Review: Speedy Stitcher
Today marks the 100th day I’ve been on tour with Laura on PathLessPedaled.com. 100 days of riding and camping and some things are bound to break down. So far on the trip I’ve managed to wear through a rim, break a shifter, burn my hand (non gear related), put holes through a nice shirt and wear out a pair of tires. That’s why it is nice, on occasion, to be able to repair things while on the road. Enter the Speedy Stitcher.
The SS, first introduced to me by an Epicurean Cyclist reader (thanks Logan!) is a sewing awl - part awl (sharp pokey thing) and sewing needle. It’s intended use is to let you do a lockstitch through some pretty heavy duty material (leather, canvas, webbing, etc.,). The design hasn’t changed in 100 years. It has a wooden handle which contains a bobbin. The top end has a collet that allows you to lock in a variety of needles. It usually comes with a pretty thick gauge curved needle and straight needle. A finer gauge straight needle is also available.
You can view a video on how to use it below:
Essentially, the handle allows you to really push the needles through some thick fabric. You could similar work with just a thick needle, but it would be slower and your hands would hurt a lot afterwards.
So far on this trip, I’ve used it to repair my Keen sandals and stitch some webbing and buckles to better secure my Acorn bag to my front rack. I can also forsee using it for repairs on our tarp, panniers or even having to fabricate items on the road.
It’s cheap at around $10, relatively lightweight and invaluable when your stuff starts to fall apart in the middle of nowhere. Probably not necessary for an overnighter or weekend trip, but a nice thing to have around when you’re going to be on the road for a few months!
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This looks like a ‘must have’ tool for maintaining packs and panniers. Years ago I’ve used large curved needles and leather palm protectors to repair packs. This looks much safer and easier. I will defiantly pick one up.
Thanks, Jack
Rockin’! Thanks for posting this!
Jack,
It’s a great little device….I saw a video somewhere of someone making a tripod chair in the bush wish some tarp material, some thick sticks and the SS. Pretty cool!
R
Hey Russ,
I just ordered the fine needle and thread through the online site and I can’t wait to try it out. I’m thinking dental floss will also work as fine thread for gear repair. Its odd that REI doesn’t carry the fine needle accessory even though most of the fabric comprising their gear is getting lighter and thinner. I still remember seeing an ultralight version somewhere but perhaps it was a customer hack or something I read on a blog. If I find it again I will send it your way.
For your readers: Colin Fletcher’s book “The complete walker” first introduced me to the utility of this great tool. 
Cheers,
L
That looks like a no brainer to me. Thanks
Russ
I just picked one up the other weeked to fix some moccassins that were falling apart. Really amazing little tool. I used the fine thread for the project, and it is impressively strong. The lockstich works great, and the curved needle was great for working from inside the toe of the moccassin. I love it! Great piece of gear!
Russ,
Yes, the Speedy Stitcher is a great piece of gear. It is always near my “bike box” in the garage, where I keep all of my bike tools, and which also has many of the contents put in panniers for touring. Mine has repaired velcro and straps on my messenger bag, made handy loops of nylon webbing for use in lashing down a canoe, and recently I used it to graft a new pair of zippers on my leg warmers. I would have liked to have the thinner thread for that, but I bet those zippers won’t give out any time soon!
I think for touring it is a complete win. You WILL find a use for it. Serious tire sidewall failure in the middle of nowhere? Just sew the sidewall up and ride to the nearest shop for a new tire. It could honestly save your trip…or at least make it more pleasant!
Plus, it’s a US made product that has been around and unchanged for a really long time. Businesses like that deserve to have a loyal following - the bummer for them is that it’s so well made, you’ll probably only need to buy thread and needles from them in the future! Give them to friends for gifts and keep the company in business!
It isn’t really a Speedy Stitcher unless it comes in a printed paperboard box.
Plastic clamshell… what a waste.
Great tool, though, especially for repairing canvas and leather bags.
I’ve had a Speedy Stitcher for something close to 20 years, and lost count of the repairs I’ve done with it. This is one of those things that is, over time, worth ten times what it costs.