Speedy Stitcher
Use the Speedy Stitcher to sew/repair your equipment. I find that the fine needle/thread works best for my needs. If the material you are going to sew is very thick it helps to pre-punch the holes with an awl. The Speedy Stitcher can be ordered from most sporting goods catalogs. (more pictures will be added in the future).
1. Feed the thread from the spool in the wooden handle through the hole in the handle, then around the tension post, then through the groove and hole in front to the needle. Make sure the thread from the spool to the tension post goes over the thread from the tension post to the needle. You use thumb pressure at this post to regulate the tension of the thread while sewing.
2. Feed the thread through the hole in the front of the stitcher and put it in the groove. Make sure the groove in the needle is aligned with the groove in the stitcher before putting on the cap.
3. Tighten the cap to hold the needle in place. Pull out enough thread to sew the item. I like to have extra for a good grip when pulling the knots tight.
4. Push the needle all the way through the material.
5. Pull the needle part way back, forming a loop.
6. Feed the free end of the thread through the loop. Pull the threads tight. Pull as needed on each side to center the knot in the middle of the material.
7. Pull each stitch tight as you sew. Try to keep each knot centered in the material. When finished, pull the thread from the front of the work to the back and tie off each end with a square knot. Trim off excesss threads.

Extra replacement needles, thread and bobbins can be purchased from: The Trade Post, PO Box 481, Hyde Park, NY 12538.

You can buy these Speedy Stitchers on sale for about $4 from Harbor Freight