A stiletto is used to enlarge holes in the ground fabric of the embroidery to enable the sewing needle to pass through the fabric easier. It is also used to enlarge holes in the ground fabric so that the ends of embroidery threads can be easily taken to the back of the work i.e. plunging the ends of metal threads to the back of the fabric in Gold work embroidery.

The stiletto can also be used as a laying tool.