A Sewing Pin for Every Purpose

Using the right tool for the job makes the task easier.  Sewing pins and safety pins are a must have for every quilter’s notion drawer.  But they come in so many types, sizes and lengths, how is the beginner to know they are using the right one? 

First, we need to explore the different pins out there:

• Appliqué – very short pins, great for holding your appliqué pieces in place.
• Ball Point – rounded tip won’t snag on fabric, generally used for knits ore lingerie fabrics.
• Beading – these have a large head on them, generally used for crafting or pinning items with openings, such as lace.
• Bridal and Lace – extra fine pin to prevent damage to fine fabrics.  Usually they are shorter in length.
• Craft – usually an extra long pin for heavier fabrics and craft projects.
• Dressmaker – general purpose pin, but shorter in length.
• Flat (flowers or buttons) – the flattened plastic head works well under rulers or during ironing.
• General Purpose – can be found with a variety of heads; glass, plastic, metallic, pearlized or flat.  Good for general sewing on medium weight fabrics; can also be used for decorative, floral or craft projects.
• Pleating – Fine and sharp for holding those pleats in place.
• Quilting – generally extra long to go through multiple layers of fabric or heavy duty fabric.
• Satin – good for satin fabrics because of the tapered point.
• Sequin – similar to an appliqué pin; can be used for crafting as well.
• Silk – good for silk and synthetic fibers.  Rustproof for delicate fabrics.
• Safety Pin – general purpose.  Good for crafting and sewing.  Can be used for quilting.
• Curved Safety Pin – Better to use for quilting.  The curve allows for easier insertion through the layers of fabric.

There are few things to consider when choosing what pin to use; head, shaft width, point, metal finish and your material.  In most cases, it comes down to personal preference.  The exception would be when working with delicate or fine fabrics; a extra fine pin should be used to prevent damage to the fabric.

Stainless Steel or Brass pins are rustproof, so they are a good choice when using a lot of steam or if the pins will stay in place for a while.  The down side is they will not stick to a magnet making them harder to pick up when dropped or to keep organized on a magnet pin cushion.  Nickel-plated steel on the other hand works well with magnets.  Although they are not rust proof, they are rust-resistant.

The type of head to choose is the at the sole discretion of the crafter.  A ball head, either glass or plastic, make it easier to grab the pin but it will add some bulk.  Glass heads may be preferred over plastic when ironing and flat heads work well with rulers and rotary cutters.  The choice may come down to the task at hand and not necessarily the project.

In the end, every sewer has his or hers favorite sewing pin to use.  The only way to find the one you like is to try them all.

Tags: Articles, Notions, Sewing