Speedy Stitcher Sewing Awl Kit

[nigelmercier]

I've just ordered a Speedy Stitcher Sewing Awl Kit, like this: http://www.sailrite.com/Speedy-Stitcher-Sewing-Awl-Kit

Also got a couple of fine needles for it. Their video recommends threads "like V-69, V-92, or V-138, can be used" with this needle.

Any idea how to relate these to sizes used in the UK?

Does anyone know where I can buy sail makers' White Polyester UV resistant thread?


Available at Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000FXT814/dolcetto-21

 

[l'escargot]

I have just ordered some V92 thread on ebay to do my spray hood:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/180999547...WNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649#ht_921wt_904

 

[Salty John]

Here's another company that sell a range of threads: http://www.solentsew.co.uk/categories/Sewing-machine-parts-&-accessories/Thread/

We sell the Speedy Stitcher but not alternative threads and needles.

 

[VicMallows]

It's amazing that the 'Speedy Stitcher' has only really appeared in the UK in the last 5 years or so. I bought mine in the US in 1974 and use it regularly. I find whipping twine works well.

 

[tim_ber]

Sorry, can't help with needle size and your uv resistant thread question has been answered.
But really cute tool and I used mine 'in anger' to repair a sail once.
Must say that I do not know if the thread I used was UV res., but I patched over it with self adhesive spinnaker repair stuff anyway.
Just call me "Bodger Bob"

 

[Adamastor]

See if your local loft has leftovers for you. They often chuck out bobbin-ends because they only have a few yards of thread on them, and the schlepp factor involved in changing reels outweighs the cost of the thread.
I have a Speedy Stitcher, but the holes the needles make are far bigger than decent folk like to see on awnings etc. I use mine for ropework, leatherwork, and of course for "darning my deckies"- bluddy PERFECT for sewing new soles onto deckshoes. And for sewing spines of stapled books. And for fastening webbing and the likes on luggage. And for binding the edges of carpet offcuts to make fitted liners in toolboxes. And...
Arrgh! Think of a job involving thread and your Speedy Stitcher can do it better!

 

[Vara]

It's amazing that the 'Speedy Stitcher' has only really appeared in the UK in the last 5 years or so. I bought mine in the US in 1974 and use it regularly. I find whipping twine works well.

I bought my first one in 1982 IIRC in Brighton Marina chandlery.

 

[pagoda]

Sorry, can't help with needle size and your uv resistant thread question has been answered.
But really cute tool and I used mine 'in anger' to repair a sail once.
Must say that I do not know if the thread I used was UV res., but I patched over it with self adhesive spinnaker repair stuff anyway.
Just call me "Bodger Bob"

I've used it to repair dinghy sails, snowboard boots, sew on new webbing straps and velcro to sail covers, through stitching splices in braided rope and so on... Very handy tool. Very sharp needles, so when pushing through something tough -watch out for punctured fingers. The puncture isn't so bad, but getting blood off white sail cloth is a huge pita I tend to use waxed thread -it seems pretty strong and long lasting.

Graeme

 

[nigelmercier]

I have just ordered some V92 thread on ebay to do my spray hood...

Thank you.

...the holes the needles make are far bigger than decent folk like to see on awnings etc...

I'm hoping the fine needles will be OK.

 

[prv]

I've seen adverts for these things for years, but never seen one in the flesh. What's the secret magic that makes them better than a needle and palm?

Pete

 

[William_H]

Well I looked at the ads some time back. Says I I can make something similar and ended up with effectively a handle for a sewing machine needle. Didn't bother with the ability to hold a bobbin of thread in the handle.
So you shove the needle with a loop of thread through the fabric layers like a sewing machine you then thread another (lower) thread through the loop left when you start to withdraw the needle.Pull the needle out pull the thread tight and do the same again.
What I found however was that the needle when partially withdrawn has 2 loops of thread. One comes from the long stock of thread (the correct loop) ie towards the start of the line and the other relating to the short piece of thread hanging out of the needle. (the wrong loop) (forward loop). If you get the wrong loop to thread your bottom thread through you are messed up completely. If you inadvertently twist the grip as it goes in you can get confused as to which loop you need.
So essentially i gave up finding a normal sewing needle pulled right through just as easy. I use pliers to help the needle through.
Have I missed the point on how it is used. olewill

 

[nigelmercier]

What I found however was that the needle when partially withdrawn has 2 loops of thread...

Take a look at the video. One side of the needle has a slot so you should only get one loop. You could easily make one by just using their needle, but hardly worth it.

 

[VO5]

See if your local loft has leftovers for you. They often chuck out bobbin-ends because they only have a few yards of thread on them, and the schlepp factor involved in changing reels outweighs the cost of the thread.
I have a Speedy Stitcher, but the holes the needles make are far bigger than decent folk like to see on awnings etc. I use mine for ropework, leatherwork, and of course for "darning my deckies"- bluddy PERFECT for sewing new soles onto deckshoes. And for sewing spines of stapled books. And for fastening webbing and the likes on luggage. And for binding the edges of carpet offcuts to make fitted liners in toolboxes. And...
Arrgh! Think of a job involving thread and your Speedy Stitcher can do it better!

Oh ! Interesting....I have been thinking about resoling too, not out of stinginess but because worn deckshoes are very comfy and it is a shame to bin them.
Is there a source of replacement soles for deckshoes ? Is there really ?

Here is a tip.

If you need to thread a needle and the hole is not too small but thicker thread won't go through it, try this:~

First unravel a couple of inches of the thread, then cut a wedge of sellotape.
Insert the tails and make a sandwich using the sellotape.
Now trim the sello to a fine tapering point.
Pull through with alligator pliers, and hey, presto! ...you have now threaded a needle with thread that would otherwise be impossible.

 

[nigelmercier]

If you need to thread a needle and the hole is not too small but thicker thread won't go through it, try this:~