How to fix my tent loops that have detached

STITCHING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Starting from the backside, push the needle through the material of your project. On the front-side, fully draw out the thread, long enough to do the entire project - remember to add an extra 3" of the thread. 

2. While keeping your thumb firmly over the thread on the handle of the awl, hold the thread and pull the needle back out of the hole. Then start it through the second hole. 

3. Push the needle through the second hole as far as it will go. Then pull back slightly on the awl just until a loop is formed. 

4. Pass all of the thread through this loop. 

5. Hold the thread end taut. Pull the needle out of the hole, forming a lock-stitch. Pull taut, the lock-stitch knot should be buried in the middle of the fabric layers. 

6. Release more thread between the needle and material to allow for the next stitch. Continue this process until your project is finished. 

7. After the last hole on the backside of your project, grasp the loop and pull the thread out of the hole. 

8. Cut the thread, leaving two 3" lengths to tie off. 

9. Tie the ends in the knot on the backside. Trim the excess thread. 

10. To safely store the Speedy Stitcher® Sewing Awl, remove the needle from the threaded post and place it back in the appropriate slot. Screw the chuck lock back in place. Presto! 

You can download our step-by-step guide including helpful tips and tricks for using the Speedy Stitcher below. 

DOWNLOAD PRINTABLE PDF INSTRUCTIONS

First, I purchased a Speedy Stitcher Sewing Awl ($14.). This versatile tool consists of a sharp sewing needle that is specifically designed to penetrate even the toughest materials. It securely attaches to a handle that conveniently holds a spool of waxed polyester thread. However, it is worth noting that you can also utilize other types and thicknesses of thread with this awl.

The Speedy Stitcher Sewing Awl is incredibly easy to use. To begin, thread the needle with approximately 6-8 inches of thread. Then, slowly and carefully push the needle through both layers of fabric or material you wish to sew together. It is essential to exercise caution, as the needle is exceptionally sharp, and you want to avoid any accidental injuries.

Once the needle has passed through the fabric, pull the thread all the way through and remove the needle from the material. Next, push the needle back through the fabric, a little farther along the area you want to sew. To create a secure lock stitch, slightly retract the needle so that a loop of thread forms alongside it, extending back down to the spool. Pass the free end of the thread through this loop and pull it tight at both ends. Repeat this process throughout the length of the repair, except for the last hole.

For the final stitch, pull an additional 3 inches of thread from the spool, cut the thread, and tie it to the other end of the string using a square knot. Trim any excess thread, and you are done!

With a little practice, you will find that the stitching becomes much neater and more proficient. In my personal experience, I was able to teach myself this technique and repair straps within just 90 minutes. This not only saved me a significant amount of money but also opened up a world of possibilities for future repair and customization projects where I can utilize this versatile awl.

Speedy Stitcher

To use the awl, you thread the needle with about 6-8 inches of thread and push it slowly and carefully through both layers of cloth or material you want to sew together. Take care, the needle is very sharp and you want to avoid self-inflicted damage by pushing it through your finger or hand.

One through, you pull the thread through the fabric, pull the entire needle out and then push it back through again a little farther along the area you want to sew. To make your first lock stitch retract the needle slightly so that a loop of thread forms along side it (and running back down to the spool.) Pass the free end of the thread you pulled through earlier, through the loop and pull tight at both ends. Continue to do this for the length of the repair until the last hole. Pull 3 more inches of thread from the spool through it, cut the thread, tie it to the other end of the string using a square knot, and trim the excess thread.

Final Repair (Interior)

The stitching gets much better with very little practice.

Final Repair (Exterior)

That’s all there is to it. I was able to teach this to myself and repair straps  in less than 90 minutes. This repair saved me at least $50 and I can think of lots of other repair and customization projects where I can use this awl in the future.

One of our most sought after FAQs is how to properly use the Speedy Stitcher® Sewing Awl to sew a basic lock stitch.  Please find downloadable instructions, as well as video demos to walk you through the process.