Questions about awls and thread. Looking for guidance.

[Boriqua]

If you choose to use the scratch awl ... which I dont recommend if you already have a diamond awl then you should still make sure that on every stitch if you put the needle in from the back/ front first then do it the same every stitch and to make sure if you place the first thread in the lower part of the hole then be sure to always place the second thread on the top. Consistency is the absolute key to a good look stitch. So long as you do every stitch the same you will be ahead. .. but if you already have the osborne ... that is the way to go.

Tandy has a contact cement that is supposed to me non stinky but weldwood works great and is available almost everywhere locally for a good price. It is available in wee little bottles at hobby stores if you dont want to buy a quart.

I only use the scratch awl "round hole" on hard right turns otherwise its the diamond awl.

[Mattsbagger]

I love barge cement. And dont mind the way it smells.lol And Tandy has it in little tubes.

[JenGranger]

Thanks guys

[ContactCement]

I share your pain. The leather craft hobby is expensive.  I purchased my stitching punch from the other side of the world. Hong Kong with free shipping and guess what? The inexpensive $10 punches I purchased save me big money and were packed well and are sharp enough that they work. Some light tapping or light pounding depending on the leather thickness and I have some stitching holes. I don't have the fancy board for punching holes. I just glued 2 heavy pieces of 8-9 oz leather and put them under the project to protect the sharpened tips. The other product I personally like is the inexpensive name brand Speedy Stitcher Sewing Awl that has a bobbin inside the handle. Making the stitching pony was the easiest project me being a woodworker. Just some scrap 3/4" plywood, a belt sander and some wood glue and scrap leather for the jaws and a big bolt. A ratchet wrench makes tightening it quick. Hey an adjustable or open end will do fine too whatever you have.

Just do a search for leather stitching punch.

[ContactCement]

2 hours ago, ContactCement said:

I share your pain. The leather craft hobby is expensive.  I purchased my stitching punch from the other side of the world. Hong Kong with free shipping and guess what? The inexpensive $10 punches I purchased save me big money and were packed well and are sharp enough that they work. Some light tapping or light pounding depending on the leather thickness and I have some stitching holes. I don't have the fancy board for punching holes. I just glued 2 heavy pieces of 8-9 oz leather and put them under the project to protect the sharpened tips. The other product I personally like is the inexpensive name brand Speedy Stitcher Sewing Awl that has a bobbin inside the handle. Making the stitching pony was the easiest project me being a woodworker. Just some scrap 3/4" plywood, a belt sander and some wood glue and scrap leather for the jaws and a big bolt. A ratchet wrench makes tightening it quick. Hey an adjustable or open end will do fine too whatever you have.

Just do a search for leather stitching punch.

 A few hours later this evening I found The Thread Exchange website. Maybe use library computer if available. From home page hover over industrial thread and select red nylon thread guide and to the far right under information is nylon thread guide buying guide.  Nylon Sizes....Low number is smaller in diameter and not as visible. As thread numbers increase more force will be needed. Purses, handbags 46, 69, 92,138 Wallets 33, 46,69,92,138  Needles 110/18 & 110/19 for threads 69, 92 ... Needle 80/12 for threads 15, 33 .....Needle 90/14 for threads 33,46  Needle 130/21 for thread 138 

Hopes this helps.

 

Edited March 31, 2017 by ContactCement

[Brianm77]

I can't speak to the awl much.  I don't use mine unless I need to make a hole bigger for what ever reason. However you mentioned the chisels and I have a little experience with those. I bought these on amazon for about $13 for the set. 

For 1mm thread I use the 5mm version. Pictured is  the 4mm.  They seam to be pretty good quality. I have been pretty happy with them.  And I pound all the way through at least 10oz maybe more, no awl needed.  I put a piece of scrap leather and a soft 1x4 under my project. You don't want to drive them into you work bench or your stone.

You have to be careful with the cheap Chinese thread on eBay. I bought some to try, what I got in I was not really happy with. You can make the color fade with just a little pressure of your finger. There are sellers on eBay and rmleather supply and also egyptianleather on Etsy sell small quantities of tiger thread. It costs more per foot but is less money up front. I am also thinking about doing something similar with some thread that is a very close kin to tiger thread called serabraid. 

Hope that helps at least a little,

Brian