When I was a child, I watched my mother and grandmother sewing. But I never saw them use pins. But when I grew up, I noticed people with sewing pins. That was quite new to me. I asked and got to know what sewing pins actually do. My mother and grandmother didn’t use them because pins were not available back then. So, they practiced sewing with that much accuracy without sewing pins.

Now, times have changed, and many sewing tools are available to make your work easier. Sewing pins prevent fabric from slipping. The pins hold the fabric together. So the sewist does not have to hold the fabric while sewing to prevent it from slipping. If you know how to pin fabrics perfectly, then stitching will be easy for you.

There are also different types of sewing pins available. Today we will discuss the types of pins and their applications in sewing.

Types Of Sewing Pins

There are various types of pins used in sewing depending on their construction and application.

1. All-purpose Sewing Pins

These pins are the most commonly used sewing pins. These pins have glass heads and are thin and sharp. These are not flexible but are strong. The general purpose pins are ideal for medium-weight woven fabric. General purpose pins are mostly made of nickel-plated steel. The nickel-plated steel pins are waterproof.

2. Ball Point Pins

These pins have little rounded ends. That is why these are called ball point pins. This rounded end helps them slip through the threads of fabric without cutting them.

The ballpoint pins have nickel-plated metal shafts, but the head of the pin is made of plastic. So, try to skip them while pressing; otherwise, the heat can melt the head. The metal shaft makes them strong.

These pins are best for stretchy and knit fabrics.

3. Flat Button Pins

These are called flat button pins because the heads of the pins are made op flat buttons. This is very good for holding woven fabrics, which prevents slipping of the fabric. These are easy to handle and are good for quilters.

4. Silk Pins

Silk pins are also called extra fine pins. Silk needs extra fine pins because other pins can create large, noticeable holes in the garment, as you can not repair silk on your own, and other pins can damage the expensive silk fabric.

Silk pins have glass heads. They have a smaller diameter, which makes it easy to pierce into the fabric. Silk pins are used in thin, delicate, and lightweight fabrics.

5. T-Pins

T-pins have a T-shaped head. This T shape allows you to hold them easily. These pins have a horizontal head. These are heavy-duty pins and are best for tightly woven materials like upholstery, heavy fabrics, and for making buttonholes.

6. Quilting Pins

Quilting pins are longer and thinner than regularly used pins. So that they can grasp multiple layers quilts together. As they are thicker and longer, make sure to use them on fabrics that can handle them.

7. Glass Head Pins

Glass head pins have glass on the top. The glass is colorful. The pins are made of nickel-plated steel. These are thinner pins. When the pins pierce into the fabric, they will not create a big hole. That is why these are good for fussier fabrics like silk. The pins are of perfect size, not too short or too long. One plus point about glass head pins is that the glass head will not melt while ironing. The pins are good for wool and heavy-weight materials.

8. Plastic Head Pins

These are like glass head pins, but in this case the head is made of plastic. They have big multicolored, beautiful shapes of heart and flowers plastic heads. They are cheaper than glass head pins, but you can’t iron over them.

9. Short Or Applique Pins

These are short pins having a length of 3/4 inch or shorter. This short length is useful in keeping applique pieces pinned on the foundation fabric. They are used in pinning small pleats. Generally used in delicate fabrics.

10. Safety Pins

Safety pins are normal stainless steel pins but have a locking head. These pins are of different sizes, from small to large. They are used in quilting, crafting, and sewing.

Parts Of a Pin

A sewing pin has 3 parts: the head, shaft, and point.

Head

The head is the topmost part of a pin that is used to hold the pin. The head of the pin can be made of glass, plastic, or metal. Some pins do not have any head. These are called flat head pins. Some heads are round, some are flat. Some heads have buttons or are of different shapes.

Shaft

The shaft is the middle part of the pin between the head and point. It is the body of a pin. The thickness of the shaft varies according to the type of pin.

This part of the pin is made of metal. The pin can be strong and flexible; this depends upon the length and diameter of the pin. Thicker pins are good for heavier fabrics, and thinner pins are good for delicate fabrics.

The pins made of stainless steel are rust-free and long-lasting. These types of pins will pierce into the fabric smoothly.

Point

The point is the end of the pin. It is the part that first enters into the fabric. Depending on the pin type, points can be of different shapes, like rounded, sharp, etc.

The point of a pin can be sharp, extra sharp, ball point, or rounded. Fine point pins are good for delicate materials, and standard point pins can be used in daily work.

Length Of a Pin

Length of a pin is important in sewing. Always select a pin of the perfect length that will hold multiple layers of fabric together. But don’t use pins that are too long. Small pins are good for working in tiny pieces. Longer pins of more than 2 inches are good for quilting.

A normal straight pin has a length from 1/2 inch to 2 1/8 inch.

Thickness Of the Pin

The thickness of the shaft varies from pin to pin, according to the pin type. The diameter of the pin varies from 0.4mm to 0.8mm.

The 0.4 mm pin is the thinnest. It is mainly used in sheers, chiffons, and stains.

0.5mm pin is called “extra fine” or “super fine” pin. These are used in lightweight fabrics like cotton.

0.6mm is the fine pin. These are all-purpose or regular pins. These are mostly used in medium-weight fabrics.

0.7mm and 0.8mm pins are used in heavy-weight fabrics like denim, heavy wools, and multi-layered quilts. These pins can’t be found easily like others.

How To Store Pins

Pins can be stored in many ways. If not using them frequently, then one can store them in a small, securely closed container. Keep specific pins in different containers to avoid mixing pins.

But if you are using them frequently, then it is not feasible to store them in a closed container. Every time, you have to open the container and use the pins. Nowadays, there are so many options available to store sewing pins.

Pins can be stored in small containers and jars with lids. You can carry them while travelling.

You can also store sewing pins in divided organizers like plastic craft boxes, tool boxes, or small drawers.

Pin cushions are a very good option to store pins. It will be easy for you to store and use them when needed. You don’t need to open the box or anything. Just take the pin out of the cushion and put it there after finishing. Pin cushions are made of high-quality wool that will keep the pins sharp. Wrist pin cushions are also available now to keep pins close to your hand.

Magnetic pin holders are one of the best options to store pins. They also have a “throw and catch” option. It can catch pins and paper clips from the floor and prevent pins from scattering on the floor.

Conclusion

As a sewist, it is always a good idea to gather information on different sewing tools like sewing pins, scissors, etc. Because at the end of the day, you will need them in everyday use. Do your research according to the needs of your project and choose the best sewing pin for you.