How to use a Sewing Awl (Handy Stitch) 101

[dodzy31]

KInda resurecting this a bit.
but would i be able to use a high break strain fishing line instead of thread?

[kohomcm]

Originally Posted by dodzy31

KInda resurecting this a bit.
but would i be able to use a high break strain fishing line instead of thread?

Yes you could as long as it fits into the needled. I dont know how good it will look, but it will work.

[drplywood]

another option would be to look for a leather craft store or a place online and use the waxed thread they sell for leatherwork.

[kohomcm]

Thats a very good option.

Usually craft stores like Michael's carry a leather section and they have sewing awls with some thread already included. Like the one at the beginning of the thread.

[KMcDermott]

You can get regular or heavy duty waxed thread refills from REI online:

awl at REI.com | 100% Satisfaction Guarantee | Customer Reviews

[dodzy31]

Thanks guys, I was thinking more function than looks.

[RedK]

You can use fishing line, but there's a risk - it tends to cut into the leather over time and cause it to tear. If you use fishing line, be careful to pull the stitches snug but not tight. Too much tension in the line will make the tearing more likely.

[dodzy31]

ah right thanks again. I figured it would take a bit more abuse than normal thread, is there any logic in that?

[kohomcm]

I think you might mis-understand. The abuse is not taken by the thread, but by the leather you are putting the thread into.

The fishing line might be too much for the leather if you thread it too tightly. Thats why I the nylon thread is recommended earlier in the thread.

[dodzy31]

Ahh yes, I see. Guess it was just me being a bit dense
But i was thinking more in the terms of the threads fraying and wearing out. Because I'd b using it on the tee bridge area (the proper name escapes me atm) of my snag. so its kind of a hihg wear area when covering the puck and stick handling/ shooting.

[kohomcm]

what exactly is it that you want to do or fix? shoot me a PM. we can figure something out for you.

[Rolue]

What thread sizes should be used, say when re-palming, or when adding or making a knee rise.

[c0nquistad0rian]

Good find on the thread. But, did you actually read it?

From the first page:

Originally Posted by goaltendah1

The best thread to use is bonded nylon thread. It's available from The Thread Exchange - The quality source for consumer and industrial sewing thread.

A 4oz spool should be more than enough for anyone. I would recommend 1 of black and 1 of white at least. The thread that comes with the awl works fine, but it's waxed and can be a pain to work with sometimes.

Originally Posted by goaltendah1

Here are some links to the 138 thread I was talking about earlier:

4oz black bonded nylon:
The Thread Exchange, Inc.

4oz white bonded nylon:
Nylon - Size 138 - White - Bonded - 4 oz Spool: The Thread Exchange, Inc.

Just to add, you can get larger spools up to 16oz, but a 4oz spool should last any of you a long time if you are doing repairs. If you are getting into machine work where you are putting out a large amount of gear you would need to order 16oz spools and a lot of them.

Black and white thread should be enough for most of us, but if you are going to be doing graphic work and you want it to look professional, I would recommend getting the corresponding thread to the color of Jenpro you are sewing.

[kohomcm]

Originally Posted by c0nquistad0rian

Good find on the thread. But, did you actually read it?

From the first page:

Man beat me to it!

[Neums30]

This will sound crazy, but I have been using waxed dental floss to repair equipment for the past 28 years. Never had any problems and it works great. I have used it for repalming blockers, attaching calf wings to pads, repairing cuts in leather pads and gloves, beefing up my chest protector, repairing holes in hockey socks, repairing seams and holes in goalie pants, and even making harnesses for masks. The stuff is really tough and the wax keeps the stitches tight.