grmnsplx Report post Posted November 9, 2015 "casting" meant to make that little knot as you stitch. So I put my left needle through first ant then my right needle in over that thread. Now with my right needle now protruding through to the left side I can choose to do the cast or not and just pull the thread. Usually I cast which meant I place the thread over that needle before I pull it. This way the thread goes through the loop. This will make it more clear. Here you can see an example. Nigel Armitage stitches the first 6 stitches with no cast and the remaining with a cast. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ramrod Report post Posted November 9, 2015 excellent! it's clear now. i've been casting on occasion and didn't realize what it was. excellent post, grmnsplx. thank you Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DavidL Report post Posted November 24, 2015 I dont know if this will help any one but I tried it recently and it has worked for me. Maybe this could help if your as crazy as me You can read the simplified version if it is too long. Recently I picked up billiards as a hobby, learning how to hold the pool cue correctly with the the pool cue in line with my elbow. When you hit the cue ball your essentially shooting from your shoulder and elbow perfectly straight. If your elbow and shoulder is following the same line as the cue then you can shoot straight granted this is your method of shooting. Whenever my elbow is off the line my odds of shooting straight lowers. How this relates to saddle stitching is that the awl is your pool cue in this case and it should also be in line with your elbow in this method. The awl should be an extension of your elbow. Place the awl in palm of your hand gripping with the pink and index, not loose and not too tight. When you grab the needles and pull the thread the awl handle can move slightly (from your middle finger gripping needles) but the pinky and index finger must always push the awl haft into your palm. Now when you stitch your forearm is what determines the straightness (vertical and horizontal 90 degrees) , granted the awl is in line with your elbow, thumb and pointer finger gently on the ferrule. The objective is to keep the awl in the same position in your hand without thinking plus pivoting your elbow parallel to floor (stitching pony 90 deg. straight) pushing from the elbow not the palm. Pushing off the palm may cause the awl to shift. IN SHORT: awl in palm of hand, pink and ring finger hold the awl. The awl should not move much when stitching or grabbing the needles so the pressure should be constant w/ the pink and ring finger. When you move the awl to the stitch mark adjust the awl slightly as it may have moved while you were pull the thread. Push from your elbow not your palm. Take up the game of pool and you will understand exactly what im talking about. Hope this helps some one out on their stitching. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SantaFeMarie Report post Posted December 10, 2015 Tried that before and got called a liar, so I just send it via PM anymore. If you search, it's in another thread on saddle-stitching I posted in...a few of them, I think... I searched and couldn't find - any chance you could repost? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
25b Report post Posted December 10, 2015 I searched and couldn't find - any chance you could repost? I'll send you a pm... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alexitbe Report post Posted December 10, 2015 Hi 25b, I guess I am not the only one to have tried pm'ing you today... Your PM box is full. I have pasted my messages below. "I am a beginner and havig a similar problem on stitching looking different from both sides, as in the Saddle Stich thread. You aluded to sending him a PM about a solution. If possible, could you forward me this solution also?Secondly, my main interest is in wanting to make boxes. Do you have any experience with that? I am usually glad when I pierce the apposing hole on the or near to the guideline... Thanks for your input on the stitching thread.Cheers Alex" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
okiwen Report post Posted December 10, 2015 You should at least attempt the method I PMed you about before potentially wasting money on a portmanteau pricking iron, but whatever...if you've got money to burn, go ahead... Sir, I have tried to PM you and the system states you cannot receive any new message. If you would be so kind, I would like to learn of your method as well. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
25b Report post Posted December 10, 2015 Ok....I cleared out a few spots in my inbox, but I'll send you a pm with the info when I get home... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
