. I learnt a technique from Nigel Armitages free youtube video:

...and more recently from one of Al Stohlman's books (probably the tools one) - although not identical, their techniques are consistent with each other.

*Wooden batons wrapped with wet & dry paper. I normally use worn-down 600grit but for awl blades that seem too coarse, other than perhaps for a short initial grind, so I recently bought some 1200grit (from Screwfix.co.uk, as my local hardware store doesn't carry grades finer than 600) specifically for awl blades. I also made a small leather strop stick & rubbed it with white compound ("rouge"!). For the baton, in this case I re-used old MDF (Formica covered medium density fibre board - dreadful stuff!) - flat & v. smooth.

Edited September 27, 2014 by Tannin

[walter roth]

Hi Tanin .......

I've looked at the video.

I'll try to explain the photo Graphically what I mean.

What Al Stohlmann doing there is very inadequate, in principle, but somewhat true. Stohl Mans Ahlen handle is completely useless.

In addition, one must also show how to sewing, whether the proceeds photos ... must try it ......

Unfortunately I only speak bad English, I must try .........

It will take a few days to make it. But I do it.

greeting

Walter

[Tannin]

That is kind of you Walter - but please don't "bust a gut" rushing to get this out if you are busy. As for your English, I usually get the gist of it and, if not, we can always ask.

I use Google Translate when I need to translate things (so far, I have used it for: German, French, Italian, Swedish, Welsh, Spanish and Japanese!) - it is not perfect but it usually works well enough for my needs. Folk on the WWW have helped me translate a few tricky/uncommon phrases.

[chleblove]

So you use a single diamond shaped awl but not a speed stitch awl with a thread bobbin, right?

Do you have any opinion on using those 2x, 4x, and 6x diamond shaped awls (the ones that look like little forks)? Do those have a special purpose or is it just a personal preference thing?

[snubbyfan]

Here's my take on hand stitchin'

And yes, I have sharpened my awl.

[club49]

Your article really helped me get started. It is well written and all the helpful hints are easy to understand for a newbee like myself.

Thank you for taking the time to help keeping leather working alive.

Jim

[AhniRadvanyi]

There is so much helpful information here! Thank you for taking the time to post an encyclopedia of hand stitching knowledge. The best knowledge is that gained from your own experience. Trial and error! Hells yes, I have wailed and wallowed over the lack of available leather hand sewing instructions. Even the lack of instructions on the back of the package my sewing awl came in.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1WOKsT64yEA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The lack of instructions on how to use this sewing tool was so frustrating- and now I am happy to share a video tutorial originally made for a buddy. I am a visual learner, and for those of you who need to see it than hear it, this video is for you:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WOKsT64yEA&feature=youtu.be

This little hand sewing tool sews 3 times faster regular needle and thread. I have sewn through 12+ layers of leather with it, sewn through bison and stingray like butter, even sewn inside boots and bags, and sewn through chain. This hand tool has been my business partner, it's more than a tool. I have used it for 7 years now, and can sew 3 inches in 2 minutes. Not bad at all for small hand stitched bags.

Goodluck with many successful leather projects!

Edited December 19, 2015 by AhniRadvanyi

[Reegesc]

The pawn shop tips alone was worth the read. Every pawn shop I've ever been to had sky-high prices (guitars is what I always look at) and I just scratch my head and wonder how they managed to sell anything at those prices and where the heck are the supposed great deals? DOH! Of course. Pawn Shops use the "Tourista" pricing model -- they expect to be dickered down to half or less. I don't why that never occurred to me, but I tell ya what, I'm gonna keep that in mind next time I pawn one of my guitars or get one out of hock. ;-)

[zwallz]

if you are a beginner, hope this link will help you : http://rainierleather.com/how-to-sew-leather-by-hand/

[paloma]

The transmission of know-how is the best way to remember the person who transmits, it ensures eternity.

Thanks for that.