Awl

Type of tool: Sewing and framing hides

Use with: any hide that you want to put in a frame, generally sheep-size and higher. Pair with a large tapestry needle and twine for framing.

An awl is a sewing tool that we use in hide tanning to punch holes in hides, for framing the hides into a rack.

These awls are tapered, starting with a tiny sharp tip and graduating to a wider diameter. You can control the size of the hole you make in a hide + match it to the size of your framing string, whether you use thin artificial sinew or large baling twine.

The pointed tip of the awl does not have a blade, so that holes can be punched clean and resist tearing when we soften the hides in a fame. I like to pair the awl with a large (size 13) tapestry needle.

Steel with a wooden handle.

4.75″ long x .5″ wide; steel measures 2.5″ long

Prices are in USD. Click the upper-right tab to view local currency. Tool orders ship on Wednesdays.