Box Stitch Using Needle And Awl Machine

[rmr]

Has anyone had much experience( good or bad) using their needle and awl machine to perform a box( corner stitch) ?? I have a Campbell Randall lock stitch machine- bought the attachment to use it for that purpose( corner stitch) - just haven't tried yet. Any words of advise or wisdom would be greatly appreciated

Thank you in advance

RMR

[Tugadude]

Nigel Armitage has a video on Youtube where he covers box stitching with regular needle and awl, but I'm sure you can pick up some tips there. Putting a 45 degree angle on the corners and gluing them is key to his method. Also his use of the pricking iron. You can substitute a chisel also.

[DDahl]

I assume you have read this article from Campbell: http://campbell-bosworth.com/articles/Corner-Stitching.pdf

It looks like it would take a lot of practice to get really good at it.

Quick question: Since you have a Campbell Randall, how do you like its top and bottom stitching? I have heard that the stitch quality can be very nice, and that the bottom stitches can look almost as good as the top.

I have found matching upper and lower stitch quality is a real challenge with my 441 clone: 277 through two 10 oz layers of leather (finished side outward).

I am considering adding a Campbell Randall to my machine collection in the near future.

Thanks,

Dave

[kseidel]

Quick question: Since you have a Campbell Randall, how do you like its top and bottom stitching? I have heard that the stitch quality can be very nice, and that the bottom stitches can look almost as good as the top.

I have found matching upper and lower stitch quality is a real challenge with my 441 clone: 277 through two 10 oz layers of leather (finished side outward).

I am considering adding a Campbell Randall to my machine collection in the near future.

Thanks,

Dave

Dave,

Hook and awl stitchers do make a more attractive bottom stitch than straight needle machines. This is largely because the hook coming up from the bottom pushes the leather back up that is bushed down from the top with the awl. A straight needle machine does not do this. I have several of each style machines and the bottom stitch is always better looking on the hook and awl machines.

You can improve the look of the bottom stitch on your straight needle by wetting the bottom side of the leather several minutes prior to stitching. This reduces the tearing of the leather when the needle pushes thru from the top side. When finished stitching, rubbing over the stitch line with a rub stick or using an over stitch wheel will further improve the final look.

When you are ready to buy a hook and awl, give me a call. I have a great Randall high lift machine that I am ready to part with. (I think)

Keith

[Trox]

Hi, I been thinking about copying this 441 attachment for box stitching. It was either Artisan or Ferdco who came with it in the first place. The principals is of course the same, you need to have a wooden lest inside to make this work too.

Tor

[rmr]

Trox

I tried that on my cobra 441 clone- didn't work out so well for me- but it could be me??

DDahl- yes the bottom side of the stitch looks much nicer that with the 441 clones I have one of those also). In addition to being nicer looking- the stitch line is just as straight as the top stitch line- on my 441 clone- especially when stitching thicker leather- its not uncommon for the stitching on the upper side to look wonderful- nice and straight- but on the bottom side there is fluctuations and the stitch line is not so straight- I have been told its due to the needle deflecting slightly as it goes through thick leather.

At least for me- there has been more of a learning curve when using the Cambell - Randall machine, when I got the 441 many years ago within a few weeks I felt very comfortable stitching curves, straight lines..... The Campbell machine takes longer to get that comfort level. I love and use both machines- often for different applications. If Im doing something where both sides of the stitch line are going to be visible and its important for them to be straight- I use the Campbell. If the bottom stitch isn't going to be visible and there are curves and such- I will use the cobra 441

[Trox]

Hi Rmr, where did you buy that attachment, do you know if its still available.

Thanks

Tor

[rmr]

I don't remember specifically- was on the internet- may have been ebay???? Was 5+ years ago. I believe at one time the Tipman co sold them- might give them a call

[Trox]

I don't remember specifically- was on the internet- may have been ebay???? Was 5+ years ago. I believe at one time the Tipman co sold them- might give them a call

Thanks, perhaps you will consider selling your, if you still have it.

Thanks

Tor

[catskin]

I have an American straight needle machine, and looking at what this thread has to say I wonder if someone with a bit of skill and tools could make a good box stitcher attachment for them being that they are made to stitch very near the edge. Looking at the pictures on here I think it would be worth it for any one doing much box stitching. What do you experts think?