drill my sewing holes?

[antipaladin]

I've used the spacing wheels but I much prefer the pricking irons..they really line up the stitches well. I use 8 stitches per inch for holsters and functional belts and 12 for detailed/decorative stitching (with appropriately thinner thread). I've seen a lot of people use the thickness of the leather as a guide for how far in from the edge to stitch.

there is nothing prettier and more professional looking than finely handstitched leather.

Darc

Absolutely...nothing says more about the quality of an item and the skill of the craftsman more than fine handstitching and edging.

[chestercheeto]

My Dad had two hand drills that went as fast as you turned them that he used for making stitching holes.One drill you go up and down that makes the drill bit turn...while the second one has a hand crank you turn.I tried both on scrap leather..and I like the up and down one best.The drill bit on either is small enough to just get a needle thru.Perhaps these are better than using the electric ones where one can control the speed? I can post a pic of them is interested!

[Kevin]

I've never tried it, but some guys use a small nail instead of a drill bit when stitching cantles. Personally, I've got to have that twist in my stitch that I think you can only get with an awl.

Kevin