Hand Stitching – Red Ox Brand Tools

New Standard Line Professional Awl Hafts

I've started a new line of standard awl hafts that will sell for $85.00. $150 with a blade. As with a my Artisan Made line, the blades are secured into the haft with two 8-32 hex drive set screws. These tools are not a cheap budget item. They are turned by me on a manual lathe and are made with the same attention to detail as all of my Red Ox brand tools. They are simply less detailed so take less time to make. I'm happy to be offering a more affordable tool that will perform at a high professional level.

Gordon Andrus

Posted on August 27, 2024August 27, 2024 by Gordon — Leave a comment

A Source for Nice Pricking Irons

In Prescott last week I was able to have students at my stitching workshop try out the new Horseshoe Brand pricking irons. I’ll tell you, they perform admirably. The are sized stitches per inch (spi) like we in the U.S. are accustomed too. They are also narrow enough to fit right in a stitch groove. Collen also set me up with a new awl that they are carrying that matches the pricking irons in the profile of the blade. It also fits sweetly in your palm. Nice work Jeremiah, and Colleen. #horseshoebrandtools

Posted on March 6, 2020March 6, 2020 by Gordon — Leave a comment

Generalized Guide to Needle, Thread, and Awl Sizing for Hand Stitching

As the title states, this is a generalized guide. It is based on traditional best practices for handwork. Some of the sizes here may be difficult to find sources for. Thread comes from worldwide sources and varies in size. Different awl widths are notoriously difficult to find. Style variation will have a big effect on some of these sizing choices. At the time of this writing large stitches with wide flat braided threads are in vogue. This guide is still useful. If you proceed by choosing your stitches per inch length first, rather than the leather thickness.

Posted on March 9, 2019 by Gordon — 2 Comments