Sailmakers Palm, how to make one.

In building a sailboat, you'll want a sail. I like to make stuff myself so I figured I'd make my own. One of the most helpful tools to do so is called a Sailmakers, or sailors, palm. It's really just a bit of leather and steel to help working the needle through all the layers sails need. This instructable is only about how to make the palm, not a sail. I made this out of stuff I had lying around, so if you don't have any of the things you need on hand it'd be better just to buy one, they're cheap; around $15 online.

Step 1: Stuff you need

For this project you will need:

- a peice of leather, I got this square from a crafts store
- exacto knife, or just a really sharp knife
- scissors
- ruler
- pencil
- a nickel
- sewing awl and waxed thread
- drill and small drill bit

Comments

[amishjim]

Nice Instructable and nice Ditty Bag. I just got the Sailmaker's Apprentice, just to make the ditty bag, haha. I almost bought a sailor's palm to use to make it, but I think after seeing this I will make my own palm.
Thank you.

[slampredi]

In the photo, the palm appears to be rather tight. A snug fit on the thumb is needed but it should not cut off any blood supply. The part of the palm that goes around the hand should not be tight.

[bastion72]

I've used these many a time while splicing and finishing lines when I was stationed on boats in the Coast Guard. Nice instructable.

[smithy813]

good needle holding technique, sometimes, w/ a bigger needle, i like to have my ring finger on the needle too, to help hold it into the palm, but the needle your using isn't rely long enough for that.

[antagonizer]

Doing leatherwork, I can appreciate using one of these. Nice instructable.

[Bigdawg]

Okay, I'm pretty sure I'll never need one of these, but I give you credit for a simple and clean Instructable. Nicely done. Aren't those stitching awls the greatest? I've used mine a few times on nylon strapping (like seat belt material) to make sheaths for various knives and such.