Sewing Awl

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Sewing Awl

Sewing awl.JPG
Synonyms: stitching awl; DE: Nähahle
Type: leatherworking tool
Material: leather, thick fabric
Used with: thick thread (usually waxed), stitching pony
Similar (More or Less): stitching needles

Comparable to a very minimalistic sewing machine, a sewing awl lets you connect two pieces of leather or heavy fabric with a lockstitch.

We have a simple "Ø230"/"FEIHU26" sewing awl. Who knows what these size markings actually mean?

This video about the "Speedy Stitcher" explains the use of a sewing awl quite nicely. You can ignore the first two minutes if you're using a simple sewing awl - the bobbin included in the demonstrated model just allows cleaner thread management, the technique remains the same!

Preparation

Depending on your material, you may not be able to start sewing right away:

  • leather
    • prick or punch holes into your workpieces
    • if you are going to use glue as well, apply it before sewing
  • webbing
    • it may help to staple the pieces together for sewing and remove the staples afterwards [1]