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.

**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.

**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?

**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

**Ramblinrev** · 12-21-2011, 08:52

Speedy stitcher is an absolutely great tool. I don't like to use it because I can't use it gracefully and it looks ugly. But it is far and away the strongest hand stitch you will ever create. It usually comes with two needles. One is bent and the other straight.

One thing to be careful of... the speedy stitcher is intended for very heavy materials including leather. Be careful of the needles that you put in it. Do not use a leather needle on webbing. That is a sure solution for failure. A leather needle is identified by cutting adges that run up the needle shaft. Those edges make going through even the toughest leather a real breeze. But the leather needle will cut the fibers in the webbing.

A smooth needle is fine and poses no such risk. The stitches from a speedy stitcher, used correctly are well nigh unbreakable. The waxed thread is extremely strong. Used correctly the speedy stitcher makes a "lock stitch" with a single strand of thread. It is bomb proof under even extreme uses.

A skilled hand stitch is much more elegant than the speedy stitcher imo but that's because of the versatility a skilled hand stitcher has. Learn to stitch by hand in addition to the speedy stitcher and you can do anything you want with any quasi-flexbile material.

**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.