Do you like Sewing Awls?

Years ago I was wandering through a surplus store and I saw an Awl for All sewing awl. With the number of things it could sew it sounded very useful. But I never bought one. A few weeks ago I was sewing a basic D-ring belt by hand and I thought, "there has to be an easier way to do this." And now I am thinking about making leather braces for archery. So, those of you who have one; do you enjoy using it? Is it better than sewing by hand? What things have you made or repaired with it?

Which kind of sewing awl are you looking at?

The pointy bit of metal for parting threads and making eyelets or button holes (among other things) or the one for sewing leather and other thick material with a waxed thread in the handle and a very pointy triangular needle?

Both are wonderful.  

r ranson wrote:Which kind of sewing awl are you looking at?

The pointy bit of metal for parting threads and making eyelets or button holes (among other things) or the one for sewing leather and other thick material with a waxed thread in the handle and a very pointy triangular needle?

Both are wonderful.  

I'm thinking of the kind for sewing leather, sails and other thick material.

That is great!  I don't have to pre-punch the holes or use a pair of plyers (thus wrecking the needle - or several) with this tool.  It makes a very tidy stitch almost like a sewing machine.

But sharp.  I've gotten a lot of blood on stuff through inattention.  

Dear hubby has had one for years.  As far as I know he uses it was all kinds of his sewing needs.

For folks that have not heard of one here is a Wikipedia article for a Stitching Awe with pictures:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stitching_awl

And here is how to use one. Coolness!

Thanks! I think I would find one really useful. You can read people online saying, "This was my great grandpa's speedy stitcher, it still works."

It looks like there are two styles, the Speedy Stitcher style has the spool of thread entirely inside the handle. You can see that in the video that Joylynn posted. The Awl for All style has the spool exposed at the front of the handle. I think I would like that style a little bit better. If for no other reason than that you only need to thread the thread through two holes. Though the video shows that you can skip the intermediate hole on the Speedy Stitcher. But again, both designs are proven, it must come down to preference.

I much perfer the one with the string in the handle as I don't want it getting in the way when I'm pushing through tough materials.  But my hands aren't strong, so I don't think most people would notice.