lesking Report post Posted January 4, 2013 I recieved a Tandy hand stitching set for christmas. I have never hand stitched anything before but i would like to learn. I am having trouble using the awl in piercing two layers of leather. i am using some scrap pieces of oil tanned leather to make a sheathe for my swivel knife. Do i have to sharpen the awl before use or just eat more wheaties for stregenth. If I need to sharpen the awl what is the best method? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLSleather Report post Posted January 4, 2013 (edited) Sadly, this is the trend. Used to be, you got a tool that was already sharp. Burns my backside that so often you need to sharpen a brand new tool. The awl should glide through the leather with almost no force at all. When you sharpen it, use a fairly hard stone, and keep the flat sides of the awl flat on the stone (dont 'rock" it). I think your kit has some information on how to hold it. Check the book that came with that kit. Edited January 4, 2013 by JLSleather Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
electrathon Report post Posted January 4, 2013 Are you trying to use a sticher that has the thread in the bobbin in the handle? If so, hate to tell you but you will be better off the learn double needle stiching. they are hard to use and the stiching that comes from them usually looks pretty bad. Look up double needle stiching/saddle stiching and go from there. Aaron Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
immiketoo Report post Posted January 4, 2013 Or watch these! http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=44874 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jkwparrott Report post Posted January 5, 2013 Lesking, yes you will need to sharpen the awl and strop it. I use a fine diamond stone to sharpen mine. Get some jewelers rouge and rub it into a piece of leather then strop the awl blade good. I find the most important thing it bees wax. Stab the tip of the awl into some bees wax, don't stab the entire bade into the wax, just about 1/8" or so of the tip. This helps lubricate a little and you'll notice a huge difference. The awl pulls out of the leather easier with the wax too. I also recommend a stitching pony of some sort. It really helps a lot! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lesking Report post Posted January 5, 2013 Thanks for all of the replies. No I am not using the awl with bobbin. I was under the impression that the awl was used to pierce the two layers of leather to make a hole but after watching the video recommended apparently one can punch the holes and then use the awl to open them up for using the two needle method of sewing. I made a small stitching pony and I think it will work well for the things i am looking to do. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
immiketoo Report post Posted January 5, 2013 Les, you CAN use the awl to punch the holes. Nigel's method is one way of doing it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
