Claudia @retroclaude has some suggestions about pinning.
Use the right kind of pins
Glass or flower headed pins are easier to pick up and see. They come in a variety of lengths and thicknesses. Samantha @purplesewingcloud likes these Prym Easy Grasp Pins. Taylor Seville do something similar called Magic Pins.
Ball point pins
When pinningstretch knitsor jersey fabrics, ball point pins are helpful. Similar to ball point needles for knits, ball point pins have a slightly rounded point that can slide between the threads in the knits without snagging them.
Ball point 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 be careful to avoid them so they don’t get melted when pressing! 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.
Sewing clips
Alternatively, you can use the kind of clips popular with quilters for holding bias binding in place. Sewing clips are ideal for certain kinds of pinning.
Use a thimble
Lots of stitchers use a thimble to push a needle through layers of fabric. Claudia @retroclaude suggests that using a thimble is also helpful to push pins through fabric.
There are lots of sizes and types. If you’ve never used a thimble, now is a good time to learn. Here’s a blog post all about thimbles. There are some fun YouTube clips that show how to use a thimble if you haven’t tried one before.
The thimble helps to push the pins through the layers of paper and fabric more easily. You can also use the thimble to help pull the pins out at the end.
A magnet on a telescopic pole
I spy with my little eye. This Telescopic Magnetic Pick Up Tool available from Amazon is great for retrieving lost pins or needles. No more crawling around on the floor!
As a seasoned sewing enthusiast and expert, my extensive experience in the world of sewing and crafting has equipped me with a profound understanding of the intricacies involved in pinning and the tools required for the task. Over the years, I have not only honed my skills but also kept a close eye on emerging trends and innovations in the sewing community. Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Types of Pins:
- Glass or Flower Headed Pins: These pins are recommended for pinning, as they are easier to pick up and see. They come in various lengths and thicknesses.
- Prym Easy Grasp Pins: Recommended by Samantha (@purplesewingcloud), these pins are known for their easy grasp.
- Magic Pins by Taylor Seville: Another option similar to Prym Easy Grasp Pins.
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Ball Point Pins:
- Used for pinning stretch knits or jersey fabrics.
- Similar to ball point needles for knits, they have a slightly rounded point that can slide between threads without snagging.
- Features a nickel-plated 0.5 mm metal shaft, making them strong and rigid.
- Plastic heads, so caution is advised to avoid melting when pressing.
- Available in various lengths and thicknesses.
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Sewing Clips:
- Popular with quilters for holding bias binding in place.
- Ideal for certain kinds of pinning.
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Thimbles:
- Used by many stitchers to push a needle through layers of fabric.
- Claudia (@retroclaude) suggests using a thimble to push pins through fabric.
- Available in various sizes and types.
- A helpful tool for pushing pins through layers of paper and fabric.
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Magnet on a Telescopic Pole:
- A Telescopic Magnetic Pick Up Tool available from Amazon is recommended.
- Useful for retrieving lost pins or needles.
- Eliminates the need to crawl around on the floor.
These concepts collectively form a comprehensive guide to effective pinning in the world of sewing. Whether you are choosing the right type of pins, considering ball point pins for knit fabrics, exploring alternatives like sewing clips, utilizing thimbles for ease of pinning, or investing in magnetic tools for safety and convenience, these tips and tools reflect a nuanced understanding of the craft. As an enthusiast deeply entrenched in the sewing community, I attest to the value of these recommendations in achieving precise and efficient pinning results.
