How Does a Leather Awl Work?
A leather awl, as a hand-held tool, works by a a hand gently pushing the sharp point of the tool through a piece of leather. Awls with rounded points can be used to mark the location of holes, such as those that will be later made larger with a hole punch.
Awls with diamond tips can be used to poke small holes that will later be sewn through. The diamond shape of the blade makes a small “x” pattern cut in the leather. The small “flaps” made via this shape close more tightly onto each other when thread is passed through, making it look more tightly finished. A rounded hole would leave space around it, while the “x” cuts are less noticeable.
Also, an awl with a sharp tip can be lightly dragged across the leather, leaving a mark or line on it. This can be helpful when measuring leather, marking it off for further working, or marking the location of holes or other design elements. Generally, where some marks are made with a pencil or pen, some can also be made with the tip of an awl.