Boriqua Report post Posted August 20, 2015 For years I predrilled my holes, then I used chisels for a while but for the last 8 months or so its been strictly awl. I notice sometimes when I am sewing a holster together, 2 pieces of 8-9 oz leather that the side where the awl exits or the back of the piece I get some unsightly raggedness around the hole. Usually happens when I have predyed the pieces before sewing which I dont always do. My awl is Deadly sharp and I have spent hours polishing it from the point back about 1/2-3/4 inch. It shines like the sun. I am thinking about slightly moistening the back side along the sew line. I think the dye especially when cut is drying out the leather surface some? Anyone have a solution? Or can point me to what I might be doing wrong. Thank you! Alex Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mlapaglia Report post Posted August 20, 2015 (edited) Oil your leather with a light coat or two of Neats Foot oil or Olive oil and let it set over night before you start sewing. The oil needs time to distribute through the leather. I have also stitched the leather when it is slightly damp. You have to be careful that it is not too damp because it can stretch along the stitch line. Id practice on a scrap before trying this. The best suggestion I can offer is get yourself a wine of champagne cork and press the flat side of the cork on the back side of the leather as you push the awl through the leather. It provides support to the back side and helps it not blow out. I do this all the time. I also oil my leather a day before I hand stitch. The cork really helps. Edited August 20, 2015 by mlapaglia Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
