What Will Improve My Aweful Stitching?

[WScott]

Ok diamond awl. Check.

Al Stohlman book. Check.

Now hows about that freehand groover and a good edge groover?

Thank yall for the quick responses.

and don't forget to watch the best stitching video!!!!

http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=44874&hl=

[Rising Sun Leather Co]

I used the awl method a few times and it worked out ok, but I think the best way to go, at least for me was, the single, double and four prong diamond hole stitching punches in different sizes. ( stitches per inch). All of my work is hand sewn and it looks as even and consistent as a machine. I wouldn't recommend any other way.

Joey

[GrampaJoel]

I cut the stitch groove, on the front side of the project.

Run a stitch length marker in the groove.

Turn the project over, measure the back side for a stitch groove placement, and cut a stitch grove on the back side.

Then I line up and push a 'diamond shape stitching awl' through the first hole on the front side.Through the front and into the stitching groove on the back side.

I then take the stitch length marker and line it up with the hole I just made, and mark the back side.

Marking the backside even with the front side gives me a spot to aim for when I make the next hole, and helps me keep the stitching on both sides even and nice to view from all angles.

Joel.

Edited August 18, 2013 by GrampaJoel

[chiefjason]

Well, here is what I do. I cut my groves on the front. Lay out the spacing with a wheel. Chuck my diamond all in my drill press. Punch all my holes from the front. Turn it over and free hand the back groves. Works for me at least.

I have an adjustable edge groover and freehand groover from Springfield. Finding a thread that works with your stitching is key too. I finally found one that works best, not too big or too small. Lays in the grooves the way I want too. Also, pull the thread pretty snug on each stitch. Complete the stitch, then pull. Just be careful, it is possible to tear out the stitch. You get a feel for it after a while though.

[Jumpout]

When I was hand stitching the one, two, and four prong stitching punch was the trick for me and I was very happy with my stitches. I tried an awl but was never good enough to get the hang of it. It seemed like I stabbed myself every third or fourth hole.

[longtooth]

Purchase a good pricking iron with the amount of stitches you want your product to be. The awl is very important as stated above. I do English repair work and hand stitching is what is necessary most of the time.