All About The Sewing Awl

(Page 2 of 2)

November/December 1976
By the Mother Earth News editors 
Article Tools
Print
Comments
RSS
Bookmark and Share

Mind you, I'm not into fancy, creative leatherwork and I don't own any leatherworking tools other than my awl. The Speedy Stitcher simply fills a functional niche in my life. I use it (along with such common household items as single-edge razor blades, scissors, pencils and pens, and a straight-edge) to make things I need and repair articles I don't have the money to replace.

RELATED CONTENT

And I've made—or repaired—quite a few items with my stitcher over the past year and a half or so. I still hike, for instance, in some boots that I've repaired twice with my little awl . . . and—thanks to this nifty tool (I refuse to call it a "gadget")—I've been able to make axe and knife sheaths, protective covers for my sharpening stones, eyeglass cases, and a slew of different-sized pouches. And I've only begun to explore the sewing awl's possibilities!

If you're just starting to use one of these tools, a good first project might be to make a leather carrying case (such as the one offered by L. L. Bean for $2.75) in which to keep your stitcher, extra needles, thread, and/or other goodies. (Speaking of needles and thread, you'd be wise to purchase extras . . . because you'll soon need 'em, once you get "hooked" on handstitching!)

Leather bags and pouches are easy to make, when you have a sewing awl. You'll find that such containers are great for storing nails, screws, and other sharp objects, because they don't tip over (or break) easily. (And with a drawstring, they're easy to tote, too!)

Be prepared to think differently about that old pair of boots you were going to throw away . . . or that ripped tent you were going to fix "someday" . . . or any other leather (or canvas) item you've been meaning to repair. Because chances are, with the aid of your trusty sewing awl you'll be able to make these things as good as new again . . . or you'll at least be able to salvage the leather and turn it into something beautiful!

Page: << Previous 1 | 2 |
Bookmark and Share
RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print

Comments

  • mehjr 6/23/2009 7:43:23 PM

    http://www.emocs.com/sewingawl.htm

  • Johnny 5/3/2009 2:36:46 AM

    I have owned a sewing awl for about a year now and I still have'nt learned to use it pictures or anything that would show me how to operate it. thanks!?.

  • Robert 2/15/2009 10:48:29 AM

    I just perchased a sewing awl, and it came with no instructions. I was wanting to know how to use it, pictures would be helpful. Thanks

Add Your Comment

Please note that there is currently a problem with the comments function and your comment may or may not post successfully. We are working to correct the problem and thank you for your patience. 

You can use this comment form to enter your personal experiences or additional information and resources that you'd like to share with Mother Earth News readers. Your helpful advice will be posted on this page.  E-mail addresses are never displayed on comments, but they are required to confirm your comments.

Line breaks and paragraphs are automatically converted — no need to use <p> or <br> tags.

New to Mother Earth News?
Sign up to share comments.
Asterisks(*) indicate required fields.
Name*
Your name appears next to your comment.

E-mail Address*
This will be your login ID.

City State Zip Code

Password*


Confirm Password*

Comments
1500 character limit (Offensive materials and/or spam will be removed, no HTML allowed)
Please Note: Your sign-up must be verified via e-mail before your comment is published.
FEATURED ARTICLES
MOST POPULAR


Subscribe Today - Pay Now & Save 66% Off the Cover Price

First Name: *
 Last Name: *
Address: *
 City: *
State/Province: *
 Zip/Postal Code:*
Country:
 Email:*
(* indicates a required item)
Canadian subs: 1 year, (includes postage & GST). Foreign subs: 1 year, . U.S. funds.
Canadian Subscribers - Click Here
Non US and Canadian Subscribers - Click Here

Lighten the Strain on the Earth and Your Budget

Mother Earth News is the guide to living — as one reader stated — “with little money and abundant happiness.” Every issue is an invaluable guide to leading a more sustainable life, covering ideas from fighting rising energy costs and protecting the environment to avoiding unnecessary spending on processed food. You’ll find tips for slashing heating bills; growing fresh, natural produce at home; and more. Mother Earth News helps you cut costs without sacrificing modern luxuries.

At Mother Earth News, we are dedicated to conserving our planet’s natural resources while helping you conserve your financial resources. That’s why we want you to save money and trees by subscribing through our Earth-Friendly automatic renewal savings plan. By paying with a credit card, you save an additional $4.95 and get 6 issues of Mother Earth News for only $10.00 (USA only).

You may also use the Bill Me option and pay $14.95 for 6 issues.