Stilleto vs Awl in Eyelet Embroidery.

This is  a Tapered Tailor's Awl, (available in my Web Store).

The fact that it is tapered makes it useful for a variety of Eyelet types and sizes.  

I use it for both fine, tiny eyelets and  larger open eyelets.

This beautiful silver Stiletto was a gift from a sweet sewing friend.

Useful and lovely are the very best of all!

It is also tapered. 

 It is  vintage and has a gauge that is adjustable so you can control the size of the eyelet for consistency. Kinda cool.

The lower two vintage stilettos were given me.  The top one is silver and I found it at a Paris Flea Market.  I just love saying that….I found it at a Paris Flea Market!!!

All three  Stilettos above are tapered.  

Definitions:

awl

ôl/

noun

1. a small pointed tool used for piercing holes, especially in leather.

   
   

   Do an image search on the internet and you will see a variety of tools used for piercing holes.  Some delicate and fine, some resemble early stitching tools (think - tribes people sewing soft leather for shoes) and some look like small tools that are sturdy and might be found in a mans Tool Box.
   

   
   

   

   My assorted Collection. All usable.

sti·let·to

stəˈledō/

noun

1. 1. 

   a short dagger with a tapering blade.

2. 

a thin, high, tapering heel on a woman's shoe.

"the rapid click of stiletto heels on pavement"

Stiletto -  a pointed instrument for piercing holes for eyelets or embroidery - 
a short dagger with a pointed blade

The two stilettos above are not tapered.  They are very handy when making several small eyelets because you don't need to worry how far into the fabric you are inserting the stiletto.  They will be a consistent size.

Do an image search on the Internet for Stiletto and you will see mostly ornate old Daggers and lots of high heeled shoes, with an occasional sewing stiletto which also turned up in the search for Awls.

However - when you change the search to Sewing Awl - You get alot more of the delicate tools you expect to see in an Embroidery Basket and still many of the hardy type for leather.

Change the search to Sewing Stiletto and you get mostly lovely tools for an Embroidery Basket along with the hardy type for leather.

It wouldn't surprise me if you get many differing opinions - especially from the "experts"!

This stiletto fastens into the case to keep it safe.

This beautiful Stiletto is hand made from Olive Wood and given me by another sweet sewing friend.

It is especially important that the stiletto be smooth and pointed.  If you are looking for vintage, examine it carefully because they are hard to find in good working order.

Conclusion about Awls and Stilettos - They are basically all tools to pierce holes in something.  Based on the Image search for Sewing Stilettos vs Sewing Awls…..I would much rather have my pick from the Stilettos so I am going with that.

I always perfer the pretty ones!!

All Designs Are Copyright Protected copyright 2015 Jeannie Baumeister