sewing Awl

[catsailor]

Exactly. The awl is for work where...

The sewing awl was originally made for harness repairs and has proven so useful that it has found its way into hands that have never been near any harness.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.

* It is too thick.
* It is difficult to work the needle in the backside.

For example, awls can work very well on a tramp, because the persons underneath needs little skill - they are the bobbin!

On a sail where there are long seams you do not push the needle through and then back; you stitch on an angle and end up with a zig-zag. The book I suggested will help. You do not need to do 2 passes - hand sewing thread is heavier than machine thread. It also holds up MUCH better in the sun because of that, all things being equal (type of thread).

And we forgot to mention replacing sail slugs - one more use. Also as a part of splicing and finishing.

 

[Ross]

Time spent learning a skill is never wasted. The patches for the nettles are the least of the work in adding a new reef . The reinforcement patches and the cringles are where we separate the men from the boys.

 

[Guest]

Simple Whipping Knot

Hi Ross, I have simple whipped all lines and sheets on our boat by hand and never use nor need a needle. None have ever come undone. The Navy whipping does require a needle, but the simple version does knot.

Terry Cox

 

[Ross]

Hi Ross, I have simple whipped all lines and sheets on our boat by hand and never use nor need a needle. None have ever come undone. The Navy whipping does require a needle, but the simple version does knot.

Terry Cox

Ashley describes several forms of whippings and all are servicable some are more durable than others. A sewn whipping will very rarely fail in even the harishest service.