How to sew Leather with the Speedy Stitcher sewing Awl

[@rstash1]

I'm 78. Learned to use this thing at 19 in the military. Deployed all over Asia and the Pacific and used it frequently to repair gear. Went to college and backpacked to 98 countries over the years as well as every State and this thing was often used to repair stuff. I backpacked with my sons and we all used it. I have a great photo taken by my son while on a barge traveling down the Amazon River. I was sewing up a day pack in 2000. Still have that day pack. Still have that awl. None of us would take a trip without it. When I "go", I'll leave the awl and backpack to my sons as a momento of great times together. My stitches were never the straight, neat kind, but they held forever. My thanks to the inventor.

[@thesteveshowfoodfestroadtest]

That's awesome!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@mrdadelus]

“Never neat, but they held”. Theres an epitaph to live with.

[@peety6323]

That's awesome!,

[@Quigley1200]

I've been using this little tool and it's predecessor for over 65 years. Your DYI video was absolutely perfect! Thanks.

[@chrisriker6421]

I don't have as many years as you my friend, I started with leather and tools from TandyCrafts back in 1967. I'm on the East Coast, N.C... Out of curiosity, what got you started and where were you at?

[@emilyjohnson333]

Thank you so much! My dad didn’t get a chance to teach me *all* of his hobbies so I’m slowly finding out how to use some of these tools of his. I appreciate it!

[@michaelm3355]

Great video. I was gifted one from my father. Said he has been using it for about 55 years. Even has original box. Just used it this morning to repair my dogs leash after watching this video.

[@peety6323]

Thank you, now I can use my awl for the first time since I bought it from Harbor Freight six years ago to fix my husbands leather tool belt. It looks easier than I thought.

[@amequity1]

Thank you. This is the first video I found that goes into the detail of showing which side of the needle should be facing forward and where the slot should be and where to feed the thread on the back side. Thank you very much for that foresight!

[@DIYeasycrafts]

You are so welcome!

[@alwayslive7460]

WHAT A GREAT TOOL- MINE IS FROM (STEWART MFG, WORCESTER, MASS) .. I'VE HAD THIS FANTASTIC TOOL FOR 30-40 YEARS.. FROM MY FATHERS STASH AFTER PASSING.. NEVER KNEW HOW TO USE IT. I'VE A PAIR OF MOCCASINS THAT THE TOP STITCH BUSTED OUT.. WATCHING YOUR VIDEO ALLOWED ME TO RECOVER AND REPAIR A GOOD PAIR OF WINTER RUN-AROUNDS. NOT THE PRETTIEST OF REPAIRS W/O MULTI-LINE PUNCHES AND GOUGES FOR SEATING THE STITCH , NONE THE LESS THEY ARE REPAIRED THANK YOU FOR SHARING.

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Very cool!

[@JasonSmith-qx3zh]

I'm here to learn how to repair my car seats that have came unravel and I've found the right video that's going to help me accomplish my job. Thanks for all you do.

[@juans6639]

Excellent landscape video. Very well narrated and NO horrible useless background music, Thanks

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Thanks for the feedback. Appreciate it

[@ki11amonkey]

I'd never even heard of this tool until watching your video, you revitalized my desire to do leatherwork. Thank you so genuinely much

[@DIYeasycrafts]

You're very welcome!

[@abdulrazakopeyemi1724]

Thanks

[@bigviper64]

Perfect demo on how to use this tool…I also want to make a Knife Sheath as well as a couple of Holsters..EXCELLENT Video!

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Thank you Sir

[@michaelwatson7298]

I have only ever saddle stitched leather. I have seen these before did not realize that they worked that well. I might have to try one.

[@juicer52]

I just did some thick strap leather repair work and used the right size drill bit on cordless drill to make the initial penetration. It made the job SO much easier.

[@dnllmaurer1]

Excellent presentation! Great photography & sound. I really appreciate your clear explanation of how to use the tool, including the helpful tips. Someone was kind enough to loan me a car when I was in a bind so I'm going to pay it forward & repair the rotten stitching on the car's convertible top. I used one years ago to fix my own car top so I'm confident I can do it but I forgot how it worked. Thank you so much for taking your time to produce & share this video! It's exactly what I needed! Wishing you abundant Blessings!

[@dougjohnson9948]

This is the best instructional video I’ve ever seen. Thank you.

[@zato6226]

I always come back to this video. I don't do it enough to remember. Thank youl

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Thank you so much

[@RyanRyzzo]

Plain and simple tutorial, just like a tutorial is supposed to be! :) thank you!

[@cmcg1190]

the best video I've watched on this subject... thanks!

[@andrewsupertramp124]

Thanks so much! Finished my revolver holster today.. Easily the best "speedy stitcher" video on KZbin.

[@brynleylewis7390]

Brilliant tutorial and well put together in laymans terms, well spoken clear friendly voice that we can all understand and absorb, a big thank-you for simplifying what some of us would needlessly complicate for ourselves, look forward to watching more of you

[@gibbyswife9218]

Brynley Lewis I totally agree. You put into words exactly what I thought about his tutorial👍👍👍

[@sheilahsay]

One thousand thanks' for taking the time to explain which side of the needle the loop will be on for the thread to go through. Sheilah

[@DIYeasycrafts]

You are so welcome!

[@kareno8634]

Thanks! I've seen Mom use this, but didn't remember how. I've had hers for years, probably read Directions, but still wouldn't have remembered. Now seeing this, reminded me i have work to do. Yes, Seeing steps done is better, for me, than Reading - my issue is Interpreting what Read. haha

[@anjacabral9199]

Thanks for this detailed video! You are the only person who mentioned that it matters in wich loop you are supposed to go with the bottom thread. Yes it matters!! It’s the backwards loop😂

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Glad it was helpful!

[@earthtosunny]

Finally figured it out with this video. Thanks man, I was going nuts!

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Glad it helped!

[@senatorjosephmccarthy2720]

Many years ago I bought one. The instructions were (I say deliberately by the red china communists) not descriptive, so I taught myself. I came to the exact same technique as yours here. And your instructions are plain and easy enough to follow. Thanks!

[@DIYeasycrafts]

glad it helped

[@JillSColumba]

Thank you! I kept messing up and this greatly helped

[@DIYeasycrafts]

You're welcome!

[@Mike-my7uf]

This is great! This opens up a whole new world of DIY for me! I would have never known how to sew leather by hand if not for your video!

[@DIYeasycrafts]

You are so welcome!

[@logothaironsides2942]

I have an ordinary sewing awl and i have to say that after watching various speedy stitcher videos, they all seem to say ignore the spool ignore the tensioning stud and I cant see how they are then any different to the simple awl that I have. My awl is a handle with a needle with a groove in and it stitches exactly the same as this. PS excellent tutorial nonetheless.

[@tiberiu_nicolae]

The advantage is that you can store some thread and the needle inside the handle so that you can carry it around safely in a self contained unit for emergency use. I don't think it's meant for heavy professional use.

[@joshhayl7459]

🟦... You say your needle has a "groove" in it But, does it also have the hole in the very end of the needle for the thread to go through?

[@logothaironsides2942]

yes it does, you can get sets with a bodkin and an awl, the bodkin doesnt have the hole but the awl does @@joshhayl7459

[@timmueller1314]

It lets you make a lock stich similar to a sewing machine.

[@logothaironsides2942]

@@joshhayl7459 yes of course. The sewing awls are an ancient invention, they got it right yonks ago .

[@nahuelpupin8896]

this is the best video on this tool by a long shot. Excellent !!!!

[@DS-ky9dl]

Very good demo...great camerawork made it easy to follow.

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Glad you liked it!

[@Anderson-HandForged]

great video as usaull mr deberg your video have helped me so much in this past year making knives appreciate it Mark

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Glad to hear it

[@ruthjohnson624]

Using an industrial sewing machine needles size 23 . Works well . Just found a 2 needle system . Needle at each end of thread . Pass from side to side .ust try . Great for repairing boat zips etc

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Thanks for sharing!

[@OnTheRiver66]

This is is great, a lot better than trying to following the instructions that came with mine years ago and the terrible drawings!

[@hansg6336]

Good presentation: clear speech ie., no ahs or ums, concise instructions, good camera work with the exception of focus issues or too low resolution perhaps? You did save me lots of frustration by showing me a few things I was doing wrong. Solid A-

[@larisa-shults]

Thank you so much for clear instructions! Helped me a lot.

[@DIYeasycrafts]

You're welcome!

[@cmcer1995]

Great demonstration. I have had this for sometime, and had never researched how to use it, and now I have a video of how to use it. Thanks for posting. I will check-out what else you have.

[@douglasdewey8724]

I inherited this tool from my mother-in-law and never knew how to use it. Thank you so much for the visual information!👍

[@OldJoe212]

I've had one of these for about 20 years. I put a curved needle on the loose end. Just makes it easier to go through the loop. It's slow, but it really is a perfect tool.

[@Castrol1975]

You should make videos for all departments of life, friend! Well done.

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Thank you!!

[@effyleven]

I got a speedy stitcher from the States, many years ago, before they were often seen in UK. It is amongst my most prized posessions, not because it was expensive, it wasn't... ... but because it is so GOOD at what I does. The tool makes the same kind of stitch as a sewing machine. Each stitch is a thumb knot.. therefore it is a lock stitch, and incredibly strong.

[@Bob-rd2bq]

I got mine I think 40 years ago from Stewart mfg. co. in the USA. They mfg it

[@mrf3287]

Thank you so much!! Could not figure out the tool until I watched your video :)

[@kthompso43]

For sure, Max. I've owned one for 40 years and never did figure out how to use it correctly.

[@abstractgamer8543]

My uncle just gave me one I messed with it for 20 minutes decided KZbin was the way to go.

[@doug2616]

Best job yet on explaining the use of this tool. Thank you

[@c.james.cornwalll3060]

I tried my sewing machine leather needles (standard shank, not industrial) and they fit perfectly so you can use any size thread/needle, not just the Speedy Stitcher. I find 2 needle saddle stitching very relaxing so hardly use the machine or Speedy Stitcher anymore but after seeing this I will dust it off and have a play ☺

[@50calorie82]

I really appreciate that you are showing it from different angles . Thanks for explaining the steps in details.

[@Kane-ib5sn]

nicely done. somebody deserves a thumbs up!

[@bennyhill3642]

Good job As a little kid my Mom had one and I never new what it was used for. I knew it was for sewing but what kind of sewing I didn't know lol Needless to say it isn't around any more😭 Thanks again😇😁😇

[@shaneholmes7469]

thanks for making a straight forward instruction video. that was exactly what i was looking for. subscribed.

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Thank You!!!

[@mauricetyack2989]

thank very much for the explanation you are a lovely teacher.

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Thank you! 😃

[@TheEudaemonicPlague]

It's funny...I inherited one from my father some years ago, but since no instructions were anywhere to be found in that pile of stuff, I just put it away and never really thought about it. I knew it was supposed to make stitching easier...but I've never felt like the stitching I've done was especially hard work, so I didn't care. I saw this video, and now I think I might just use it the next time I work with heavier leather. Thanks!

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Very cool!

[@douglascorlett7890]

Gee whiz ! I have had one of these rolling around in the bottom of a toolbox for years. Now I know how to use it. Thanks : )

[@paulwolf2775]

I got a Speedy Stitcher from a friend. I haven't had a chance to use it yet. Thank you for the info. Really appreciate it.

[@komandantekomandante7466]

Dear sir You are very kind for share this DIY TIP with us. Greetings from Ciudad de México.

[@DIYeasycrafts]

So nice of you

[@rogersrabbithole8417]

I had a pretty good idea how to stitch using this tool, it's always good to confirm the process. Thanks for the post.

[@deanmayer6508]

It's been a long time since I used the awl so this video was a necessity for me in order to get back in it. Thanks so much.

[@vikkibodziak8635]

Dean Mayer l go L Pollo

[@mr.nelson9396]

One must pass thread "under" itself, after going around the tensioner, before proceeding to the needle. Thank you for your video though. I learned a few things from it. much appreciated

[@bishoplaury8102]

Thank you so much! So many angles! Thorough explanation🙏🏾

[@tomdzamko]

Very useful explanation of how to use this tool! Thanks

[@HenauderTitzauf]

Thanks a million, I’ve had one for years, unused, because I wasn’t sure how easy it is to use. I subbed and give you a high five. Great video, thanks for sharing!

[@suerichardson7708]

Thank you so much for the great instructional video.

[@DIYeasycrafts]

You are welcome!

[@CHIBA280CRV]

Very informative video sir , thank you for the different angle shots that makes a big difference..👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@macgyverbryan1377]

A common fork will work also for making stitch spacing holes.

[@Horriblebastad]

The rasman wasn't sure if a fork is the way to get the best and the other

[@derkiesthreeteeth5529]

Thats what i use

[@jamesgibbs8827]

Nice,, Great idea. Sometimes some of us can't afford all the correct tools just starting out.. I'M on SSDI, want to go back to work badly remodeling homes, but due to health I can't. Since Sept 2017 , I take home Every Month, what I used to take home Every week. Very very limited funds. Looking for projects to do. I'd like to work w leather, also starting wood carving/wooden canes,, & Paracord tying. I'm pretty excited But always broke.. But Grateful to be above ground, & still sober since 1993. God Bless 🙏 us all. Amen

[@Crowbar381]

Very well made and clear video tutorial, thanks so much for the time and effort you took to do this

[@DIYeasycrafts]

You're very welcome!

[@pcas96]

Thanks a lot I did sort of work out how to use it, but your tips make so much sense!

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Glad it helped!

[@desertwindsurfer8438]

Thank you, you are a great teacher,

[@DIYeasycrafts]

I appreciate that!

[@MrArcher0]

Ok, but I have found this super slow. There is a faster way. Tie in the second bent needle into the long section of back thread at the end. This speeds up feeding it thru that tiny loop on the side of the needle. And dropping the needle ( because it has weight ) pulls most of the thread thru for you. I found that doing this simple trick speeds up sewing with this device by up to 300-400% faster. I work close to the edge of a table so the needle has more room to fall and pull all the thread thru for me. This also works great with carpet thread and Kevlar threads. I was able to put new seats in my out door chairs. 4- 14” long seams with 3/16” stitch spacing in about 1 1/2 hours. The vice grips to hold the fabric taught was the hardest part. The first seam took the longest, ( about a half hour ) just cause I wasn’t use to the tool.

[@bartonmaru1]

Excellent straight forward instructions, thank you.

[@danielarte6647]

Complimenti per la spiegazione semplice e chiara!

[@adrianfirewalker4183]

I am glad to have found this video. I was given one of these, and had no clue how to use it. Thanks!

[@courtneesdad]

Me too lol

[@magicdaveable]

Excellent demonstration. I never thought that a "Speedy Stitcher" would be faster than using double needles. I have been sewing with double needles for about 45 years but this video intrigued me. I just might get one and try it out on my next pair of moccasins.

[@bobwoods5017]

great video, easy to understand and get great results. Thanks

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Glad it was helpful!

[@seanc3362]

Great explanation of how to use the speedy stitcher. Excellent video! Thanks.

[@ironmikelo.8839]

I'm retired union ironworkers lo.8 Milwaukee Wisconsin now but I've stitched up many a pair of red wings throughout the years with the same exact tool, I still have it around somewhere lol, nice video 👍

[@tallen917]

Excellent presentation! You made it easy for me to understand.

[@jutetwine4482]

Very kind of you showing us from different angles

[@rubensanchez8118]

You are amazing sir. My revolver’s barrel is over 10 inches long and it’s rare finding a holster that will fit the entire thing. Now I’m more confident in making my first holster ever and first leather project in general. Thanks for taking time out of your day to help a fellow out.

[@johnnyrice2531]

I have used one for years. One tip is wax the back thread occasionally as this will make it stiff and easier to send through the loop. I also split the pieces i am sewing at the last stitch and have the threads meet in between. This is where i tie off and it hides the knot.

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Thanks for sharing!

[@jsmith3980]

What a brilliant idea, thanks.

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Glad you liked it!

[@queeneywarren9474]

I like the way you explain, this thank you. Do you have a video for the bottom seat, for a lawn chair.

[@DIYeasycrafts]

No, sorry

[@desmondehoppie4758]

Very Informative. Great explanations, techniques and tips. The close up visuals are extremely helpful. Thank You for taking the time to make this video. Good things to you.

[@DIYeasycrafts]

You're very welcome!

[@robertmcmahon1221]

Really good instructions. Thanks.

[@agavebob3462]

If you have ever tried this without a tool you will definitely see this tool is speedy!

[@susanparker3699]

Drilling the holes out after punching is a great tip.

[@yvonnejones8544]

Great demonstation,from begining to end Thanks! I always wanted to know how this tool worked.

[@Zerpersande]

I also have a problem with the spool jamming. But excellent tutorial.

[@DIYeasycrafts]

That is one of the reasons I do not use the spool. Watch the video to see how to bypass the spool

[@bbqlips]

Tge back stitch at the end was a great tip! Great video

[@mikehauk6079]

Just learned something new! Thank you.

[@patriciaingraldi4719]

Great information and tutorial. Many thanks. I can't wait to try this.

[@janvanassen7358]

Tats a cool tool and the result is beautiful, nice😀 Greetings from Brazil

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@nickking8317]

Thanks for posting this I have a speedy stitcher I’d like to learn to use

[@KathyNichols-zd9sc]

I have that tool I had no idea what it was but I did know the tip was broken off there might be some more needles inside of it thank you I will check out the rest of your channels

[@goodjah]

Great video best ive seen on here so far thank u

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Wow, thanks!

[@billeltham]

A very clear explanation - thank you!

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Glad it was helpful!

[@michaeldomingo4973]

This is the second time I watched this. Your tutorial is simply the best, and very helpful. Thank you so much for this. My awl actually did not come with instructions. But, I am a visual learner, anyway. Lol

[@StuckInNy]

Thank you! I need to make some alterations and repairs on a few heavy, canvas, winter horse blankets. Your video will be very helpful. Many thanks 👍🐎

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Sounds great!

[@jameshibby2229]

I love your content. . I a quick learner. . I love it that you you show you finished product ? But please show us how to ? Fix ? Mistakes. . My loops at times came back through. My loops sometimes were to loose. I’m not knocking your video? I’m saying a video of you showing screw up an how to fix it would be good. My first knife sheath after watching your video was ok. I’m proud it is together. But? The imperfections I could not fix because your videos don’t show how to fix mistakes. I know how to sow. I want to do it right!

[@DIYeasycrafts]

If the loops are to loose you have to pull tighter after each stich. I do not think it can be fixed after the sheath is completed. Make a point of looking at the loop placement and tightness before moving on to the next stitch. With a little practice is becomes second nature. For even more control and a better stitch try a Saddle Stitch. Its not done with a tool just two needles. A little more work but really nice results. I have a video on the process

[@cyndiluciene5865]

So smart to use a drill and 1/6 bit to make the holes in leather!! Thank you so much for the idea!

[@EdwinDekker71]

Very well explained, thank you

[@DIYeasycrafts]

You are welcome!

[@machfiver753]

I love this tool. I use a darning needle to hold the bottom thread it makes threading it through the loops a lot quicker. The only problem I run into is occasionally threading through the wrong side of the needle on the underside which is a pain to undo that mistake when it happens. You can avoid this from happening by having the side of the needle with the grove always in the same direction. Placing the groove on the side that the bottom thread goes through helps a lot as that side will usually be the side leaving the loop upon removing the needle from the material. Some materials make this happen reliably each stitch like with leather. Looser materials like canvas or nylon don't always do that, but by keeping the grooved side of the needle always facing the same way will make it easier to tell if the loop has formed on the wrong side of the needle. The only other gripe I have is that I have never been able to find the exact same thick waxed cord/thread as the type that comes with each of them.

[@DIYeasycrafts]

Great idea!!

[@gateway8833]

Thanks for showing this. I was a Wheelwright many years ago, and I made all the harnessing, seats, made some Saddles. I am going to help a kid down the road with some Tack and I haven’t done this in so long I needed to see how it’s works.

[@1414141x]

Great video. I was thinking I might have to buy a sewing machine but I think you could get pretty quick doing this with practice. So I think the Sticher tool will do fine for now.

[@ncgolli]

Thankyou I have owned one of these for over 2 years and couldn't figure out how to sew with it . I just used it to make the holes and stitched with a needle lol