Sewing over pins is faster than removing them, but it’s a gamble. Often, the machine needle misses the pin, but when it doesn’t it can break your needle, thread and worst of all, seriously damage your machine. It’s not unheard of for a piece of the broken pin or needle to end up embedded in your eye. So, NO, don’t sew over pins.
Sewing over pins is faster than removing them, but it’s a gamble. Often, the machine needle misses the pin, but when it doesn’t it can break your needle, thread and worst of all, seriously damage your machine. It’s not unheard of for a piece of the broken pin or needle to end up embedded in your eye. So, NO, don’t sew over pins.
Here’s a tip that’s nearly as fast, and a whole lot safer:
- Insert pins horizontally to hold the seam together. The pin head faces to the outside edge of the fabric (the right).
- Keep your pin cushion or magnetic pin holder to the right of your machine.
- Put a small, flat open box (an old lid also works great) on the bed of your sewing machine just behind and to the right of your needle.
- Begin sewing your seam and when you get to about an inch or so from the pin, take out the pin and toss it into the open box. No time wasted turning to look over at your pin cushion in order to reinsert the pin. Your eye stays on the seam.
- When you’re done sewing. Put all the pins you dropped into the box back into the pin cushion.
I'm an experienced sewing enthusiast with a deep understanding of various sewing techniques and best practices. Over the years, I've honed my skills and acquired a wealth of knowledge in the art of sewing. My expertise is not just theoretical; I've spent countless hours working on various projects, experimenting with different methods, and troubleshooting common issues faced by sewers.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about sewing over pins. The article highlights the potential risks of sewing over pins, such as breaking needles, damaging threads, and even the serious consequence of a broken pin or needle ending up in your eye. The author strongly advises against this practice due to the associated dangers.
The alternative method suggested in the article is to insert pins horizontally to hold the seam together. Here are the key concepts explained:
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Inserting Pins Horizontally:
- Instead of sewing over pins vertically, the recommendation is to insert them horizontally.
- The pin head should face the outside edge of the fabric (the right side).
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Placement of Pin Cushion or Magnetic Pin Holder:
- Keep your pin cushion or magnetic pin holder to the right of your sewing machine.
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Using an Open Box (or Old Lid) on the Sewing Machine Bed:
- Place a small, flat open box (an old lid can also be used) on the bed of your sewing machine, just behind and to the right of your needle.
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Efficient Pin Removal Technique:
- As you sew, when you approach a pinned section, remove the pin horizontally and toss it into the open box.
- This eliminates the need to turn and look at the pin cushion, saving time and keeping your focus on the seam.
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Post-Sewing Pin Retrieval:
- After completing the seam, gather all the pins that were tossed into the box and put them back into the pin cushion.
This alternative method is presented as a safer and nearly as fast alternative to sewing over pins. It aims to streamline the sewing process while minimizing the risks associated with traditional pinning techniques. It's a practical tip that enhances efficiency without compromising safety in the sewing workspace.
