Thread And Stiching Awl Blades

[Kevin]

I don't know how exactly to explain this, and I could be full of something, but I feel the shorter your awl is, the less leverage you have to make a crooked hole and the more control you have to go straight.

Kevin

[Hilly]

I talked to Bog Douglas' wife the other day. She said that all their tools are packed up, ready to go to Sheridan. Although you may get through on the phone, don't expect much till after the show in Sheridan, as they are VERY busy at the moment. I'm sure the wait will be worth it, though.

[jimsaddler]

I don't know how exactly to explain this, and I could be full of something, but I feel the shorter your awl is, the less leverage you have to make a crooked hole and the more control you have to go straight.

Kevin

Hi Kevin

You are totally right, in most cases.

The shorter the Awl Blade the more control for normal stitching. For Bridle work 1 1/4" protruding from the Haft is adequate as it gives enough for the point to lead the hole straight then the body of the Awl to enlarge the hole sufficiently for good sewing.

[jimsaddler]

I don't know how exactly to explain this, and I could be full of something, but I feel the shorter your awl is, the less leverage you have to make a crooked hole and the more control you have to go straight.

Kevin

Hi Kevin

You are totally right, in most cases.

The shorter the Awl Blade the more control for normal stitching. For Bridle work 1 1/4" protruding from the Haft is adequate as it gives enough for the point to lead the hole straight then the body of the Awl to enlarge the hole sufficiently for good sewing.

When sewing Heavy rough work though Long is Good as it acts as a Crowbar.

A point with Awls! Your Awl is only what you make it! I've seen beautiful Awl Blades in the hands of Bumblers make terrible Stitches. Also I've seen Awls made of soft nails in the hands of Good Hand Sewers makes absolute masterpieces. "It's in the Hands not the Awl Blade". I've said it before only Practice, Practice and more Practice. Make your own Awl Blades from any good Steel Wire. They don't have to be a full Diamond for their length, the first section that makes the cut is the important part. Say 1/2" then a polished oval shape will do the job perfectly. With the polish being important.

I hope this helps.

Kindest Regards.

Jim Saddler.

[busted]

Greetings

Have been reading posts for the past few weeks and need help with the following

When to use right hand and left hand twist treat for hand sewing.

What size awl blades to order all they list is how long they are

Thank you

What ever your project is, the leather doesn't care what twist the thread is.

Hand sewing is not hard on the thread, some sewing machines will

not sew with the wrong twist thread. I would not use nylon I would use

the polyester or the linen thread. You might consider using a linen cord around

the number 3 size numbers 5 and 7 are way to heavy for hand sewing in

my opinion but there are folks that use them.

I don't know what to say about the awl size. If you don't like what is

available make your own from a nail. I would use the 6 penny finishing nail

my self but that is up to you. Get a propane torch, a hammer, a file and

something to forge the awl on preferably an anvil. Don't for get to heat treat

your new awl. It makes no difference if you heated the nail in the process of

forming. Use a pair of plires and hold the nail, heat the nail to a straw color

the full length of the nail. You can quench the nail in oil if want to that makes

it a little harder.

This will allow you to make all of the awls you want in what ever size you want.

And there will not be any sticker shock from this method and as the one

post said it is in the hands of the craftsman not completely in the tool.

Practice, practice, practice. Have a nice day.

[MADMAX22]

Good info Busted, I am gonna have to try out the nail thing.

As far as thread size I think 6cord linen is a great size for belts, holsters, and sheaths. 3cored I like using for inlay portions of sheaths and such. I guess it depends on what you make as to the size you wanna use and the style.

[mischief]

Now that the awl size has been resolved,THANK YOU, I'm going to modify and polish some 3 sided canvas needles and try them as awls.

I have a bunch of 13.14,15 & 16 size sail needles,the 13 & 14 look like the best.Might try a horse shoe nail or two also

ED

Edited May 17, 2010 by mischief