I'm completing my 2nd project, a tote, and am realizing that stitching takes me a really long time.
I have a 3.0mm Crimson Hides French style pricking iron paired with size 4 John James needles (004).
I've noticed that searching for the hole on the backside really slows down my stitching.
I also had a hard time pulling the needle through the holes when sewing 2 layers of 1.2mm boxcalf for the tote strap.
I'm hoping that having an awl would help me find the hole easier, and to somewhat widen my hole to let the needle through thick pieces of leather.
Is it necessary to find an awl blade that is the exact same width as the prongs on my pricking irons? It looks like Crimson hide's french blade is 1.9mm but most of the blades on the market are 2.0 or 2.4mm. Would it matter? It looks like you can buy Palosanto's awls in 1.8mm.
Also, would it matter if I got a diamond shaped awl blade as opposed to a french style awl blade?
How do most folks pair their awls up?
@danieljlee1891 Hi Daniel, I will add one thing to the great answers you have just received.
If you are penetrating all the way through your leather with your irons, then you can also use a small round awl instead of a bladed awl as you stitch.
You will not open the slits any wider, but you will widen the slit temporarily which will allow an easier stitching experience.