Sure, you can buy a bunch of stitching spacers (like the ones we sell) or use this handy thonging chisel – one handle, many different tips.  It’s pure genius, don’t you think?  OK, that may be stretching it a bit, but this thing sure comes in handy for hand sewing/hand stitching.  Tips screw into the handle, and away you go, tap tap tapping your way to hand sewing bliss.  More or less.  $24 for the set, USA shipping included.