Stitching Awl

Leather Awls — Pierce and Stitch with Precision

An awl is an essential fine-pointed tool for leatherworking, primarily used to pierce stitching holes one at a time. Unlike a stitching chisel, which marks or punches several holes in a single strike, an awl creates individual holes, making it ideal for hand saddle stitching, repairs, and hard-to-reach areas. At Cuir Naturel, we offer a range of leather awls designed for different applications, from stitching to leather assembly.

Types of Leather Awls

• Diamond Awl (Stitching Awl) — its diamond-shaped blade creates clean, angled holes that are perfect for saddle stitching. This is the most commonly used awl in fine leathercraft.
• Round Awl — its rounded point is used to enlarge existing holes or pierce leather without cutting the fibres, making it ideal for lacing or reopening holes that tend to close during stitching.

Complete your hand-stitching kit with our stitching chisels, our leather needles, and our leather threads.

Frequently Asked Questions About Leather Awls

What is an awl used for in leatherworking?

An awl is used to pierce leather one hole at a time, primarily for hand stitching. It creates clean, accurate holes exactly where the stitches are needed, usually after the stitch line has been marked with a stitching chisel. A diamond awl is the preferred choice for saddle stitching because it produces angled holes that result in neat, evenly spaced stitches.

What is the difference between an awl and a stitching chisel?

A stitching chisel features multiple prongs that mark or punch several evenly spaced holes with a single mallet strike, making it ideal for preparing a stitch line. An awl, by contrast, has a single point and pierces one hole at a time. The two tools are often used together: the chisel establishes the spacing, while the awl creates precise holes during stitching or in areas where a chisel cannot easily reach.

What is a diamond awl, and why should you use one?

A diamond awl has a diamond-shaped blade that creates angled rather than round holes. This angled opening is what gives traditional saddle stitching its distinctive slanted, professional appearance. It is the preferred awl for high-quality leathercraft and fine leather goods.

How do you use a leather awl correctly?

Secure the leather firmly, ideally in a stitching pony or saddler's clam. Position the awl perpendicular to the leather—or at the desired angle when using a diamond awl—and push through with a smooth, controlled motion. Applying a little beeswax to the blade can help it pass through the leather more easily. For the most accurate results, pierce each hole as you sew to keep your stitch line perfectly aligned.