The Cobbler's Awl

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 4 1s+2s cross Ladies dancing between Men, turning away from each other dance into centre to meet partner (1s facing down and 2s up)
5- 8 1s dance down between 2s and turn LH to face 1st corners while 2s dance up and cross LH to own sides
9-16 1s set and turn 1st corners 2H, 1L dances ½ reel of 3 with 2s as 1M dances with 3s 1s end facing 1st corners who are on opposite sides
17-24 1s set and turn 2nd corners 2H, 1M dances ½ reel of 3 with 3s (at top) to 2nd place opposite sides
25-32 1s dance reels of 3 on opposite sides giving RSh to 2nd corners and cross RH to places

(MINICRIB. Dance crib compiled by Charles Upton, Deeside Caledonian Society, and his successors)

Dance Information

It is also used for sewing heavy materials, such as leather or canvas. It is a thin, tapered metal shaft, coming to a sharp point, either straight or slightly bent. These shafts are often in the form of interchangeable needles.

They usually have an eye piercing at the pointed end to aid in drawing thread through holes for the purpose of manual lockstitch sewing, in which case it is also called a sewing awl. Stitching awls are frequently used by shoe repairers and other leatherworkers.

Sewing awls are used to make lock stitches. The needle, with the thread in the eye is pushed through the material. The thread is then pulled through the eye to extend it. As the needle is pushed through the material, the extra thread from the first stitch is then threaded through the loops of successive stitches creating a lock stitch. The action is likened to that of a "miniature sewing machine". Styles may vary, as they are adapted to specific trades, such as making shoes or saddles.

Cobbler's Awls For Shoemaking

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