Process

I have been reading lots about industrial and work-oriented stitching. There are youtube videos of people (with heavily bandaged hands) working through thick materials with sewing awls. The stitching pattern seems to be a basic running, lock-stitch and I was excited to try. I've read a number of blogs and articles and it seems that working with an awl – especially with leather – takes a heavy toll on your hands. I wanted an awl that would avoid this. I went to a Pat Catan's craft store and spoke to staff about their experience using awls.

I found that there are a few different sizes, thicknesses and shapes to the needles you can use. It seems that people have different preferences for needles they use. I wanted to simply try them out as soon as I could.