Is 'Speedy Stitcher' suitable for hammock webbing?

**Passinthru** · 12-20-2011, 23:15

I don't own a sewing machine, not do I know how to sew, but I do have a 'Speedy Stitcher' that I use for pack repairs and such.
My question is - can the Speedy Stitcher be used for sewing some loops in webbing for use as tree straps or suspension straps or maybe canoe tie-downs? Will the stitching be strong enough? And if so, is there a stitch pattern that I should use?
Thanks in advance for any help...

**Bic** · 12-20-2011, 23:32

I haven't ever used this product, but after looking at what it was/is I don't think I would use it.

**Dos** · 12-20-2011, 23:59

I've never tried it
but what ever happened to good old hand stitching in a pinch?

I do tend to over build things as well as over sew things ....

but I'm not sure I ever saw a set of pack bags fall off of a horse in the 1800's.
Surely there are some tricks of the trade...?

ps
you could always check in with your local dry cleaner. They usually have a seamstress on site.

**gmcttr** · 12-21-2011, 01:48

Originally Posted by two isles

...but I'm not sure I ever saw a set of pack bags fall off of a horse in the 1800's....

Neither have I.

Out of curiosity, how old are you?

**Dos** · 12-21-2011, 10:25

Originally Posted by gmcttr

Neither have I.

Out of curiosity, how old are you?

haha!
the image of pack bags falling of some Trail ride in the 1800's flashed across my head when picturing sewing falling apart.
My Finnish grandmother taught me some very basic stitches when I was quite young and I have not forgotten them.

This thread has been a wealth of information for me. ty

**ewhammock** · 12-21-2011, 00:28

The Speedy Stitcher (aka sewing awl) is actually great for this application. You can sew up bomber loops. You can use the rectangle with an X and you will have no worries.

**oldgringo** · 12-21-2011, 01:51

The speedy stitcher IS good old fashioned hand sewing...it is as elemental and essential as a pocket knife. Everyone should own one.

WV · 12-21-2011, 07:16

Speedy Stitcher +1, and it will handle heavier thread. Best stitch pattern is parallel rows of lengthwise stitches.

It's good to become familiar with Speedy Stitcher technique, because then you can take a simple sewing machine (PTI) needle and some thread as your on-the-trail repair kit.

**Bic** · 12-21-2011, 08:23

I'm really surprised by the answers here.... Don't you feel like there wouldn't be enough stitches or that the needle is too big for general webbing used for tree straps? Like I said I've never used it, but it just seems to me it would be putting too big of holes in the webbing that might tear with weight put on it....I guess try it and let us know

**Redoleary** · 12-21-2011, 08:53

Originally Posted by hikingdad

I'm really surprised by the answers here.... Don't you feel like there wouldn't be enough stitches or that the needle is too big for general webbing used for tree straps? Like I said I've never used it, but it just seems to me it would be putting too big of holes in the webbing that might tear with weight put on it....I guess try it and let us know

The reason machine sewn anything is preferred is not because its stronger, its because its faster. Bartacked webbing would more than likely fail before a properly hand sewn X box pattern or pattern like this. I would definitely hang from a speedy stitched strap without worries.