Stitching

[Tugadude]

You're going to want a hammer with a polished face and one that is slightly domed so that the edges of the hammer face don't leave marks.  I haven't tried, but I'd think a ball peen hammer would be prone to leaving dents, so probably not good for tapping down stitches.

I'm sure many here use other things to tap their stitching down.  Maybe they'll chime in with suggestions.  Some of the appropriate hammers are really spendy but some can be had for a reasonable price.  

[Spyros]

1 hour ago, TomE said:

In defense of using an awl and stitching horse, I don't see a way to punch through 2-3 layers of 9 oz veg tan without leaving an unsightly hole. 

KS blades will do it I believe.  In any case, in extreme situations you have to do what you have to do... awl, sword, spear, whatever works :D

Edited February 22, 2022 by Spyros

[chuck123wapati]

1 hour ago, Tugadude said:

You're going to want a hammer with a polished face and one that is slightly domed so that the edges of the hammer face don't leave marks.  I haven't tried, but I'd think a ball peen hammer would be prone to leaving dents, so probably not good for tapping down stitches.

I'm sure many here use other things to tap their stitching down.  Maybe they'll chime in with suggestions.  Some of the appropriate hammers are really spendy but some can be had for a reasonable price.  

i use a small one just a few ounce head but i dont use the ball peen  i use the flat face for stitches, ball peen for copper rivets. 

[JLSleather]

2 hours ago, TomE said:

In defense of using an awl and stitching horse, I don't see a way to punch through 2-3 layers of 9 oz veg tan without leaving an unsightly hole.  I doubt it's faster to prepunch the holes since most of the time is spent pulling up the stitches and (re)positioning the work.  I'd also say that Stohlman's  books on sewing and case making are arguably better than most instructional videos.

Yeah.  ALL of that.

9 hours ago, Spyros said:

So I'm gonna go ahead and be the heretic in the room and I will say that I disagree with all those videos, and pretty much everything else I've seen on youtube  

Keep in mind that the point of the video is NOT to teach, instruct, or inform.  The video is to KEEP YOU THERE as long as possible, maximizing the number of ADS THEY SHOW YOU.  I had a guy go on (and on and on) about hand sewing and point me to a video that was like hour and a half.  After a couple minutes, I remembered that I can sew that - BY HAND - in far less than the length of the video.  I didn't watch the rest.

But you make a good point about stitching clamps (whatever they call them these days).  Absolutely beneficial where they can be used.  But no different than a sewing machine  ("stitcher" for the purists)... great until you have to sew on a saddle swell ..

I'm ALL FOR Stohlman's book, and that's largely the way I do it.  Start and sew TOWARD me whenever possible (and it usually is).  

I like a STRAIGHT stitch line.. I've always thought that angled look was a bit GIRLY, and I do not do it.  Well, actually, last year I did.. ONCE... on a belt for a very nice lady ...

[tsunkasapa]

I use the wooden mallet that came in the 'starter kit' I bought for the grandkids. I sanded it smooth and stained it. I use it sideways to 'press' pieces that have been cemented, and use the faces to tap stitching and lacing. 

[Spyros]

7 hours ago, JLSleather said:

I like a STRAIGHT stitch line.. I've always thought that angled look was a bit GIRLY, and I do not do it.  Well, actually, last year I did.. ONCE... on a belt for a very nice lady ...

Yeah I don't know... Somehow it's ok to carve flowers on grown mens belts and holsters but god forbid if the stitching is slanted because that would be GIRLY 

[Resurgam3191]

I like a tack hammer or a small ballpeen. Either with a clean polished face. 

Straight or slanted.  Each have their place. Just stitch them all the same

[tsunkasapa]

'Girly"? No, but damn sure nothing to lose sleep over.

[Klara]

On 2/22/2022 at 6:12 AM, Spyros said:

I think that wisdom hails from a time where chisels didn't exist, and you needed something to hold your work while you're dealing with the awl and the needles

Almost certainly true. But the thing is: I enjoy working this way, and not only because it's a lot more economical to work with an awl (and whatever cheap means of marking the stitches) than to hunt for the perfect set of stitching chisels. For me there's something very satisfying about using an awl. I've also found it faster. Yes, there's a learning curve, but I work for my pleasure, not for sale.

[AzShooter]

You've come a long way.  Congratulations. 

Now just keep practicing.  In a few months you will be doing wonderfully.