Why your first stitching pony is a game changer

[Alan]

Quick back story, I spent my first month trying to hold leather in my lap while sewing and my back paid the price. Once I got a basic stitching pony my hands were free to focus on tension and angle. It makes your stitches look much more professional because the leather stays still. You can even make a simple one out of scrap wood if you do not want to buy one yet. How about you? Do you prefer to sit on your pony or do you clamp yours to the edge of your workbench?

 

[li'lpowh]

Used to get cramps in my neck from looking down at my lap while trying to keep my needles straight. It's getting worse now as I age.

The first time I used a pony I realized I could sit up straight and actually see what I was doing. It makes the rhythm of the saddle stitch so much faster once you get the hang of it. Gluing some scrap suede to the jaws helps grip the leather without leaving any marks.

 

[great OZ]

Anyone else find they still prefer to hand hold small items like watch straps?