The Must-Have Crafting Tool You Didn’t Know You Needed: DIY Pokey Tools

Ever find yourself struggling to peel tape backing, pick out tiny paper scraps, or keep your fingers safe while ironing? I was right there with you—until I discovered pokey tools! I only found out about them a few months ago, and now I use mine almost every time I craft.

Whether you’re a sewer, scrapbooker, or Cricut lover, this is the one DIY tool you didn’t know you needed—but won’t be able to live without.

I also have a free printable Use Card with examples of the many ways to craft with a Pokey Tool so they are easy to gift.

💡 What Is a Pokey Tool?

A pokey tool (also known as a crafting stiletto or scribe tool) is a sharp-pointed tool used to make precise movements in all kinds of crafting. It helps with everything from manipulating fabric under a sewing needle to weeding vinyl or placing tiny rhinestones.

These tools are easy to make, fun to customize, and super versatile.

🛠️ Why You’ll Love Having a Pokey Tool

Here are some of the many ways I’ve used mine:

• As a sewing stiletto to guide fabric under the machine

• To keep fingers safe near a hot iron

• To remove stuck paper from cutting dies

• To lift tape backing (double-sided, foam, or sewing tape)

• To poke holes in paper or fabric

• To clean dried glue out of bottle tips

• To weed vinyl or paper designs

• To pick up small embellishments like pearls or rhinestones

  Watch the video tutorial:

🧵 Supplies You’ll Need

This post may contain affiliate links which means at no extra cost to you I may receive a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links.

• Long Upholstery Needles

• OR Metal Scribe Pins (Hobby Lobby)

• OR Turkey Lacers

• Large-hole beads (any style or color!)

• Silver spacer beads

• JB Weld SuperWeld Extreme Glue

• Clear earring backs for tip protection

• Clear earring backs to hold beads in place

🔹 Optional Fun Extras:

• Charm for the end (you would also need jump rings, a needle-nosed pliers, and either a second pair of needle-nosed pliers or a jump ring opening tool)

• Disney Doorables – add a cute touch!

• Mini hand drill + 2.2mm bit – to enlarge holes in the Doorables or other small figurines

• Cellophane bags – perfect for gift-giving

• Free printable info card – great to include with gifts or sales

  
  

🧷 How to Make a Pokey Tool (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Pick Your Base

Choose a needle, scribe pin, or turkey lacer for the sharp base.

✔️ Pro tip: scribe pins and turkey lacers have loops so you can add a charm!

Step 2: Add Beads & Spacers

• Apply Superweld Glue to the base.

• Slide on large-hole beads and/or spacer beads.

• Twist the bead as you go to help the glue adhere.

👉 Customize your handle length:

• ¾” grip for more control (like a fat pen)

• Up to 2½” for tools used to reach deeper spaces (like cleaning glue tips)

Step 3: Secure the Beads

Place a clear earring back at the base of the bead section with a small dab of glue to hold everything in place. Snug the earring back right up next to the last bead and make sure all the beads are pushed together with no gaps.

👉 If the earring back is tight and hard to push down, use needle nosed pliers to push it toward the bead.

Step 4: Add a Charm if using Scribe Pins or Turkey Lacers

Use needle nosed pliers and a jump ring opening tool (or second pair of pliers) to open jump rings and attach a charm or tassel to the loop on the end of the scribe pin or lacer. I used three jump rings, so my tassel dangled.

Step 5 (Optional): Add a Disney Doorable to an Upholstery Needle

• Use a 3mm hand drill to enlarge the hole on the bottom of the Doorable.

• Twist while applying slight pressure.

• Add glue and push the Doorable onto the end of the upholstery needle.

• Continue adding glue and beads to the rest of the needle.

  👉 Don't forget to add some glue and a clear earring back after the last bead to hold it all together securely.

Step 6: Protect the Point

Add a different clear earring back to the tip of the tool so you don’t accidentally poke yourself.

Step 7: Let It Cure

Let your tool sit for 24 hours to allow the glue to fully cure and set.

🎁 Gifting & Selling Ideas

These tools make awesome handmade gifts and are perfect items for craft shows or your online shop. Package them in cellophane bags and include the free printable info card so buyers or recipients know all the ways to use them!

Get creative with themed styles:

• Holiday colors

• Rainbow beads

• Pastel and glitter combos

• Character-inspired (using Doorables or charms)

  
  

💬 Final Thoughts: One Tool, So Many Uses

Pokey tools are small, but mighty. Whether you’re removing adhesive backings, placing tiny embellishments, or keeping your hands away from hot irons, this tool will save you time and frustration.

They’re quick to make, affordable, customizable, and—best of all—they really work.

✅ Ready to Make One?

Grab your supplies and make your own pokey tool today! ✨You can download the free printable instruction card here:

Click to subscribe and receive the download

Happy crafting!