I have a Clover awl and have it at the machine with my scissors and seam ripper. I use it all the time. Currently I'm doing top stitched turned applique. I use the awl like a needle to turn the fabric like when doing needle turned applique. Due to the sharp poing it can be used similar to pinning the fabric in place. The sharp narrow point can slide under the pressor foot where a pin would get in the way. And since it doesn't pierce the fabric, it doesn't distort the lay of the fabric.