Howdy JD
I hand sew, using the saddle stitch, and if the leather is too thick for me to push my needle through , I'll use a 1/6" drill in my Dremel Tool to make my holes, before sewing I use my stitch grover to mark the distance from the edge of my leather and also make a nice grove in the leather,( I do this on dampened leather ) then I use my stitching marker to mark the type of stitch I'm going to use, ( which is usually the # 6 wheel on holsters and gun belts and also on dampened leather ) Then THANKS to my FRIEND ACE LUNGER, for making me this stitching mule, I can now sit in my chair and sew comfortably, the mule holds my holsters and gun belts tight and secure with no movement at all,and is at the right height for this 6'4" cowboy, which has really speeded up my sewing time and is easier on the bode. When using your sewing awl make sure it is polished and smooth, if it is not it won't push through the leather very easy, and sticking it in some bees wax also this will help you push the needles through too. I use waxed linen thread on everything I make, the saddle stitch is the strongest stitch there is , and as long as my hands hold out this will be the stitch I'll use, My Friend CowboyWC has been my Mentor since I begun doing leather work and really helped me get started out right , and I've also learned a ton from the Leather Workers on this forum, it is a great source of information, and a Great bunch of Pards ta boot. I hope this was some help to you JD, and I hope you will enjoy working in leather as much as I have.
tEN wOLVES
Here is the link to the Stitching Mule.
http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,20864.0.html