Hand Sewing - which works best?

Dave Diefenderfer

Dave Diefenderfer

Well-known member
Supporter
I ordered some ratchet straps for my BBSB/new trailer combination from RATCHETSTRAPS.com, and they were not exactly as I had envisioned. So I did some cutting and sewing this weekend.

First time I used the sewing awl that I have had for many years...not sure where or when I got it, but it is like this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/MYERS-LOCK-STITCH-LEATHER-SEWING-AWL-NEEDLES-SCREWDRIVER-THREAD-INSTR-/261395757057?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cdc66b801

But only has 1 needle, and the waxed thread was sticky, and rather thick. Did not want to feed through very well, but it has been on the shelf for many years. I decided to try it with some thread I bought from SailBrite when we made my canvas... this was thinner, and is not waxed, so if fed pretty well, but maybe should be a little stouter? The other issue is I did not wind it on the bobbin tight enough, so when I pulled the tread, it bit into the windings and was a PITA... anyway, I am shopping now for another, to have more parts, and or more bobbins... but I see another style available.... what have you tried and what do you like best and why? Now that I have used it, I think I will use it more often because it does a decent job.
 
Dave,


When I replaced my original stitching awl, I picked up that goes under the brand name "Speedy Stitcher." Better design (spool located inside the handle; and the needles are better quality). You can get good sized refills of the waxed thread. The Speedy Stitcher definitely fed out the thread better that the one I owned with the front end bobbin (like the one you pictured), but of course you're still dealing with a hand tool. Great if you have the time to work slowly on whatever it is you're sewing/repairing
I just did a repair on a ripped pocket in one of my decoy bags not too long ago. I have to say that everything I've done with this awl holds up forever.
 
I like the Speedy Stitcher too, based on the videos I watched.... Just wondered if there was a better design out there. The rear bobbin, and the tension post would save my pinky finger of the nasty cut it has now ;) of coarse some tape might have worked too....I wish I could find the bobbins seperate, as I would get a couple to have them on hand with different threads.
 
Dave
I have that awl and used it for many years. Sewed the leathers on several sets of oars and used it on sails. I'm sure you can order other needles from that company. The continuos snow we are getting keeps me busy but will get you that info on the wood duck blind box.
wis boz
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top