Hello everyone, I have purchases a small awl haft and have added the finger wrap according to Philip. This will certainly help me gain my confidence in using the awl as I stitch and not drop it! Thank you Philip! My question is regarding the awl haft size in respect to my hand. As I re-watch the Techniques of Hand Stitching series I notice that the Awl haft that Philip uses appears smaller in his hand than mine does in my hand. Sooo.... I am looking for suggestions and input. after just a handful of stitches my hand is revolting...
I will attempt to upload 3 images...
Thanks for the input!
I was considering nipping off the end a bit, ... then again I am considering purchasing a smaller awl as well. I am stitching a belt with this as is to see if the practice makes perfect will work. So far I haven't dropped it so that goal is met!
Hey Cindy, I definitely wouldn't say that awl was small. Slim perhaps, but it's quite long especially with the added locking collar.
If you don't want to nip off 1-2cm from the rear and sand the edges smooth again, Wuta makes awls that are equivalent to Vergez Blanchard's smallest awl. They are £10-15 if I remember correctly and may suit your hands better. They don't have a locking collar unfortunately.
Hey Cindy, I myself pretty much only use what is referred to as a french style or rounded handle awl (please see picture) and find it perfect as I have smaller hands.
With it being small and lighter you may find it easier however I know some people do like to feel like they are actually holding something so like Jean said its important to find something that's comfortable for you. I will attach the link below to the place I get a lot of my tools.
You can a select between round/stratch, diamond or flat in a couple of sizes. I really reccomend the flat blades as they slot perfectly into a pricking iron hole which should really help with consistency of angle of your stitch. They generally come pretty sharp but like all awls need a hone and polish.
I hope this has helped in any way and not muddied the water for you 🤗
Get a handle you're comfortable with, that's the most important part, if you prefer smaller that's perfectly fine. And then practice makes perfect. It takes a bit of time to get used to having an awl in the hand but after a while it'll become muscle memory.