sewing Awl

Warren Milberg · Apr 16, 2009

I've used a "Speedy Stitcher" sewing awl for all sort of jobs on my boat, from sail repair to bimini repair to sewing a strap across the stern pushpit, and so on. I love the tool. While there is nothing speedy about the "Speedy Stitcher," your pace improves with practice. My guess is that it would do what you want if you are not impatient. I bought mine back when they were less than $10....

http://www.defender.com/productsearchresult.jsp

Tim R. · Apr 16, 2009

I would think this would work fine in a pinch but for long term I would get a machine that does a proper zig zag.

I had searched for a long time to fine a decent machine to use for canvas work that did not cost $1000. I finally got frustrated and bought a cheap Brother. It worked fine for a while but then the plastic gears gave out. I took it to my local repair shop and he said toss it in the trash. As it turns out, he had many metal gear machines that had been sold to him through estate sales and trade-ins when the fancier programable models came out.

I got a nice solid machine for about $100 that does one stitch that has stitch length and width settings. The width setting allows you to make a zigzig. It performs beautifully and I have done a lot more sewing because I have it.

Ross in Tampa · Apr 16, 2009

two words... Harbor Freight

Tim R. · Apr 16, 2009

I am sorry for this Ross but I cannot hold back.

Do not buy cheap chinese knokoffs of quality brand tools. That is exactly what Chicago Electric(Harbor Freight) is. Don't let the name fool you. Just browse their power tools and you will see how similar looking they are to the real thing. I believe in a global economy but I do not believe in blatently copying other manufacturer's tools and selling them at a cut rate to unsuspecting consumers.

Besides, after you buy the machine, table and shipping, it will cost you $500. I could buy 5 of the machines I have and it will outlast anything made by Chicago Electric 100 times over.

The other thing I like about my machine is that it has an integrated case. Perfect for taking on board when going full time cruising.

letterman · Apr 16, 2009

Sorry your sorry Tim R, but Ross in Tampa is right. I could have bought 14 zig zag machines on Cleveland Craigslist for $10 to $40. ALL of which wold sew what he needs, and more. As for chinese rip offs..dude..the whole world is ripping smeone off at one time or another. $2.50 for an awl sewing kit at Harbor Freight.

Ron20324 · Apr 16, 2009

Remember, though, that sewing two pieces of fabric is one thing, but when you get to where the layers are built up for reinforcement is where you'll need something heavier-duty. Been there, done that. Bought a Sailrite and don't have to worry about it now.

Tim R. · Apr 16, 2009

tho52mas said:
Sorry your sorry Tim R, but Ross in Tampa is right. I could have bought 14 zig zag machines on Cleveland Craigslist for $10 to $40. ALL of which wold sew what he needs, and more. As for chinese rip offs..dude..the whole world is ripping smeone off at one time or another. $2.50 for an awl sewing kit at Harbor Freight.

Not sure what your are saying Tho52mas. I think Craigslist is an excellent way to buy good used equiment. So is ebay. If I did buy a machine there, I would have taken it to my local shop first for a tune up though. What does that have to do with harbor Frieight or Chicago Electric?

As for your rip-off comment, remind me not to buy anything from you. Your general attitude of everyone does it anyway is disappointing. The vast majority of sailors I know are good, honest, hard working people that would give you the shirt off their back if needed.

sailingdog · Apr 16, 2009

Craigslist is a bit different from Harbor Freight. While craigslist is used goods primarily and often sold at a fraction of their new retail value, it isn't the same thing as buying from HF. A lot of the tools and equipment from HF are sold at a fraction of the price of namebrand tools and there is a good reason for it. The quality, workmanship and durability of the tools is much lower than that of the "name brand" equivalents most of the time. Yes, you can get lucky once in a while, and for some things, name brand doesn't mean much... but I learned a long time ago that investing in quality tools is generally the cheaper way to go in the long run.

tho52mas said:
Sorry your sorry Tim R, but Ross in Tampa is right. I could have bought 14 zig zag machines on Cleveland Craigslist for $10 to $40. ALL of which wold sew what he needs, and more. As for chinese rip offs..dude..the whole world is ripping smeone off at one time or another. $2.50 for an awl sewing kit at Harbor Freight.

jibes138 · Apr 16, 2009

I too use the Speedy Stitcher sewing awl. The beauty of it is it sews using lock stitches exactly like a sewing machine. It is so heavy duty you can jam a needle through 7 layers of sail cloth, plus two layers of nylon webbing sewing the clew patch to the corner of a sail. This is the greatest sewing tool ever invented except for a sewing machine. Get one, it is worth the price no matter how much it costs. The value to cost ratio V/C = infinity
If you plot Value on the Y axis and Cost on the X axis you will see that the curve has a vertical slope at the price point of the speedy stitcher (just thought you engineers would like some math).

Ctskip · Apr 16, 2009

Thisoldspouse,
I just love the name. Anyway. I guess you aren't going to get a answer to your first reef question. These sailors would rather talk sewing machines. Can you believe it? I'd start another thread and start with the question, but give as much information as you can. size of sail and so on. Good luck

Keep it up,
Ctskip

sailingdog · Apr 16, 2009

The Speedy Stitcher is located HERE...Warren's link is busted.

Guest · Apr 16, 2009

Sewing Awl-Speedy Stitcher

I have two, one for home and one for the boat. I've used them over the years for many Scout leather making projects as well as boat canvas and sail cloth repairs. They make a standard sewing machine stitch quite well, but they are slow. Patience is a virtue that is required in ample amounts using this tool.

Most hobby shops carry this Made In The USA product. I picked one up at a garage sale for peanuts. I've found that using waxed nylon thread similar to dental floss is much easier to work with.

Terry Cox

sailingdog · Apr 16, 2009

for sail repair and other outdoor projects, I recommend using Tenara thread, which is more UV-resistant than most other threads.

Also, goes throught the cloth fairly well, since it is made from GoreTex.

Guest said:
I have two, one for home and one for the boat. I've used them over the years for many Scout leather making projects as well as boat canvas and sail cloth repairs. They make a standard sewing machine stitch quite well, but they are slow. Patience is a virtue that is required in ample amounts using this tool.

Most hobby shops carry this Made In The USA product. I picked one up at a garage sale for peanuts. I've found that using waxed nylon thread similar to dental floss is much easier to work with.

Terry Cox

catsailor · Apr 16, 2009

Why not a palm and hand stitching?

thisoldspouse said:
I have purchased a "jiffy Reefing kit" for my 77 V222's main. I have a heavy duty sewing machine which will handle the job, however it only sews straight stiches, no zig zag. Here's the question. Would a sewing awl be an option to complete the job? I know it would be slow,but it would allow me to zig zag the stitch. Has anyone use one for sail repair? How did it work?
I would also like to know, just how deep of a reef I should put in? There will only be one.
Thanks,
Eric

To me, a palm and sail makers needles are much faster and are part of a skill any sailor should develop. It is not as obvious as the awl; it takes more practice and a good book will be a big help. But it is faster and will turn more tricks and knock out more on-board repairs. The Sailmakers Apprentices is a starting point. Tip: don't get a repair 'kit". Get a palm, the thread SD suggested (and some other) and a vial of real sailmaker's needles, and bees wax. Forget all of the cute curved needles and such.

I have an awl - I VERY seldom use it. The palm I use. That said, the awl can work very well.

Ross in Tampa · Apr 17, 2009

Just to clear things up, I was making a reference to the sewing awl at Harbor Freight, not any sewing machine. I have used the "speedy stitcher" and the 3 dollar sewing awl from harbor freight, might not match up the quality, I can buy 5 of them for the price of a speedy stitcher.

I have one on my boat, and in my tool box at home. I am amazed that I made it three years without one.

Tim R. · Apr 17, 2009

My appologies Ross. I was having a bad day and needed to rant I guess.

Ross · Apr 17, 2009

The sewing awl was originally made for harness repairs and has proven so useful that it has found its way into hands that have never been near any harness. I have one that I use on work that is too heavy for a needle and palm. I keep a ditty bag on the boat and another one at home my awl stays at home. A needle and palm is much more versatile. It is hard to whip a line without a needle and palm and tape won't be found on any lines on my boat.

RichH · Apr 17, 2009

thisoldspouse said:
........ I have a heavy duty sewing machine which will handle the job, however it only sews straight stiches, no zig zag. Here's the question. ............
Eric

Suggest that you simply use the straight stitch machine and apply 3-4 rows of stitching instead of 2 zig-zag rows. The benefit of any sewing machne is the constant thread to stitch tension, that you simply cant get with hand-sewing (unless you want to waste a *lot* of time learning the technique). Uneven stitch to stitch tension can be the cause of premature thread breakage.
You can, for added seam stitch strength, add a strip of PECO double sided adhesive seam tape under/between the seams before sewing. Find PECO at Sailrite.com, etc. etc. For reefing points you can simply apply the diamond shaped cloth reinforcement patches and 'glue' them to the sail with "Fast Cure 3M 5200" .... no need to sew, just 'glue' (but be sure to adequately protect what you dont want glued with masking tape, etc.). Dont substitute with 3M 5200 'bedding' compound which takes toooooo long to cure vs. sail cloth.
http://www.sailrite.com/3M-Adhesive-Fast-Cure-White-5200

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