hand sewing tips

[Sjm1027]

I was reading a sewing book and it stressed to make sure you keep the awl in your hand and never drop the needles. Well I gave that a try today, first project that i sewed so I had a heck of a time. I have a few questions:

1, The book said to use the marking wheel to make the marks for the awl holes. The person at Tandy told me to hammer the holes into the leather using a 3 pronged tool and I did but I noticed I had to punch the leather over again to make sure the needle could go through both pieces. The book tells you to only use the wheel and punch holes after each stitch. What do you all do?

2, I used waxed thread, threaded the needles with no problem, made a knot in the middle and waxed the ends near the needles to stick the small piece to the main thread. Once I broke the thread by sticking the needle into the thread and one strand got messed up. Is it better to get linen unwaxed thread and wax it your self or is pre-waxed ok to use?

Ok time to get a bandage to cover the blister from the thread!

[Rawhide]

Here's what I've found. Waxed thread willget darker when you pull it tight. this is of no consequence whent the thread is black or brown. But it makes white thread look dingy or dirty, even though it's brand new. I use linen unwaxed thread, wax it with a clean block of beeswax, and have no problems.

Keep trying with the awl in hand and needles. I prefer the awl because of the smaller holes. You can't poke too many though, because they will close up on you, so it's best to punch a couple, stitch a couple, and so forth. I am still having a time trying to hold the awl and needles, but it prevents it from falling on the floor.

Also for your blisters, I found some leather thimbles at Joann fabric to slip over my pinkys. They are white leather on one side and multicolor eleastic on the other. I'll see if i can find them on the website and post a link.

Hope this helps.

Marlon

[Don101]

ok the way i do it is use the stitching grove and after that use the stitching wheel, then set up on the stitching horse lace my thread ive tried pree waxed thread at the begining and didnt really like it that mutch i use bees wax and wax my own thread,

first off have you sharpened your awl and are you using a diamond shaped awl, i would recomend a diamond shaped awl and sharpen it,

i do each hole then push the thread through and pull tight,

a helpfull tip before you push the awl through the leather, push the awl into a candel (bees wax is best but a normal one will do) you will find that the awl will go through the leather without any drag and hardly any pressure needed giving you more controle, Don

[Sjm1027]

Thanks, Yes the pinky is pretty much chewed up... hehehe... Thanks for the tips. I will continue to learn the correct process.

That would be great if you come across the pinky protector thanks for the help

Steve

[Sjm1027]

ok the way i do it is use the stitching grove and after that use the stitching wheel, then set up on the stitching horse lace my thread ive tried pree waxed thread at the begining and didnt really like it that mutch i use bees wax and wax my own thread,

first off have you sharpened your awl and are you using a diamond shaped awl, i would recomend a diamond shaped awl and sharpen it,

i do each hole then push the thread through and pull tight,

a helpfull tip before you push the awl through the leather, push the awl into a candel (bees wax is best but a normal one will do) you will find that the awl will go through the leather without any drag and hardly any pressure needed giving you more controle, Don

Yes I am using a diamond awl, think I will sharpen it. Looks like I will try unwaxed thread too. Thanks for the help

Steve

[Don]

When sharpening your awl, using a flat bastard file works best for me. I only sharpen the two opossite angles on the awl. I have found that doing this will allow you to keep the awl sharp longer. I have not had much luck sharpening my awls on a stone or buffing them on a buffing wheel. After filing the awl, I keep a ball of bees wax handy and every so often I stick the awl into the bees wax, this helps the awl slide through the leather much easier. On thinner projects this usually isn't a problem but on thicker stuff the bees was will really cut down on the blister factor.

As far as thread, when I was hand stitching my belts and other projects I liked using the prewaxed thread. The brand I used was Nyltex I believe. Got it from Leather Factory. Also using the thinner harness needles worked better for me, a little harder to thread the heavy thread through the eye but your hole doesn't have to be as big and your stitching looks a lot more professional.

Main point: Keep your awl sharp.

[Johanna]

Take some scrap deerskin and make wraps for your fingers' sore spots. Secure with contact cement. In time, you will have callouses, not blisters. (If only this worked for playing guitar!)

Johanna

[Rawhide]

Here's the link I mentioned. They are called Quilter's thimbles. Helps a ton. There are several styles to choose from, so you can reasearch that if you care to do so.

Have a good one.

http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.jsp?CAT...p;source=search

[LAPat]

What kind of awls do you all use to punch holes, and how are the needles or blades sized?

L.A. Pat

[Rawhide]

I just use the diamond shaped awl. I have one straight one, and one curved one.