Museum Feature

The stitching horse was used by leather workers to assist them when hand stitching saddles, harnesses, etc. The worker would sit on the stool facing the vertical clamp. His foot would control the pedal underneath the stool. Pressing down on this pedal increased the tension of the clamp which in turn would hold the leather more securely. Having the leather still would allow the worker both hands free. He then would poke holes in the leather with an awl and stitch through them. There were different sized jaws for the clamps depending on what was being worked on. Heavier objects would have deeper jaws for a stronger, firmer hold.