SkyHook

This nifty tool was developed by Tommy McLintic from South Africa. It comes in handy if you need to stitch articles that are too big for a stitching pony.

 
A. REQUIREMENTS: Length of Light Chain, 1,7 to 2,0 Meter in length (6'-0" to 6'-6") depending on the height of the ceiling above the jaws of the stitching horse; One Small "G" Clamp approx. 25mm (1") jaw opening; Two Leather Pads to suit the jaws of the "G" clamp; One Large screw type eyelet; One Large Cup Hook; and One Hook bent out of firm wire (See Figure 1 for shape of hook.)

B. CONSTRUCTION:

1. Drill a hole through the body of the "G" clamp so that the end of the chain may be attached to the clamp. It may be necessary to use a small split ring for this purpose. Cement the leather pads to both jaws of the "G" clamp. The purpose of these pads is to help prevent the metal jaws of the clamp from marking the leather of your article. Make certain that the screw end of the clamp has a cup over the jaw that will remain stationary while the clamp is being tightened.
2. Screw the large eyelet into the ceiling, preferably directly over the jaws of your stitching horse. Screw the eyelet into a ceiling beam, and not just anywhere in the ceiling. About 500mm (18" to 24") from the eyelet screw the large cup hook also into a ceiling beam. The cup hook is used to hold the chain and clamp, when it is not in use, closer to the ceiling, and out of the way.
3. Bend a hook as shown in Figure 1, out of firm wire. Make certain that the end of the hook will easily go through the links of the chain. Thread the chain through the eyelet in the ceiling, attach the hook to the free end of the chain, and hook the hook through a link in the chain.

C. USE: The clamp is easy to use and it will hold awkward shaped leather items above the jaws of the stitching horse, making it much easier for you to reach, and to stitch in difficult places on your article. The clamp and chain is especially valuable when making cases such as handbags etc. Do not over tighten the clamp on the leather of your article, notwithstanding the leather pads on the jaws of the "G" clamp, it will still mark your leather. Always try to clamp on a buckle, "D" ring, or some part of the article where any marks of the jaws of the clamp will not be noticed.

 (Updated 25 October 2019)