The Speedy Stitcher: It Does It Awl!

[GrowleyMonster]

Anybody else besides me love this little sewing device? I have made biminis from scratch, repaired and reinforced and modified sails, repaired shoes, made harnesses, made razor strops, and made all manner of sheaths, scabbards, and pouches out of leather, fire hose, and canvas. Here is a shot of a sheath I just made for one of my (I have several because it is my favorite knife) Buck #110 folders. Yesterday I made a funnel/bucket out of 4 layers of heavy canvas for sewing around a side ramp wire to slush it. Day before, I used it to make a belt sheath for my channel locks. If you gather the Bosun and the Day Men and any watchstanders out on overtime on a US flag ship together, at least one man in the bunch is carrying channel locks, you can bet on that. Just in case anyone wonders why a sheath for them is in any way useful. Anyway, yeah, the Speedy Stitcher. If you can follow simple directions, it takes about two minutes to learn how to set up and use this thing. Sometimes needle and palm is the only thing that will get the job done. The rest of the time, the Speedy Stitcher is your friend.


DISCLAIMER: I have no financial interest in the Speedy Stitcher company and I am not receiving any renumeration for advocating its purchase or use.


Got anything good to say about the Speedy Stitcher? Any good Speedy Stitcher sea stories? Cmon, Speedy Stitcher fans, speak up!

[jimbunyard]

Well SS needs to hire you as an advertiser, but yes it is a very effective, useful and versatile tool that any sailor should have and know how to use ....

[Suijin]

Everyone I know who has one thinks it’s the bee’s knees. Been meaning to get one.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by Suijin

Everyone I know who has one thinks it’s the bee’s knees. Been meaning to get one.

Me too. $15 on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Speedy-Stitch...X1J9DNTBAC968E

[darylat8750]

Great idea. I went to buy one and I see that for a few dollars more the "Speedy Stitcher Pro" is available. Any opinions on which model is the "bees knees"? Best value?

[CaptTom]

I've seen them around, seems like a good piece of gear to have handy.

I see Tandy makes a similar one, with the bobbin just behind the needle instead of in the top of the handle. Any preference?

I only ask because the Tandy comes with black thread, and one small project I'd like to try it on is navy blue. Then again, the next project is tan. Decisions, decisions!

[Lake-Effect]

I had a knock-off of one of these, and I really liked it. My problem was that the needles broke too easily.

I should really cough up for the brand-name item. Are their needles durable enough?

There was an Australian-made version with an all-SS body, that I recall seeing advertised in the back pages of a sailing magazine... the make escapes me. Is anyone familiar with that one?

[donradcliffe]

Get extra needles, because mine broke when I used it for the first time on a heavy job.

[thinwater]

I have one. They do have their uses. But just for balance, I have to admit that I have not used it in years. On the other hand, I use a needle and palm very regularly.


The only time I use the speedy stitcher is if facing something like very thick leather, and even then, an awl and separate needle is faster and can pull thread thick enough to fill the hole. The speedy stitcher leaves a big hole.


For most hand work, a needle and palm is simply many times faster and less physical. It may take longer to learn.


Just a counterpoint.

[bill352]

I have one of these:


https://www.ebay.com/i/121046411205?chn=ps


...but if you're not in love with the antique box,you can get one here:


https://www.amazon.com/C-A-Meyers-Se.../dp/B003Y5FP80


And yes, it is a dandy little tool.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by thinwater

I have one. They do have their uses. But just for balance, I have to admit that I have not used it in years. On the other hand, I use a needle and palm very regularly.


The only time I use the speedy stitcher is if facing something like very thick leather, and even then, an awl and separate needle is faster and can pull thread thick enough to fill the hole. The speedy stitcher leaves a big hole.


For most hand work, a needle and palm is simply many times faster and less physical. It may take longer to learn.


Just a counterpoint.

Thanks for the comparison. I watched an instructional video of Speedy Stitch and had similar thoughts.

I also have needles/awl & palm aboard which I use frequently.

[Lake-Effect]

Wow, I see the Myers units are like US$50 + ?? Are they worth the extra?


For the Canadians in the audience, I just found out that Mountain Equipt Co-op has the Speedy-Stitcher in stock.

[skipgundlach]

My father gave me his, circa his Boy Scout years, circa 1937-40-ish, just like new...

[nhschneider]

If I were to print a list of the things I've made/repaired with my Speedy Stitcher, it would be very long (and boring).

I keep two on board plus a substantial inventory of spare needles. When sewing through something very heavy, I use an awl and mallet or a leather punch to create the holes. I never use the bobbin, preferring instead to just have both ends loose.

When I retire from cruising, I'm considering becoming a lobbyist for the Speedy Stitcher Users Association.

Fair winds and calm seas.

[Time2Go]

IGreat little peice of kit
I also carry a yard or two of
self adhesive sail cloth from sailright
Perfect combo if you ever need to repair
a bolt rope
Cheers
Neil