Stitching Awl

A stitching awl is a tool that can puncture new holes or enlarge existing holes in a variety of materials, and is also used for sewing heavy materials such as leather or canvas. It is a thin, tapered metal shaft coming to a sharp point, either straight or slightly bent, often made with an interchangeable needle, and it usually carries an eye piercing near its pointed end to draw thread through the holes it makes for manual lockstitch sewing, which is why it is also called a sewing awl. Stitching awls are frequently used by shoe repairers and other leatherworkers.