“This is what every cruiser needs,” says Kristina Damijanidis, as she picks up a Speedy Stitcher Sewing Awl. A Speedy Stitcher? I know I have one of these hand tools somewhere in my ditty bag, but even if you offered me £50, I don’t think I could put my hand on it.
Kristina and her partner, Giuseppe Della Volpe, are professional sailmakers who operate their Rolly Tasker sail loft in Gran Canaria, Spain. She recommends the Speedy Stitcher for quick fixes like adding patches while underway.
“At sea, you have to find a needle, a palm. With this, everything is ready.” She hands it to me; the tool, with its wooden handle and diamond point needle hasn’t changed much in the last 100 years. “This is also very good for when you don’t have a sewing machine. You can apply more pressure with the wooden handle than you can with a needle and thread. And it’s easier to use.” She turns to find some patching material, then shows me her stitching
