Seems impossible to sew leather without those huge sewing machines? Here you will find the easiest techniques for sewing leather without the touch of an industrial machine. Just make holes, set the awl, and begin stitching!
What is an Awl?
The awl is generally considered a poking machine. It has a hole in the front to hold strings. This element is used as a stitcher with high speed.
How Do I Sew Leather Using an Awl
Several steps showing to sew leather with awl below. Let’s start.
Needed Elements
- An awl stitch
- Stitching needles (specially made for sewing leather)
- Waxed thread
- Rubber cement
- Hammer or Nails binder clips (optional)
Steps included:
1. Put Rubber Cement First
If you want to stitch more than one piece of leather together, use rubber cement to hold the leather perfectly in place. Before starting your sewing, put rubber cement lightly, and press them for a while. And then dry it out for at least ten minutes. Instead of rubber cement, any type of fabric glue can also be used. This step often turns out to be the most challenging step of hand-sewing leather.
2. Put Groove on Leather
Prior to making the first stitch, you need a straight line to make stitches. For that, put a stitching groover on your leather and form a straight line quickly.
3. Make Holes
Now holes are to be created for sewing. The stitching needle does this job so well! Make use of its diamond shape blade (diamond awl) to make holes. This blade along with sharp cutting edges makes perfect holes without tearing the leather. Pierce by following the dots made by the previous overstitch wheel.
Always keep in mind that the stitching needles must be at a place of 90 degrees with the groover and the stitches should be consistent for each side to get uniform stitching.
4. Setup the Stitching Awl
Take the thread out of the hole. And then loop it through the tension post, the handle hole as well as the threaded post. Finally, take it into the needle. After that, fix the chuck lock to take the thread from the needle with minimum effort.
5. Begin the Stitching
Set the awl from where you will start your stitching. Take nearly three inches of thread more than you need through the needle. Keep the thread steady and pull the stitching awl/needle through the hole.
6. Go to the Next Hole
Then create the next hole by pushing the awl. Pull the thread until you find a loop created by the thread. Then take the awl out of the hole. Make both ends of your thread equally tight. Then continue this task for all of the next stitches.
7. Finishing
In the last step, there is no need to make a loop for the final stitch. Instead of looping the last stitch, tie a knot. Normally push the needle of the awl, then pull about nearly three inches of thread. Then cut the thread in the awl, and tie it tightly by making a square knot. Finally, take the awl out, tighten, and cut both ends.
How Do You Thread a Sewing Awl?
Stick the thread through the hole at the back. Put the back cap in place and wrap the thread around the tension knob. Then take it to the needle through the hole just beside the holes to keep extra needles. Finally, pull the thread tightly through the needle hole, secure the bobbin at back, and lock the needle cap. Now you are ready for sewing.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
How to sharpen an awl?
Chunk the end into the drill machine, grind the top on sandpaper by keeping the drill spinning (using a low angle).
Can I use a sewing machine instead of a sewing awl to sew leather?
Yes, you can. But simple modifications are needed to do before sewing leather. Moreover, the sewing machine is bulky, and complex to operate. So, a sewing awl can be said to be a perfect tool for sewing at home.
What is saddle stitch?
In any situation, saddle stitches are a highly practical tool, as they can be used to patch, attach, or close a number of thicker materials and tough materials, whether it is repairing a tent, fixing a sleeping bag, or constructing a hatchet sheath.
Conclusion
Now sewing a huge leather at home is not a big deal at all! Read this article and find how to sew leather simply by an awl. Make the best use of this wonderful tool and surprise everyone with your fastest sewing techniques.
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