Newbie Question On Punching Holes For Sewing

[hosscomp]

In some of my earlier reading I saw the Thonging Chisel Set recommended for punching the sewing holes, so I ordered one. Now I am reading the Al Stohlman Art of Hand Sewing and he recommends using the diamond awl and punching one hole at a time. Does it make a big difference for a beginner? If I pre-punch the holes with the chisel set will the item be of less quality or look unprofessional?

[Big O]

I started out using a 4-prong diamond punch. Broke two of them in short order. Worked just "okay". You could still see the holes after stitching.

Then I tried drilling the holes. Same result, just smaller holes.

The awl worked best, and that's what I continue to use.

Keep a washcloth, towel, or gauze pads handy, though, because at first, you'll poke your fingers on a fairly regular basis.....

[Anonnymouse]

Could you get very far in leather with an awl? Seems to me like the awl would be rather imprecise. Plus I think the awl would not go very far in tough leather (4+ ounces)? I'll be using a 4-prong chisel for lacing; I think it should work all right.

[dbusarow]

Could you get very far in leather with an awl? Seems to me like the awl would be rather imprecise. Plus I think the awl would not go very far in tough leather (4+ ounces)?

I've used an awl to hand stitch 5 layers of 16oz. 80oz total. It was work, but completely doable.

Dan

Edited August 29, 2011 by dbusarow

[terrymac]

Using a four prong chiesel leaves holes large enough to drive a truck thru, just doen't look very professional. Using an awl blade in conjuntion with a drill press assures straight holes. Works great for me.

Terry

[GlenH]

In some of my earlier reading I saw the Thonging Chisel Set recommended for punching the sewing holes, so I ordered one. Now I am reading the Al Stohlman Art of Hand Sewing and he recommends using the diamond awl and punching one hole at a time. Does it make a big difference for a beginner? If I pre-punch the holes with the chisel set will the item be of less quality or look unprofessional?

I use either the angled or straight chisels (the straight one is one my dad used in the 70's). No one has complained so far about it looking "unprofessional."

Glen

[terrymac]

When I say "unprofessional", I am referring to being able to see the holes after stitching. If you look at some of the work on this website by people that are truly masters of handsewing, the leather appears to swallow the thread with no visible sign of the hole. There may be some European or Japanese manufactures that sell a "thin" bladed chiesel, but if you are using one of the ones Tandy sells, you can see the hole. I have one. It is simply a matter of personal preference. I just don't want something going out with my name on it that looks like a pre-punched Tandy kit. No offense to those that use those kits, as they serve a very useful purpose for beginners. As one of the members of this forum states: "Make it look handmade, not homemade"

Terry

Edited August 29, 2011 by terrymac

[hosscomp]

Thanks for your replies. Together they answer my question. Since I am a beginner I will start with the chisel set and consider using the awl if I ever get close to being a professional.

But, then on second thought, would it be advisable to start out with the awl?

Edited August 30, 2011 by hosscomp

[azrider]

I started out with the chisel, and it worked. I can honestly say that my sewing got faster and better looking once I got a diamond awl and learned how to sharpen it. Osborne makes a small bladed diamond awl that tandy sells. It would be a less expencive way to see if it works for you. I ruined three chisels before I finally got the awl. (Punched too hard and went through the poundo pad.) I still have my original awl, and have sewn up to an 3/4 of an inch thick with it.

[Guapo]

You're on the right track with the Al Stohlman book. Learn it his way from the start and never look back. Many professionals do it his way.

Guapo