Sewing Awl

[Arturo]

ATX:

I'm way new to the forum but I can't help but put my two cents in here. This tool that you ask about makes a "lock stitch" just like any commercial sewing machine. Does that mean that anything that was sewn on a machine inferior? I think that there might be times that no other tool will allow you to join two pieces, like say down in the corner of a bag, in any other manner.

Arturo

[Gilligan]

I have one each of ATX's and Horsehair's. The Speedy Stitcher has never worked smoothly, it gets the job done, but i do it much better with the other. They're really handy for carrying in place of several needles and thread. Both have a needle holder and contained spool. The wooden handle makes it easier than using a sailor's palm at times.

[Hennessy]

heres another good way to hand sew,you need two awls one to make a hole, one to hold a hook needle from a lock stitch machine.you hole first, then push the hook thru catch th bottom thread in hook pull loop to the top,put top thread thru loop,pull bottom thread down till all slack is removed, then pull lock to middle out of site.usually make 10 holes n sew,goes pretty good and is as good as two needles i think adios pete

[tonyc1]

It is much easier and neater to use 2 needles and harness makers awl with a diamond shaped blade!!!

Tony.

[tashabear]

heres another good way to hand sew,you need two awls one to make a hole, one to hold a hook needle from a lock stitch machine.you hole first, then push the hook thru catch th bottom thread in hook pull loop to the top,put top thread thru loop,pull bottom thread down till all slack is removed, then pull lock to middle out of site.usually make 10 holes n sew,goes pretty good and is as good as two needles i think adios pete

The problem with this is that if one stitch pops, the entire seam lets loose, because neither the top thread nor the bottom thread ever go through the leather; they just loop around each other. Those loops are what are holding the seam shut. With a saddle stitch, if a stitch on the top goes, the stitching from the bottom will still hold the seam shut.