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  • AWL, what do you use it for.

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    Old 02-09-2011, 03:57 AM
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    I've been sewing for 50+ years and have never used an awl. I keep seeing it in the new notions section of magazines. Do you have one and what do you do with it.
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    Old 02-09-2011, 04:17 AM
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    If my memory serves me right, an awl was once used to poke holes in leather. In sewing, I suppose you would use it to make a hole for a grommet...I know I've needed something of the sort from time to time...
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    Old 02-09-2011, 04:45 AM
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    Originally Posted by Olivia's Grammy
    I've been sewing for 50+ years and have never used an awl. I keep seeing it in the new notions section of magazines. Do you have one and what do you do with it.
    We used to use an awl to poke a hole for grommets, etc. I don't use one any more, but they can be use as an extra "finger" in tight places, where I use a chopstick. I think you see a lot of things advertised like this just to get you to buy. I have so many tools that I have bought and never used.
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    Old 02-09-2011, 05:26 AM
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    Some people use an awl or stylus to hold fabric as it sews close to the needle. Eleanor Burns uses one frequently.
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    Old 02-09-2011, 05:28 AM
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    Originally Posted by Lisa_wanna_b_quilter
    Some people use an awl or stylus to hold fabric as it sews close to the needle. Eleanor Burns uses one frequently.
    That's just how I use mine.
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    Old 02-09-2011, 05:30 AM
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    Originally Posted by grann of 6
    Originally Posted by Olivia's Grammy
    I've been sewing for 50+ years and have never used an awl. I keep seeing it in the new notions section of magazines. Do you have one and what do you do with it.
    We used to use an awl to poke a hole for grommets, etc. I don't use one any more, but they can be use as an extra "finger" in tight places, where I use a chopstick. I think you see a lot of things advertised like this just to get you to buy. I have so many tools that I have bought and never used.
    You too, huh
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    Old 02-09-2011, 07:08 AM
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    I use mine sometimes as a stylus, too, especially if a seam is bulky. Bamboo skewers also work well.
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    Old 02-09-2011, 07:12 AM
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    I use an awl or stylus to hold the fabric very close to the needle. Mine came as a set with a seam ripper. I also have a "finger stylus" I use.
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    Old 02-09-2011, 08:23 AM
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    Originally Posted by Lacelady
    Originally Posted by Lisa_wanna_b_quilter
    Some people use an awl or stylus to hold fabric as it sews close to the needle. Eleanor Burns uses one frequently.
    That's just how I use mine.
    Me too! I use a clover ball point awl and also use it as my seam ripper. I hate the little pieces of thread when using a regular ripper and find this one as quick and lots less clean up time.....
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    Old 02-09-2011, 09:39 AM
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    I do a lot of crocheted edges on flour sack dish towels. I use my awl to poke holes around the edges and then crochet in the holes. It works for me.
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