automatic sewing awl question

[g4ghb]

Basically does anyone have one / used one of these?

I keep seeing them but can't get my head round how they work! can anyone tell me how they are used and whether they are any good? ...

 

[Heathenpeddler]

When I was first looking at working leather I was advised against these as the stitches are not as secure as you'll get with a proper saddle stitch. They should be faster though, but like you I'm afraid I haven't a clue on how you'd use it For lightweight use these days I just use my sewing machine instead

 

[singteck]

That works in the same way (almost) as a sewing machine.

Load the bobbin with thread and thread it through the needle. On the first hole of the stitch, insert the needle into the hole and exit the other side. Pull the lose end of the thread all the way to the other side. Pull the needle out of the hole. Now you have automatic awl on one side and the end of the thread on the other. Pull the thread to suit the length of the stitch.

Now on the second and subsequent stitch hole, you push the awl into the hole almost to the end, and pull back until you get a loop in the thread. Then you thread the lose end of the thread into this loop. pull the awl out and tighten the stitch.

hope that is clear. Never try it myself thought

singteck

 

[g4ghb]

ahhhh - I see........ I was thinking along those lines, but was visualising a seperate thread for the 2nd side but your explanation makes perfect sence! thanks.

It was more a case of curiosity than a hankering after purchasing one, so like you say I will be staying with good ol needles

 

[singteck]

The most important piece of equipment you must get for leather work is a saddlers clams. They are expensive but they really improves your work like nothing else. Well at least it will keep the language clean

I couldn't afford one, so I made my own.

singteck

 

[g4ghb]

methinks I detect another 'top tip' - guess what i'll be making


Up to now all my work has been hand held and this sounds like it could be the answer to the problem where I have one hand too few!

I guess it is just a 3rd hand to hold the work steady rather than to hold peices in position?

 

[singteck]

To use as a third hand first and foremost but also use it to hold things together. All depends on the project at hand. I use it as a clamp to hold the pieces of leather together for the glue to set sometimes.

What's the next project????

singteck

 

[Anhurset]

Here's a link to a tutorial on making a stitching pony,http://www.wrtcleather.com/1-ckd/tutorials/_stitchpony.html it's esentially the same thing as a stitching clam just a slightly different design.

Bryan

 

[leon-1]

Graham, I have one of the auto awls and I can honestly say they are bloody awfull, the thread is poor quality and I managed to snap one of the needles (impaling my hand on the piece that had snapped off). Since then I have stitched by hand and I will not be going back to one of those things ever.

 

[ESpy]

Graham, I have one of the auto awls and I can honestly say they are bloody awfull...

Ditto. Oh, and the thread drags horrendously on the needles.

Guess I just scuppered any chance of selling mine!

The Wild Rose stitching pony is a hinged beasty; very effective, but I've come to prefer a traditional clam now. Just as well, really - I've got 3 of them now.