The Speedy Stitcher Sewing Awl

[Blundstoned Love]

In the latest issue of Shortlist (it's free mag they give away at railway stations) Ed Stafford recommendd some kit including this awl - for repairing rucksacks, tents, boots etc.

I was quite excited as it gave the price as £1.95.

Turns out it's actually £11.95.

Anyway - any one used one? Any good?

http://www.seamarknunn.com/acatalog/speedy-stitcher-sewing-awl-1704.html

 

[Clouston98]

That's different , I think it would break easily, but I can see the idea being ok. For me I use a Stanley carpenters awl for holes in leather patches etc and a large sail needle with a few other assorted needles in my repair kit, I'll post mine in a minute.

Here's a link to the sewing patch I made and carry: http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=118458&highlight=

 

[Globetrotter.uk]

I've got one and it took me a while to get use to it. But works ok quite strong actually.

Sent from my KFTT using Tapatalk HD

 

[Gooner]

I've got the Speedy and find it very good, when doing leather you do need to to make the holes first.
Plenty of videos on you tube

 

[Toddy]

I have one; it was a present and it's very, very good

cheers,
Toddy

 

[david1]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MIRACLE-S...606?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_2&hash=item233b732e56

I have one very similar to that... same as other one but you can see the thread running out, there all very much the same, but yes they do work

 

[Fin]

I have one; it was a present and it's very, very good

cheers,
Toddy

Aaaah! at last! I've looked at this item, off and on, for years now and I've always thought - "Nah! don't 'need' it and it'll take a serious recommendation before I pull the trigger on it".

Toddy - I take that as a serious recommendation - and I'll know where to come if I'm not 100% satisfied! - although at less than £15, I think your finances are safe!

 

[Toddy]

I think it depends on what you'll use it for.
Right now my hands and wrists are aching, and pushing and pulling heavy needles through heavy layers just isn't happening.
The fellow who gifted me with the awl thought I'd be able to use it, and he was spot on I haven't tried leather, but on canvas, on four layers of heavy wool with interlining of coutil (tight, firm, non stretch, corset cotton) it had no bother at all. I also had a go on a bit of webbing belt and again, no problems
Needs a bit of patience to suss it out smoothly, but once you've got it, it's a very good tool

cheers,
Toddy

 

[Fin]

I think it depends on what you'll use it for.
Right now my hands and wrists are aching, and pushing and pulling heavy needles through heavy layers just isn't happening.
The fellow who gifted me with the awl thought I'd be able to use it, and he was spot on I haven't tried leather, but on canvas, on four layers of heavy wool with interlining of coutil (tight, firm, non stretch, corset cotton) it had no bother at all. I also had a go on a bit of webbing belt and again, no problems
Needs a bit of patience to suss it out smoothly, but once you've got it, it's a very good tool

cheers,
Toddy

Too late Toddy! Your original post has already been sent to my solicitors!...

...although this is still excellent info - you can punch through canvas? I'm trying to imagine four layers of wool with coutil - I'm no expert on fabrics - but webbing with work tired hands? Now I'm impressed!

I doubt I'll use it in the way you do - it'll be more reparation rather than creation - but you've certainly rekindled my enthusiasm.

The makers owe you a commission.

 

[Toddy]

You know the kind of old tool where the handle didn't fit awkwardly in the hand ? didn't rub, chaff, or left the hand cramping trying to hold it for use ? but was shaped originally by someone who actually used tools ?
The awl feels like that. Right enough, I have small hands, but from the other replies it seems I'm not the only person happy with it Mine came with an assortment of needles; someone thought things through properly when they designed it

cheers,
M

 

[GGTBod]

mine is pretty basic but efficient and good value

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hot-Canva...UK_Crafts_Leathercraft_LE&hash=item5aff51dff4

 

[Fin]

You know the kind of old tool where the handle didn't fit awkwardly in the hand ? didn't rub, chaff, or left the hand cramping trying to hold it for use ? but was shaped originally by someone who actually used tools ?
The awl feels like that. Right enough, I have small hands, but from the other replies it seems I'm not the only person happy with it Mine came with an assortment of needles; someone thought things through properly when they designed it

cheers,
M

My pre - buying thoughts, exactly. An awl is an awl at the end of the day but I liked the ingenuity of this design and what it tries to do in a relatively cheap package.

I'll let all know what I think when I get one.

Cheers.

P.S. I'm a fully paid up member of the small hands club as well!

 

[roger-uk]

I have large handle, am a novice and I love it. Much better than a plain needle for me as I have arthritis in the fingers.

For the price I cannot see how you can go wrong.

 

[Corso]

thought the price was too good to be true

 

[Buckshot]

So what stitch is used then?
It can't be saddle stitch as that means two threads go completely from side to side
Is this more of a hand held/operated sewing machine action?

 

[Bungie]

Yep, a hand held sewing machine is the best description. And it's bloody good at it too. I have used mine a lot with leather and not needed to pre-hole the leather.

 

[potboiler]

Another thumbs-up. Sometimes seems better to use the awl point without thread first to make your holes and then do the stitching with less resistance.

 

[SCOMAN]

I use one for all my leather stitching. Great piece of kit.

 

[rickyamos]

After reading this thread I had to get one, nice bit of kit. Fixed my wife strap on her hand bag, she's very pleased

 

[peaks]

Its a good tool - Couple of videos on how it works here, repairing shoes + explaining types of thread that can be used.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsKgzrWIywY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsKgzrWIywY