Sewing Awl

[kpgraci]

I've read many times that every sailboat should have one of these gadgets, and it was on my list of things to get but I never did. My son needed to stitch a zipper on the soft top on his Geo Tracker, so I suggested he get one and when he was done with it we keep it on the boat. Surprisingly he agreed to fork out the $25 for the device even though it would end up in my possession.

When it arrived I tried it out by sewing together some cardboard, then some scrape leather, now I'm looking for things I can stitch together. I threatened to sew my wife's shoes together and was promptly thrown out of the house. I have no idea why I'm so fascinated with this clever device that no doubt had it's origins with neolithic man.

I'm sure it will come in handy stitching sails and lines too. If you don't have one I suggest you get one of these cool gadgets.

 

[RichH]

They are indeed very handy and are much easier to use than a sail needle and palm ... except that you need to lock the 'under loop' with another needle and twine to make perfect 'lock stitch'. Ive had one for the past 25+ years and they do work 'great' for fast and laborious stitch work especially for extra heavy 'sail twine'. VERY good for shoe repair.

http://www.cobblersupplies.com/servlet/the-434/Professional-Leather-&-Shoe/Detail

 

[Ross]

With the first stitch you pull a tail through and thread a needle with that. That gives you the thread for the back of stitch. They are great for stitching heavy webbing.

 

[Gary_H]

I have one and it sews great except I can't seem to reload the bobbin thingy right. The thread will jam and not pull off properly then I have to pull the end cap off and pull more thread from the spool as I go. Seems to me the spool would work better if it was oriented differently.

 

[kpgraci]

I have one and it sews great except I can't seem to reload the bobbin thingy right. The thread will jam and not pull off properly then I have to pull the end cap off and pull more thread from the spool as I go. Seems to me the spool would work better if it was oriented differently.

I've seen the bobbin setup 2 different ways, the link posted by RichH has it at the base of the unit, the the one I have is in the handle.

I don't know which style is better.

The 'in the handle' style has a 'tensioner' rivet that the line wraps around, the instructions say to wrap the thread so that the working end passes under the part coming from the bobbin otherwise it will bind.

 

[kenn]

I bought a cheap one on sale from Princess Auto (Canadian version of harbor freight). Its construction is a bit crude but it does work with care. So far I've used it to stitch up some home-spliced mooring lines.

Why do you need a second needle? I thought the idea is to pull enough thread through after the first 'jab' then after each jab you tuck the end of this length through the loop on the needle, pull the awl out, then tug on both sides to snug up the stitch.

 

[Gary_H]

I bought a cheap one on sale from Princess Auto (Canadian version of harbor freight). Its construction is a bit crude but it does work with care. So far I've used it to stitch up some home-spliced mooring lines.

Why do you need a second needle? I thought the idea is to pull enough thread through after the first 'jab' then after each jab you tuck the end of this length through the loop on the needle, pull the awl out, then tug on both sides to snug up the stitch.

I think the second needle just makes it easier to feed the loose end of the thread through the loop.

 

[RichH]

The second needle allows a plain lock-stitch, just like a 'sewing machine'
"Chain stitching" with the single needle uses up twice the amount of thread/twine and really isnt all that 'stronger' because of increased knot weakness.

In both methods you still have to 'visualize' the reverse side to accomplish the 'lock'.

 

[thinwater]

They are indeed very handy and are much easier to use than a sail needle and palm ... except that you need to lock the 'under loop' with another needle and twine to make perfect 'lock stitch'. http://www.cobblersupplies.com/servlet/the-434/Professional-Leather-&-Shoe/Detail

You've hit on a key difference. An awl is great for certain things (webbing, leather) but is slow, knows few tricks, and can't work in the center of a sail without a helper and a great deal of nuisance.

Overall, the needle and palm is the work horse, once mastered.

 

[RichH]

......... knows few tricks ........ and can't work in the center of a sail without a helper and a great deal of nuisance.

The 'tricks' for sewing the 'middle' are to cut off 6-8 pcs. of 6-8" sections of 4", sch 20, PVC pipe then 'slit' them .... into a "C" shape. Then you tightly roll up the sail on each side of the 'working area', held by the "C" clamps. Never leave home without them!!! ;-)

 

[thinwater]

The 'tricks' for sewing the 'middle' are to cut off 6-8 pcs. of 6-8" sections of 4", sch 20, PVC pipe then 'slit' them .... into a "C" shape. Then you tightly roll up the sail on each side of the 'working area', held by the "C" clamps. Never leave home without them!!! ;-)

And it will still be slower than seaming with a palm.

And then there is roping, eyes, fitting slugs....

I have an awl at home, but I seldom use it. Just shoes and clew webbing (except that I usually do webbing with the palm).