by caverd » Apr 13, 2007 8:17 am
A sewing awl was one of the first things I purchased after learning vertical caving techniques about 16 or so years ago (my initial climbing system was all tied on). I followed the instructions in On Rope and sewed a seat harness, chest harness, and foot loops for a rope walker system. I then made several harnesses for my friends. Some of these are still in use today. It's a royal pain in the rear to do all that sewing by hand! If done properly, however, is very strong and reliable.
I've used the standard, waxy sewing awl thread and I have a spool or two of nylon thread I picked up at Anchor Industries (they have a factory about 3 miles from me with an outlet store....they build industiral sized tents and many other sewn items). I don't remember the cost/spool, but I don't think it was that much. They don't always have it in the store either.