Tailor's awl... Worthwhile?
 

I have been looking at the clover bias makers, and in one of their product photos it shows an awl being used, but I am not really sure what it is doing.

http://www.clover-usa.com/product/26...as_Tape_Makers

Anyways, that got me wondering if an awl is worthwhile and what the heck they are used for in the first place. I assume they are just for doing stuff like flipping seams and anything you need a pointy tool for, but I just grab whatever is handy for that stuff... the ends of some scissors, or a pin, or whatever will work.

It's actually just pushing the fabric through the narrow mouth so that you can get hold of it coming out to start the process.

The actual purpose of an awl is to punch holes in leather...belts, reins, girths, etc. I'm assuming some people might use them as a stiletto, the same way some people use metal nut picks or lobster picks.

Naw, don't bother. Just use a bamboo kebob stick. You can buy 100 at the dollar store for a buck. They're multi-taskers!

This is a great idea! I am going to have to get me some!

I use a pin to pull the fabric through the bias maker to give a long tongue.

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.

Skewer or chop stick would work just a well.

Yep! For a long time I used a thin wooden dowel that I'd found somewhere in my house, no idea what it's original purpose was. Stuck it in the pencil sharpener to get a point on one end. Worked great!