Any sewist will tell you pins are a must-have sewing tool. You can count on these tough little guys to help with so many tasks, from holding the pattern to the fabric, to keeping materials together while you stitch. But pins work best when you use the right kind for the job and fabric at hand. So long as you have these types of sewing pins nearby, you should always be prepared.
1. Glass Head Pins
These are one of the most widely used pins among sewers. Made out of nickel-plated steel, they’re strong but not overly flexible. (Pins with softer metal shafts can be bendy, making it that much harder to pin back up through fabric layers.) The 1⅜” length is the perfect size, too. If it were longer it would be too bendy, and if it were shorter it would have trouble pinning through thick layers of wool or other heavyweight garment materials.
The extra-fine 0.5 mm metal shaft also means it’ll only leave teeny-tiny holes in the fabric, and the glass head won’t melt under the heat of the iron. Translation: use these pins when you need to hold materials down during pressing.
There are a lot of glass head pins on the market, so don’t be afraid to shop around. Just keep in mind that thin pins are best for lightweight fabrics, whereas heavy pins are better for thicker materials.
2. Ball-Point Pins
When sewing with stretch knits or jersey fabrics, you know to use a ball-point needle in your sewing machine, as the slightly rounded point can slide between the threads without breaking them. (Since all the threads are held together in continuous loops, breaking any can lead to major unraveling.) That same idea holds true for ball-point pins.
These pins also have nickel-plated 0.5 mm metal shafts, so they’re just as strong and rigid as glass head versions. But they have plastic rather than glass heads, so it’s best to skip them when pressing — or at least be very aware of where the heads are so you don’t accidentally melt them.
You can buy ball-point pins in a variety of lengths and thicknesses, so judge the weight of your project against the weight of the pins.
3. Silk Pins
Some fabrics are self-repairing, meaning the fibers of the weave spread apart to accommodate the pin, then bounce back to where they were once you remove it. Silk is not one of those fabrics, thanks to the delicacy of the threads, which is why you need these extra-fine pins if you want to work with the material.
Classic silk pins are all metal, with no glass or plastic balls. (Sometimes these are called dressmaking pins or satin pins, both of which have their own slight variations.) They come in a range of weights, so like all other pins, you want to match the shaft thickness to your silk.
Pro Tip: always test your pin on scraps to see how the fabric recovers, and keep pins within your seam allowance to help avoid unwanted holes.
4. Quilting Pins
Because quilting involves many layers of fabric and batting, you want pins that are stronger and longer so they can work through all the layers of a quilt. Ones that have brightly-colored heads (usually yellow or multi-colored) make them easy to spot wherever they are in your project.
Traditionally, quilting pins have plastic ball heads, but melting isn’t usually a concern — most ironing happens before and after pinning. And because quilts are usually made with a sturdy cotton, your fabric should be able to handle the heavier weight of these pins. (That said, if you choose to use a thinner or less traditional fabric for your quilt, consider a different pin choice to match.)
5. Plastic Head Pins
If you’re making craft projects with a material like felt, you may want plastic head craft pins. Usually they have big multi-colored plastic ends, sometimes in novelty shapes like hearts and flowers. They don’t have to be super high-quality (meaning you don’t have to spend a lot of money on them), and they’re a nice addition to round out your pin stash.
6. T-Pins
T-pins, which are 1½” long and made entirely of nickel-plated steel, are good for holding down upholstery fabrics or for those rare craft projects that do require pressing with an iron. You may not need them often for sewing, but when the occasion calls for it, little else will do!
Comments
12 Responses to “6 Sewing Pins Every Sewist Should Have On Hand”
Judy
What is the best straight pens to buy for Polyester fabric
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MISS LORRAINE S HALL
I’m looking for the best pins to use for knitted chunky sweaters! Safety pins are great to notice easily but often get caught up in the yarn and difficult to remove which is a nightmare! Then I tried ordinary pins with coloured round heads but they practically disappeared amongst the yarn which made me feel nervous, so no good either! I’m frustrated and annoyed, please help!
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J Marie
I am looking for a flexible, long straight pin to use through layers of fabric. Can you suggest anything?
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Customer Service
The issue with a pin being flexible means it will bend trying to push it through multiple layers. You’ll actually want a pin that is strong enough to push into more than one layer without bending. Any of these listed would be a good option.
Reply
Diana
Hello what I’m looking for is a a single headed pin with 2 parallel pins for sewing. They are extremely useful for pending Slaves which as you know have a tendency to bunch up if they are gathered at the top. I cannot remember the maker or the lady that I bought them from online. But I’m running out of the minutes driving me crazy. I can send you a picture. But if you know where I can buy them or you sell them please let me know! Thank you so much.
Reply
LeAnn Haggard
What you are asking about are called either “fork pins” or “double pins.” There are a number of manufacturers of them, but they tend to be expensive. They are bent like a U with the round end slightly angled out from flat.
Reply
Hi
What do ballpoint pins do compared to needles?
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Misty
I dont think they really compare 🙂 Hope this helped!
Reply
K. Russell
“Sewist”? Dressmaker or tailor, “bendy”? Bendable or bends easily. Suggest a proofreader.
Reply
Chuey
I like that the writer speaks my language. Though normally I cop to being the Grammar Nutsy, in this situation, it’s perfectly fine to speak like we “tawk” in face to face casual setting. Formal, Queens English is for publishing, something I do wish had actual Editors who edit, rather than just selecting topics to cover. Spellcheck is never gonna take their place, imho♡ Oh! And I learned A LOT reading about all the Pins there are to choose from ♡♡♡ Thanks for that!
Reply
LeAnn Haggard
“Sewist” is the appropriate term currently in use. It is gender-neutral and not specific to garment makers, but applies to all who sew.
Reply
Marci Rutan-Sandoval
Language is something that evolves with society. Even though I do know and like the Queen’s English, I don’t criticize people for using words that may turn out to be mainstream tomorrow. I think it is interesting to learn how other people communicate and work.
Pins or Straight Pins are used to hold fabric together at the seam line before sewing. They temporarily hold fabric in place while attaching and cutting patterns and while sewing or pressing. Pins are an essential tool to the sewist.
The two main types of sewing pins are straight pins and safety pins, also known as hemming or basting pins. The key facets of each that differ and can help sewers choose the type they need are length, thickness, type of head and tip for straight pins, and whether they are straight or curved for safety pins.
The most common four-digit PINs, according to the study, are 1234, 0000, 2580 (the digits appear vertically below each other on the numeric keypad), 1111 and 5555.
A large variety of types has been known for a long time; the most commonly used are solid cylindrical pins, solid tapered pins, groove pins, slotted spring pins and spirally coiled spring pins.
The type of pin you choose for your dressmaking projects will be influenced by the type of fabric you are sewing. Choose a fine pin for delicate fabrics so they don't tear the fabric. Make sure that the pins you choose don't leave a hole on your fabric – check with a piece of scrap fabric first.
Quilting: Quilting pins are extra long and stronger than most sewing pins so you can push them through multiple layers of fabric. They are used for piecework and patchwork quilts. Long quilting pins are also used when basting several layers of fabric together.
Look for labels that say “fine,” “extra-fine,” or “silk” pins. They are easy to see and to pick up, and the heads don't melt when touched with an iron. They come with various colored heads. For most garment-construction tasks these pins are well-suited.
There are two basic types of sewing machine needle blades and these are either straight or curved. The straight needle blades are the most common and used in a wide range of sewing machines (Lockstitch and Chainstitch).
Safety pins are one of those handy haberdashery items that can be used for numerous purposes. Pony safety pins are designed to be multifunctional for use in sewing, quilting and other projects. They hold fabric in place, are indispensable for emergencies and general household use as well as creative craft applications.
By the way, the most common four-digit PINs according to the study are: 1234, 0000, 2580, 1111 and 5555 (scroll down for a longer list) – 2580 is there because it is a vertical column on a numeric keypad.
The DataGenetics group found that the three most popular combinations—1234, 1111, and 0000—account for close to 20 percent of all four-digit passwords. Every four-digit combination that starts with 19 ranks above the 80th percentile in popularity.
Pincushions Full of Pins. A pincushion is nothing more than a receptacle in which you can stick your pins and needles while you are in the midst of a project. ...
For all of your pinning and basting needs, choose Ball Pins for sewing, quilting, applique, and more. These ball head pins feature a rounded end that makes pins easier to see and easier to grab. Choose longer pins for heavier fabrics or multiple layers of material, and shorter pins for delicate fabrics like satin.
The backstitch is one of the strongest, most adaptable, and permanent hand stitches. It's also a bulk-free knot replacement for the beginnings and endings of hand-sewn seams. It's called a backstitch because the needle goes into the fabric behind the thread of the previous stitch.
Basting also can hold slippery fabrics together while you sew the regular stitches. Plus, basting can replace pins and make it easier to machine sew bulky items, such as when you're adding a zipper or hemming jeans.
If you decide to buy only one type of needle, it should be Sharps. Sharps are medium length needles and the most commonly used hand sewing needles. They are also very sharp!
Fold some aluminum foil into a small brick shape and poke your pins into it several times each. This is a cheap and easy way to sharpen your pins and needles. If you have one of the old-fashioned pincushions that look like a tomato with a small strawberry hanging off of it, the strawberry is filled with emery.
This question often is asked by sewers or from people looking at purchasing a new machine. They want to know if the new sewing machine they purchase can sew over pins like their 30 year old Kenmore can. Answer: Yes, all sewing machines can sew over pins, most of the time.
Available in sizes 17 to 20, silk pins have one of the smallest diameters of all these types of pins, which is part of the reason why they are so well-suited to fine fabrics.
Categories of hand tools include wrenches, pliers, cutters, files, striking tools, struck or hammered tools, screwdrivers, vises, clamps, snips, hacksaws, drills, and knives.
Size 3 needles are good for when you are using all 6 strands of floss and the smaller sizes (up to size 9) are good for embroidering with 1-2 strands of thread.
The most common machine needles available include ballpoint, denim, embroidery, hemstitch, leather/wedge-point, metallica, quilting, sharp, stretch, topstitch, twin, triple, and universal. It's also important to remember to use clean, new needles with each new project, as well as the correct type.
A universal needle has a slightly rounded, sharp point with a tapered needle — midway between a sharp and ballpoint needle. Easily slipping through fabric waves, it is sharp enough to pierce woven cotton fabrics, but not so sharp it will damage knits.
Safety pins are commonly used to fasten pieces of fabric or clothing together. Safety pins, or more usually a special version with an extra safe cover, called a nappy or loincloth pin, are widely used to fasten cloth diapers (nappies), or modern loincloths.
The DataGenetics group found that the three most popular combinations—1234, 1111, and 0000—account for close to 20 percent of all four-digit passwords. Every four-digit combination that starts with 19 ranks above the 80th percentile in popularity.
All pins are used to temporary fastening the papers together. All pins are made up of iron and electroplated which give steel finish and to protect it from rusting. All pins are made thin to easily insert into papers.
Because quilting involves many layers of fabric and batting, you want pins that are stronger and longer so they can work through all the layers of a quilt. Ones that have brightly-colored heads (usually yellow or multi-colored) make them easy to spot wherever they are in your project.
Sewing pins are used to hold fabric together prior to sewing. They temporarily hold the fabric in place when attaching and cutting patterns, or while sewing. They are best to use with a machine because they are easy to remove quickly as you sew.
Commonly referred to as a RJ45 or RJ45C style connector, this 8-pin connector is used primarily to terminate Ethernet or powered Ethernet (power-over-Ethernet or PoE) network cables.
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