Curved Awl Stitching

[Ski]

Hi All,

Soon I will attempt to stitch with a curved awl and curved needle. Its the only way forward for the finish I want (to join two pieces of leather, to appear flat).

Ive got a Al Stohlman book which describes what to do, but was wondering if anyone had any other useful information, if from experience or a link to a video to help me. Not much information out there.

I will be attempting a rounded cigar holder, the edges must be rounded, I assume the only way forward is to carve a mould from wood then stich using a curved awl / needle.

Any tips or help most welcomed

[gary]

I have found that, when butt-stitching (oh my, that should get a few chuckles given the transatlantic audience), get the stitches on each piece to line up as closely as possible. Use a robust form of some sort to stitch on - plastic pipe is good but if you're box stitching a base onto it, use something with a solid base. I currently use fence post off-cuts as the wood is kind to the awl blade when you clip it doing a box stitch. Go through the first side quite strongly and then be really tentative going through the second side; if the point of the awl starts coming out in the wrong place, pull back and try a slightly different angle. If you have a curved needle I have found these to be too curved and need a little bit of straightening. If you're making your own curved needle, as Stohlman shows, don't heat it too much before bending. Hope that helps.

[Ski]

Yes these are the exact tips I need. I will be making my own awl and needle, thank you for the tips and I welcome more

[silverwingit]

Not using a curved awl & needle, this is the approach that Nigel Armitage uses.

Worth a look anyway!

Michelle