How To: Sew using a Speedy Stitcher

WE HAVE GREAT LOOKING APPAREL:

Here we domonstrate the basic use of the Speedy Stitcher sewing awl. This is great to have around for general repairs, bushcraft & survival, in the vehicle, and more. We carry one in our packs when we backpack and practice survival, it is one of the most important types of tools you can own.

[ron.v]

I've watched a lot of YouTube videos on how to use a Speedy Stitcher. This is the only one of the lot that explains all the details. Big Thanks!

[MIRONWORKER]

THANK U, I STILL HAVE THE KIT, BOUGHT ABOUT 12 -15 YEARS AGO, NEVER USED IT YET

[miker]

Used my Speedy Stitcher to bind a book I valued. Used a drill press and a very fine drill bit to make evenly spaced holes at the binding and went to town as shown. That book is never coming apart! Thanks for the video. Cheers from Nova Scotia.

[gregscotthumbird]

Back in the 1960s, I used this a lot for repairing and reinforcing heavy camping equipment straps and such. It works very well. We would use cotton thread, coated with bees wax.

[deandeann]

These things are a wonderful piece of gear I've used them for decades. They are basically a ppcket sized industrial strength sewing machine and are able to sew canvas, shoe leather, sailcloth, heavy straps, etc atc, in multiple layers if need be. They can repair things a common sewing machine is incapable of, and can stitch items so heavy as to be entirely impractical or impossible to do by hand. I have literally prevented thousands in lost wages when I have repaired work gear in remote locations only because I had a speed stitcher in with my maintenance tools. The stitchers are rugged and last forever too if you are careful not to break the needles and carry spare needles in the handle. I happen to have one about 5 feet in front of me right now that I may have had for 25 yeats or more. They are a good tool to have along camping etc, they will fix eg a leather belt, a tent, a backpack strap, a diving bcd etc no problem. I really appreciate these little tools, they work so well (I even figured out an alternate stitch to use a few years ago). It is surprising how little known these old tools are.

[jcortese]

Before Isaac Singer designed the two-thread sewing machine that we use today, the first attempt to create a sewing machine basically replicated this exact motion. Nice to see it's still got a place in handwork.

[lancethorup]

This tool is among my "have to have" tools. One time I restitched an entire old saddle. Very satisfying to work with. Thanks for the great instructional video!

[pg]

This is the best instructional video I've watched on the Speedy Stitcher! Simple & to the point. Thank you for your time & effort.

[colinbryan]

I’ve had one of these stitchers for nigh on 40 years in my sewing machine box and never used it before. Already I’ve gotten four jobs to use it for. Thanks Guys.

[OutnBacker]

AT the beginning, a small silver tack can be seen stuck into the wood handle. This is for tensioning the thread as it is pulled from the bobbin. You are supposed to do a single wrap around th etack, then thread the needle as shown. It eliminates the need to put the unit down to pull on your stitch to tighten it. The downside is that, with certain types and weights of thread, the tack cause too much friction and it can bind the thread. Also, the hidden bobbin is turned 90 degrees from the feed line, so it can be prone to tangles ands crossover friction that you cannot see coming.

That is why I use the Tandy Leather version of this tool. The bobbin is outside the handle and you use your index finger to keep the feed tension constant like a fishing reel. You can see the bobbin and it is much easier to re-load. The whole thing is more instinctive and there are no fits and starts with tension problems or feed issues. That' what puts the "speed" in it.

[chatryna]

I can't close my mouth. I can't help but think of all these years lost not being aware, nor skilled in this tool. Thank you for sharing. This takes me backto my mother showing me how the sewing machine works. One of the few memories I cherish.

[hobohero]

I got the speedy sticher for my tool pouch. It’s about 3 layers of tough nylon and the speedy sticher is definitely a life saver. Thanks for the instructional video much appreciated!

[stacyschewalje]

Thanks for the look on this. I just picked one up at a thrift store

[robertsherman]

Loved the video, straight forward in instruction. One key point left out was the tension post. Another important key point is putting the thread through the loop the same way each stitch. Initially when you first start stitching with S Stitcher, yes it goes slow. After you get a rhythm down, the pace picks up. When I have a large piece I’m stitching, I place a large blunt needle on the “ bobbin thread end. Speeds up putting it through the loop quicker.

[shadetreemech]

I've got one of those things that I found among my grandfathers things after he passed away. I'm 67 now. I've kept it all these years. Thanks for showing me how to use it. BTW I love the music and my grandfather would have loved it too. He was from Eastern Europe.

[delmarrey]

You also can use a separate piece of thread for the backside for different colors or texture. You just have to tie it off just like the ending. This is also used on sail canvas.

[KathrynLiz]

I have had one of these little widgets for over 40 years. They work beautifully and can produce very professional Brilliant...

[NotCrazyDan]

As someone who wants to get into blade smithing eventually, videos like this are invaluable. Plenty of videos on how to make the knife, hardly any one how to make a sheath.

[pierrelasperge]

Merci c'est très bien expliqué, même si on ne comprend pas la langue.

[magicdaveable]

I hand stitch with 2 needles and an awl. From what I have seen here a "speedy stitcher" is not very speedy compared to the double needle - awl method. I have been hand sewing leather for about 45 years. I was very very slow when I first started learning but with experience my speed improved. Most of the leather bags I made back in the 1970's are still in use. Hand sewing with 2 needles is how saddles are sewn. The results provide incredible strength.