Leather Stitching Tools – Sewing Awl
When looking at leather stitching tools, the sewing awl is often the most popular. It’s easy to use, especially for folks already comfortable with hand sewing. There are also a few elements to this leather stitching tool that are helpful to know about, including the needles, techniques, thread, and how to use them.
Sewing Awl Needles
Sewing awl needles are strong needles shaped and intended for use with a sewing awl haft. Since leather can be a heavy material, sewing awl needles are generally larger than hand-sewing needles. They also come in different sizes, to accommodate different thread thicknesses.
The smaller the needle, the smaller the hole it makes in the leather when used. In general, the smaller a hole is, the more pleasing to the eye the finished product might be. Thus, choosing the sewing awl needle size closest to your thread needs is often a helpful choice.
Sewing Awl Techniques
If you’re curious about sewing awl techniques, or how to use an awl to sew leather, let’s explore how they can be used. Technique can vary based on preferred stitch pattern and finishing, which is part personal-reference, and aesthetic preference of the finished piece.
Wind the Thread on the Bobbin
First, wind the thread around the sewing awl bobbin. This will provide the source of thread throughout the sewing/stitching process. Some bobbins can be purchased with the thread already wound.
Thread the Needle
Wondering how do you thread a leather awl? It’s mostly easy. Pull thread from the bobbin, feed the end of the thread through the needle, pull the thread through the metal cap, and secure the cap in place. Secure the thread around the tensioner, and ensure the end cap is in place.
This will allow the needle to carry the thread through the leather as it pierces the material.
Push Needle Through First Hole
With the thread in the needle, push the needle through the first hole. This is part of the fist stitch.
Pull Thread Through
With the needle through the leather, pull enough thread slack off the bobbin to cover the length of the material that you will sew. It should be loose and allow plenty of freedom for movement. Feed this thread through the loop created by the first stitch and pull tight, making the first stitch.
Add Additional Stitches
Repeat the pushing and feeding and tightening process for the length of the area being stitched. It is essentially functioning like a hand sewing machine, just making each stitch one-by-one, by hand, with the sewing awl.
Knot the Final Stitch
When you’ve complete the length of the stitches being made, make a knot in the thread at the end of the last stitch. This should be secure, ensuring the thread (and previous stitches), do not come loose.
Some leather workers, when using nylon thread, will heat up the knot with a lighter or small flame.