Quilting & Sewing Pins

Sewing pins are the most basic yet essential tools of all the quilting supplies you need. In fact, almost every creative fiber- or fabric-related craft requires textile pins of some sort, and we happen to have a sharp selection of the best pins for sewing amongst our quilting notions. If you need help pinpointing the kind of decorative sewing pins you need or have questions about this all-too-important sewing notion, here are some frequently asked questions about quilters pins:

What are sewing pins, and why are they used in quilting?

Sewing pins are slender, pointed tools made of metal, plastic or other materials, used to temporarily hold fabrics together while sewing or quilting. There is no one fancy term that sewing pins are called because there are so many different types with different uses! However, the most common types of sewing pins are glass head quilting pins, quilting straight pins, ball-point pins and quilting basting pins. You may have heard of Dritz quilting pins before, which is a great fabric pins brand that's been around for years! No matter which brand or style of fabric pins that you prefer, they all serve the same purpose: help to keep the fabric in place and prevent it from shifting during the sewing process.

What types of sewing pins are available, and which ones are best for quilting?

There are different types of sewing pins available, such as quilting straight pins, safety pins, long sewing pins, silk pins for quilting, flat head sewing pins, glass-head pins, basting pins for quilting, etc. For quilting, it is best to use long or extra long quilting pins or glass-head pins, as they are thin, easy to handle, and have a flat head that will not snag or damage the fabric. You might also see these sharp and precise pins for fabric referred to as quilter pins, fabric pins or textile pins.

At some point, you may wish to give some decorative sewing pins a try. There are many fun and colorful styles to try, from colorful glass head quilting pins to fancy sewing pins like colorful flower head pins, pearlized sewing pins, decorative straight pins for crafts and other novelty sewing pins which will make any project more colorful and fun. Some of the decorative fabric pins available are so pretty, you’ll want to put them on display - just pop them into any pin cushion, and voila! You’ve added a touch of fun to your sewing room with just a few pretty sewing pins.

We also carry an assortment of applique pins, which are small, thin and very sharp fabric pins that are commonly used in sewing and quilting projects. They are specifically designed for use in applique work, which involves attaching a small piece of fabric to a larger fabric piece to create a decorative effect. Unlike regular sewing pins, applique pins are usually shorter and thinner, with a smaller head. This makes them less likely to leave noticeable marks on the fabric or get in the way while sewing.

How do I choose the right size of sewing pins for my quilting project?

In general, sewing pins sizes range from 0.5 inches to 2 inches in length. For quilting, it is best to use pins that are long enough to go through several layers of fabric, but not so long that they bend or break. We recommend quilting pins sizes that are a minimum of 1.5 inches long. It is also a good idea to use flat head sewing pins because they’re easier to grip and won't slip out of the fabric easily.

For a lot of quilters, their choice of pins in sewing comes down to personal choice. If you are newer to quilting, try using different sewing pins sizes to see what works best for you. Apart from these personal preferences, here are 3 more things to consider when making your choice:

The thickness of your fabric: If you are working with several layers of fabric or a heavier weight fabric than your typical quilting cotton, you may want a longer and thicker pin for sewing that can easily penetrate the fabric layers. Similarly, if you are using a lighter fabric such as linen or silk, you will want to use smaller, thinner pins that will not damage these delicate fabrics.

The weight of your thread: If you are sewing with a heavier weight thread, you will want to use long sewing pins that are thick enough to ensure that they can hold the fabric and thread securely.

The size of your fabric pieces: If you are working with small pieces of fabric, you may want to choose shorter pins for quilting so that they don't get in the way or poke out of the edges.

How many sewing pins do I need for quilting?

We firmly believe that you can never have too many pins in sewing! As a beginner, you may want to start with a basic project that requires fewer fabric pins, but generally speaking, the number of quilt pins you’ll need depends on the size of your project and the complexity of the design. There is no magic number for the amount of sewing pins you need for success, but it is always better to have more than you need to avoid the frustration of running out of quilters pins in the middle of a project.

How do I use sewing pins in quilting?

Quilting pins and fabric pins are, of course, meant to hold your materials in place until you’re ready to start sewing. To use sewing pins for quilting, first, lay your fabric on a flat surface. Then, place each quilting pin perpendicular to the edge of the fabric and push them in at an angle, so the point of the fabric pin goes through both layers of fabric. Be careful not to push the pins too far or too close to the edge of the fabric, as this can cause puckering or damage to your fabric.

Once your fabric is secure, you might be wondering if sewing over pins is ok to do. It’s not a matter of “yes” or “no” but rather “could” and “should” because sewing over pins is such a gamble. You could sew over a pin and possibly come out with no bent pins or broken needle, but should you risk it? Most experienced quilters would probably say no, and simply slip them out as they go. We recommend this practice as well, because even the best quilting pins can break or bend when you sew over them!

What are the best pins for sewing?

When looking for the best pins for quilting and sewing, consider the following factors:

Material: Look for pins made from high-quality materials like stainless steel or nickel-plated steel that are durable and rust-resistant.

Size: Choose pins that are the appropriate size for the thickness of the fabric you are working with.

Sharpness: The sharper the pin, the easier it will be to pierce through fabric without damaging it.

Grip: Look for pins with a rubberized grip or a ball-head design that makes it easier to hold and manipulate the pin.

You’re sure to find some of the best fabric pins for your needs from these popular brands of quilting pins:

Clover: Known for their high-quality sewing and quilting tools, Clover offers a variety of quilting pins with features like glass heads and extra-long length for quilting.

Dritz: Dritz offers a range of quilting pins, including extra-fine pins and curved safety pins, as well as quilting-specific needles.

Bohin: Bohin offers quilting pins with ultra-fine shafts and extra-sharp points, as well as decorative pins for embellishing quilts.

Taylor Seville Originals: Taylor Seville Magic Pins are designed to make sewing easier and more efficient. They feature an ergonomic design that allows for easy handling and manipulation, plus they are heat-resistant! Magic Pins come in a variety of sizes, including fine and extra-fine, making them suitable for a range of sewing and quilting projects.

Ultimately, what makes the “best" sewing pins will vary based on your own personal preferences, so it's important to try out many different brands and styles to find what works best for you. Reading reviews from other quilters can also help you make an informed decision.

What are basting pins for quilting?

Quilt basting pins are large, curved safety pins that are used to temporarily hold the layers of a quilt sandwich (the quilt top, batting, and backing) together while quilting. Basting pins are an alternative to using basting spray, which can be messy and difficult to clean up.

To use quilting basting pins, follow these steps:

1. Lay your quilt backing fabric on a flat surface, wrong side up. Smooth out any wrinkles or bumps.

2. Place your quilt batting on top of the backing fabric, making sure it is centered and smooth.

3. Next, place your quilt top on top of your batting, right side up. Make sure it is also centered and smooth.

4. Starting in the center of the quilt, insert the quilting pins for basting through all three layers, starting from the back and coming out through the top.

5. Repeat this process, spacing each quilt basting pin about 4-6 inches apart, until the entire quilt is pinned.

6. As you quilt, remove each basting pin as you come to them.

Basting pins are especially useful for larger quilts, where basting spray might not be strong enough to hold the layers together. To find the best basting pins for quilting, look for pins that are sturdy and have a smooth, curved shape that will not damage your fabric. It's also a good idea to choose a size that is appropriate for the thickness of your quilt layers.