The speedy stitcher sewing awl is good for this purpose: http://www.rei.com/product/602118/speedy-stitcher-sewing-awl and pretty easy on the wallet...There are specialized sewing gizmos you can get for things like this, but the above will work also.
I bought one years ago from Campmor and have used it extensively. It is a must have for repairs and other items you wish to sew on to your pack.The speedy stitcher sewing awl is good for this purpose: http://www.rei.com/product/602118/speedy-stitcher-sewing-awl and pretty easy on the wallet...
A heavy-duty sewing machine also works well if you have access to one--I have sewn through 3 layers of seat-belt webbing, leather, and thin sheet brass (separately) with mine...
Doug
I think they are hard to find these days--the manufacturers seem to be emphasizing features at the expense of ruggedness these days. (But I haven't looked in many years.)Where would you find such a beast?
In an emergency, one can use waxed dental floss.I just changed out some inferior shoulder straps on my day pack and used waxed thread.
If you do your own stiching with waxed thread, realize that the knots you use to finish the stitch have to be durable as the wax on thread make the knot come undone over time. Ragged Mountain in Bartlett NH sells some heavy duty thread that isnt waxed. I still usually put a spot of Rand Seal (or similiar goop on the knots to assure they stay tight.
Where would you find such a beast?
My understanding (as of 35 years ago) was that Singer had stopped making the HD machines--only an older Singer would do (back then)...Hey Kev, if you're serious about getting one then look for manufacturers like Read's not Singer. They are used for sailmaking and there are quite a few sites out there to grab a used one. They don't have all the lame features, just heavy duty sewing.
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