A community of 30,000 US Transcriptionist serving Medical Transcription Industry

Question for craft or sewing people.

Posted: Jun 5, 2015

Has anyone ever used a sewing awl for heavier fabrics like Carhartt type work pants?

My husband is a welder and gets small holes burned in his clothes at times. Then I have to patch them, I have used those iron-on patches and the results are questionable. Then I tried permanent bond fabric glue, which isn't too bad but eventually comes off after washing everything and have to put it in the dryer.

We are in an apartment with no room to hang up 3 suits of heavy work clothes to dry, and I don't have room to keep a full-size sewing machine.

He's determined that he's seen those little hand-held sewing machine contraptions "on TV" and wants me to get one of those. I've tried to tell him they're not very good for anything other than a quick skirt hem on a light cotton fabric, but he's not really wannting to hear that.

These fabrics are a bit difficult to sew patches on by hand with regular needle and thread. Patches are fairly good size, I think 5x7, so it takes a while to sew by hand. Usually the damage is in the legs, around the pockets areas where it would be difficult to put the pants on a full-size machine. The bottom seam of his shirt pocket needs a litle mending as well.

An awl with standard cotton sewing thread looks like it would work. Sewing people, what do you think, or any other ideas for easier mending? My hands are obviously not in the best shape for a lot of hand sewing.

Thanks.

;

Walmart has them for $15 bucks. It's very - easy to use. NM

[ In Reply To ..]
NM

Walmart has what? The small sewing machine? - I already said they wont work well on this fabric.

[ In Reply To ..]
NM

They have the awl. - NM

[ In Reply To ..]
NM

Maybe quilting needles, they are designed - Sewer/jewelry maker

[ In Reply To ..]
to go through heavier fabrics and many layers of fabric, especially those curved ones. You can get them in most fabric stores.

If you really get strapped, I took a leather handbag to a local leather worker to get the strap fixed. They have actual sewing machines designed to go through leather, they'll take on anything for the right price!

Hand quilting needles, called betweens, are short and thin, not curved. Doubt - they would work for OP. nm

[ In Reply To ..]
z

Check phone book for alterationist, possibly at dry cleaners. Could probably do the - fix, ask about price. nm

[ In Reply To ..]
x

Upholstery needles should do it. - Explanation

[ In Reply To ..]
You should be able to do this with upholstery needles. They are big and heavy enough that you can get better leverage. There are some that have more of a cutting point, as well.

You can also use an awl to punch the hole first, then thread the needle through. You will definitely need it to punch through most iron-on patches. On the seams, try to use the original holes.

Look at the ones linked below.

You might also find sail-making needles useful.

Only industrial or professional sewing machines will handle fabric like Carhartt dungarees or canvas. Most won't handle even heavier drapery or denim. The little handheld kind won't.

Regular sewing needles won't do it. Not enough leverage. Quilting needles are waaay too fine; you will have it in your finger with one shove. Crewel embroidery can be heavy enough, but not sharp enough.

Google a sailmaker's palm to see the leather gadget you might need to push the needle through. You might not need one so dramatic, but just a leather and metal thimble.

Let us know what you end up with! You can do this!

Similar Messages:

Oct 12, 2013
Was waffling, thinking, deciding, wondering - then today, bam! I just decided, I'm gonna do it! I've got about a month to churn stuff out - make some big pieces, then some smaller things (lots of smaller things), some fun humorous things. Just to guage interest, before I start putting stuff on eBay or Etsy. Fun, but a lot of work from now till then. Really have to paint like a demon - just now I realize demon and lemon are pretty much spelled the same - anyway, getti ...

Apr 17, 2014
I have an approximately 15 year old sewing machine I picked up in a lawn sale. There is no user's manual with it. It worked great for a while, but now it's alternately knotting and leaving loops on the underside of the cloth. Any idea if this is an easy fix? Or should I take it to a repair shop? I don't want to spend a bunch to fix it if it's something I could do myself. ...

May 01, 2014
Thanks for the advice! I adjusted the tension from 2 to 3.5, and it's sewing beautifully now. Such a simple fix! You forget a lot between 7th grade home ec and age 62! ...

Jul 26, 2014
My old 24-y/o Singer died Thursday. No idea if it is the machine or the pedal, but really don't want to buy a pedal to see. Looking for recommendations for a new machine, any brand, what you like about it, approx. cost if you recall, features, etc. I don't do a ton of sewing (not a lot of time) but make things from time to time, costumes, curtains, pillows, hemming, skirts/dresses at times. Like something easy to use but with some bells and whistles, ...

Apr 16, 2011
I want to buy a sewing machine. My problem with sewing is managing the bobbin thread tension on most sewing machine. I thought I'd ask for information from anyone who sews a lot their recommendation for a sewing machine with problem-free tension. I don't need one that does everything, just a simple machine with a good straight stitch but a good one that I do not have to worry about the tension. It's caused me to just totally quit even trying anymore. ...

Dec 01, 2010
My niece is pregnant and she found out she is having a boy, so I know what colors to use. She is due in April so I figure that gives me plenty of time to work on it as I'm on a learning curve and will no doubtedly be ripping stitches and starting over repeatedly. I post pictures of my progress for advice and critiques! ...

Jul 19, 2013
Do you have an elderly kitty that tends to yowl a lot for no reason? My 14-year-old cat is happy, healthy, (been to vet not too long ago, also had a dental), and yet she some times yowls for what appears to be no reason. She has all sorts of different normal vocalizations, yet when she yowls she sounds distressed. But when I go to investigate, I'll find that she's: Talking to her water dish as she dips her paws into it. Talking to her blanket as she kneads it ...

Apr 10, 2012
Just a question as I am interesting in hearing the positives on both sides. Without saying negatives about the side you don't support. Can you give me a reason(s) why I should vote for Obama or why I should vote for Romney. I don't want to hear negativity about the other candidate, already read enough. And if possible don't try and make up things like Romney will try and convert everyone to Mormon or Obama will save the planet and covert everyone to muslim. ...

May 05, 2011
The facts of Pat Tillman's death were manipulated and Jessica Lynch was molded into a hero by the Dubya's message massagers. Now many question every bit of information coming from government. The damage done by dimbulb Dubya just keeps on reverberating. ...

Dec 03, 2011
I am making a blueberry pie to take to my stepfather tomorrow, and I thought it would like nice to use a cookie cutter in the shape of a bell and apply that piece of crust to the top of the pie. If I use a little bit of water to attach it, will it bake to the top crust securely? A lot of you sound like you are pretty handy in the kitchen! The lemon sponge pie I made for Thanksgiving was wonderful. Thanks to the person who suggested the allrecipes.com webs ...

Feb 10, 2010
I'm always facinated at some people who think all social problems and situations are so black and white.Abortion is here to stay, whether it's legal or not, just like it's always been an option when a woman finds herself facing the impossible situation of an unwanted pregnancy. Wishing it wasn't an option has never worked.However, when a discussion comes up about abortion, we women are strictly divided. Black and White in our opinions.This is a complicated issue. It doesn ...

Aug 05, 2011
Don't know if you remember my last posts awhile back about a stray cat we started feeding and took care, gave her shelter for the winter and she had kittens. We've taken the kittens in and adore them all. Now...here she is 3 or 4 months later, every once in awhile I'll get a glimpse of her nursing them. Vet told us milk has to be dried up before they can fix her. However, she is a stray and she has been going out walking around the neighborhood like she has ...

Mar 18, 2010
I have not found this yet and wonder if others have. People who are unemployed. No pension from a company, no nothing. What kind of health insurance will they get. My partner is unemployed. If this passes I will cover myself. What is out there (or in the bill) for people who are unemployed. He is not old enough to receive Medicare/cade. ...

Mar 22, 2010
Okay, here is a question that I have not seen come up here. While watching news today this just crossed my mind. If the government sets an insurance rate you have to pay based upon what you make per year, do they take into account all your other bills, and that sometimes as ICs we don't get any work coming in at times, and then what they set is more than what you can afford (i.e. more money than your paycheck and you still have to pay all your bills). As ICs I'm sure ...

Mar 31, 2010
Thought O and Biden were against oil drilling? Dylan Ratigan just had a snippet on from O stating to that effect. Now he opens up offshore drilling? ...

Apr 29, 2010
To anyone who has any knowledge of Social Security benefits, I am wondering if an ex-spouse of a male veteran who has passed away can obtain "survivor benefits" (?) from Social Security if she has his children...even though he had been remarried at the time of his demise?? Children are all over 21. I have heard that there is something like this and if so, how would I go about obtaining it? thanks in advance for anyone's help. ...

Jun 23, 2011
Due to huge fibroids, bilateral ovarian cysts, and a myriad of symptoms, I've been told I need a TAH. Doctor tells me I'll be out of work 6 weeks but as I'm an MT and just sit at my desk anyway, I don't see a 6-week absence as being necessary. Has anyone here had a TAH as an MT or with a desk job and how long was it necessary for you to be off work? ...

Jun 06, 2012
One of my 2yo males has a cyst on the side of his head. I just noticed it this morning, it's about the size of a golfball and underneath his ear. Its not in his mouth. He is eating and drinking fine, doesn't seem to be in any pain. How could it have gotten this big without me seeing it? Anybody have any experience with these? I called the vet and waiting for a call back. I did some research and found out it is most likely benign, soft ...

Jun 13, 2012
...

Jul 01, 2012
How many would like to see the party titles go away? I've read about some ideas that people have, but they are not linked to any political party. My question is if someone had an idea that would help people get jobs, get the economy back in order and other good things for the people and the country, would you vote for them if they were not in your party? ...

Jul 31, 2012
This may sound like a stupid question and please do not flame me for my ignorance, but I am trying to learn and trying to make my political decision making count for something. so here is my question..... If a potential presidential candidate withdrew his intent to run for the presidency earlier in the year, can that potential candidate still be placed on a "write in vote?" Or does the person we want to use for a write in vote have to still be "running for president?" reason ...

Sep 02, 2012
Does anyone know if the pink Dancing Vaginas are going to put on a performance? I was kind of thinking they might put in an appearance the same night as Sandra Fluck, or has she been ousted? I didn't see her name on the last guest list. ...

Apr 11, 2013
Just curious about a couple of opinions. First of all, I like to tan. I know the health risks, etc., but I enjoy the way the sun makes me feel and I enjoy my skin with a tan. We just recently moved to "town" into a neighborhood. I live in a small area. I have a fenced in backyard and the neighbor is pretty close and their yard is also fenced in with a separate fence, not even joining mine. So, yesterday, beautiful day, I decide to lay out in the sun. I park m ...

Nov 19, 2013
Hi everyone, I absolutely love Swarovski Crystal, in particular their earrings. I have a couple of pairs that I paid full price for, but they are too expensive. (Earrings run from $60-$300+.) I saw that E-Bay has a really nice selection, and you can just do a Buy Now for way under market price--I'm not into the bidding thing, BTW. Thing is, how do I REALLY know it's Swarovski? Some of their jewelry is signed, and some of those posts say so, but not all their jewelry is signed ...

Jan 11, 2014
The new question on this years tax return is: "Do you have health insurance". They will use your response in determining who to assess penalties to for noncompliance of the UNCONSTITUTIONAL Obamacare Law. ...

Mar 15, 2014
I received an unsolicited quote from Ameriprise via Costco. They state that I can save up to $550 per year on the two policies. My question is does anyone have auto and/or home insurance through Ameriprise? If so, do you have a good or bad opinion of them? Thank you for responding. ...

May 02, 2014
This has probably been asked before...can't remember...but here goes: If your employer offers insurance, are you ineligible for obtaining insurance on the marketplace? Is this a state-by-state issue? I've just been advised that I can decline company insurance and just go to the marketplace instead, but I'm not sure that's true. ...

Jan 22, 2017
I have an insurance Marketplace question. If my income turns out to be higher than expected for 2017, will I have to pay a penalty? I know I will have to pay the taxes that would be owed, but is there anything on top of that? I also know it would be significant enough to change my monthly insurance premiums to a higher amount. It's a long story, but something got screwed up and I think I'll owe the taxes---I just don't want a penalty. ...

Dec 12, 2016
Was the post moved regarding the comparison between Hitler and Trump? I thought it was an interesting article but didn't get a chance to finish it. When I came back, it was gone. I looked on the main board and the gab board to see if you moved it, though I thought it was political. Maybe I'm losing my sight but I can't find it. Certainly it couldn't have been removed since there are so many hate-hillary articles left on here. Hope I' ...

May 06, 2015
Has anyone had a kitty diagnosed with hyperthyroidism? Did methimazole (prescribed by vet) give him/her a new lease on life? I thought my cat was just old and lazy and come to find he has this. Thanks for sharing! ...