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.

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...

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.

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.

You too, huh

I use mine sometimes as a stylus, too, especially if a seam is bulky. Bamboo skewers also work well.

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.

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.....

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.