type of outseaming awl with a rectangular blade point, the edge of the blade running parallel with the long axis of the handle and shaft
Technique
From this figure it will be seen that when put into the handle the stitching-awl has a double curve. This makes it more handy to get into awkward places, and pressure on the handle gives a power that could not otherwise be obtained. The action of this awl is peculiar; it must not be wriggled about in the same manner as the sewing-awl; and in use it must be passed through by one rapid and almost straight push.
The boot is held by the strap on the knees, toe towards you, on its side, with the sole to the left, and the upper to the right. The thumb of the left hand is pressed firmly against the bottom of the sole, as shown by e in Fig. 56, just beyond where the point of the awl is to come out. The awl is then laid against the upper, with the point on the flat of the welt, and it is pushed through. One sharp push, at the same time dropping the elbow a little, sends the point through the leather into the channel cut in the new sole, as shown at B b (Fig. 69).
