https://youtu.be/IOzNNbz_EZQ?si=_Hl3ectLyVDtjGBF
I would say -"to repair clothing" as to make clothes, you will need access to bulk cloth.
Or - you will dig through rag bins looking for large enough scraps to put something wearable together.
Still, a solid video and thanks for posting it up here.
Quote from: TACAIR on February 05, 2026, 03:06:37 PMI would say -"to repair clothing" as to make clothes, you will need access to bulk cloth.
Or - you will dig through rag bins looking for large enough scraps to put something wearable together.
Still, a solid video and thanks for posting it up here.
Ya. I thought it was good too. Written by a sewer. Not a prepper. But a sewer with a manual sewing time in mind. Maybe from days gone by or some dystopian future. Full of goodness.
I posted on the other thread. Use one of these https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079R7FNL7 to sew heavy duty stuff like canvas or leather from the zombie squirrel you caught and ate in the PAW.
Regular sewing machine needles can fit in whats called a pin vise.
Also a tool like this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005DGFNO4 is nice too
I have had one of those ones in your top link for years. They make simpler more conpact versions on AliExpress (and I'm sure Amazon) that are just the thick needle punch with a smaller elongated ball end. The internal storage and spool are really not necessary. And kind of make up a lot of the bulk. The ability to push a thick needle thru thick tough material is the necessity. Both work well. But the smaller versions seem better for a pack.
I just found this on AliExpress:
US $2.70 | Leather Sewing Kit DIY Leather Sewing Awl Needle With Copper Handle Set Leather Canvas Tent Shoes Repairing Tool Nylon Thread
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mLM83ah
Screenshot_20260207_132250_AliExpress.jpg
I just found this on AliExpress:
US $0.69 | 1Set DIY Leather Sewing Leather Sewing Awl Needle With Wood Handle Set Leather Canvas Shoe Repairing Tool Kit
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mKs38Bn
Screenshot_20260207_132202_AliExpress.jpg
The needles look a little long to me on those ones from AliExpress. I couldn't really say how functional they would be without feeling if they're sturdy with my own hands, but given the choice between a shorter or longer needle for a stitching awl, I'm going with the shorter needle. The needle itself is usually the weak point of the tool and a longer needle is typically more at risk of bending or breaking in tough material.
At those prices, you could always try them to get a feel for how sturdy they are, though. I would want to test them in some tough hide and denim before deciding whether I would put either in my emergency supplies.
The spool isn't necessary but if your doing machine style by hand it makes it a lot easier.
When I use regular sewing machine needles with a pin vise I rubber band a regular sewing machine bobbin to the handle.