This pages covers sewing techniques used in shoemaking, upholstery work, sailmaking, leatherworking, canvas, and similar work.

needles and thread

• good overview of what different weight thread is used for
• thread sizes go up to V277, V346, V415, V554, V693
• needle size charts:
  • wikipedia on "tex"
  • [1]
  • [2]
  • [3]
  • [4]
• specialty needles
• advice on waxed thread

tools used for hand-sewing

• sailor's palm
  • how it's used
  • [video] how it's used
• sewing awl
  • you're creating a lockstich, and you want the upper and lower tension to be equal
• saddle stitching by hand: [1] [2]

sewing machines

• ARRH ARRH ARRH, MORE POWER

load-bearing stitches

Everyone says you shouldn't sew your own climbing slings. Really, you shouldn't. But, if you're willing to put your life in your own hands, here is some possible advice:

• the stitch you're going for is a bar tack
• "load bearing sewing" [electricant.net] — really quite good... thorough and detailed
• the book "On Rope" has some passages that talk about specific stitching patterns
• various Usenet discussions [1] [2] [3]

where to buy

• thread
  • waxed twine
• sewing awl
• sailor's palm
• needles
• fabric
  • high-temperature fabric (part 2)
• leather-working equipment
  • shears
  • punches

Sailrite:

• needles
• thread
• other stuff

other stuff

• WithNeedleAndPalm.blogspot.com