In hand leatherwork, the pricking iron marks the stitch spacing, the awl opens each hole to allow needle and thread to pass, and the stitching chisel cuts a clean slot rather than piercing. They work in sequence: mark spacing with the iron, open each hole with the awl just before stitching it, then saddle stitch through immediately. On thinner leather, the pricking iron often creates the full hole without needing an awl at all.
A pricking iron sets the stitch spacing and hole profile for all hand stitching. The two main styles are French (rounded hole, classic appearance) and diamond (angled slot, more pronounced stitch angle). Spacing — typically 3mm to 4mm for most hand leatherwork — should match the leather weight and thread size.
Turn a standard arbor press into a far more versatile leatherworking tool with the Hideout Craft Adapter Set. This guide explains how the system works in real workshop use — from die cutting and flat pressing to rivet setters, logo stamps, and threaded letter stamp systems using M8, M5, and 1/4″ UNC tooling.