Sewing Awl

[Doug Canada]

Greetings;
I am looking for "how to" make a "lock stitch with a Sewing Awl
Anyone know of instructions on how to do this?

http://www.buckshotscamp.com/Sewing-Awl-Speedy-Stitcher-Sales.htm
http://home.howstuffworks.com/sewing-machine2.htm

Seems like a neat tool.

Skin on Frame boat.

Thanks,
Doug

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[Todd Bradshaw]

The Speedy Stitcher works fine and comes with instructions that tell how to use it. Considering that they're well made and reasonably cheap, it's worth having one around.

[Bob Smalser]

I prefer them to double needles where I can use them because they are fast and almost foolproof.

http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/4921404/62497861.jpg

The awl-needle is two-sided. One side has a groove and the thread running from the bobbin or spool must always run thru this groove.

Lay out your seam using a pounce wheel. Piece the layers you intend to sew at the first pounce mark. Back the needle out a bit and pick up the thread on the opposite side of the groove using a fid and pull a long length of it thru all the layers.

Leaving the thread running thru your first hole, pierce the layers again at the second pounce mark, beginning the first stitch. Pull the needle back out a ways until a loop forms on the thread. Run the bitter end of the first thread thru the loop and you have your basic lock stitch.

The only place you can get into trouble is that the loop formed must be on the opposite side of the needle groove. Get sloppy twisting the needle around and you can jam a stitch.

[ 12-04-2005, 04:19 PM: Message edited by: Bob Smalser ]

[Bob Cleek]

This is a "must have" item that belongs aboard any boat that has sails or canvas. A stitch in time saves nine!

[Old Bingey]

My cousin completely resewed the top for his MGA with one... while he was layed up in the hospital.