10 different types of Pins you really need in your sewing

When someone looks at sewing as a beginner, it is all about joining fabric pieces with your sewing machine and also about some measuring tools, marking tools, and cutting tools. But when you go ahead with sewing, you will realize those small insignificant looking pins are also invaluable in sewing – useful in pattern making, draping, cutting, sewing, and finishing. Pins are needed in every step of your sewing.

Pins differ in the way they look, their length, their head, the material they are made of, etc but it is the material you are pinning that determines the pin you choose. You need pins that will hold layers of material together without damaging anything, be it the pins or the fabric. 

Different types of Pins useful in sewing

1.General All-purpose sewing pins

These are sharp thin pins with glass heads; they are used for pinning medium-weight woven fabrics when sewing. You can get these pins in different head colors, finishes (metallic/pearlized) but they all do the same work – Pin layers of fabric together while you do the important job of sewing cutting, etc.  Usually, they are about .6mm in thickness. The heads may be heat resistant or maybe they are not – so be careful when you press.

2.Flat button pins

These pins have a big flat button as their head. This is useful when holding open/loose weave fabrics – no chance of the pinhead slipping through the weave.

3.Extra fine pins/silk pins

These very thin and fine pins are used for delicate fabrics, thin and lightweight fabrics. They are available in sizes .4mm. You can get them rust-free too. Very useful when you do not want holes on extra fine fabrics. 

4. Upholstery pins /Extra long and thick pins

Sometimes you need long sturdy pins that will hold thick layers of fabric together- these are like that. These pins can be used for basting large areas like quilts, upholstery sewing. They are usually more than .8mm in thickness. 

5.Ballpoint pins

These pins have blunt ends – very useful for knit fabrics and stretchy fabrics – these would not cause snags.

6. Short pins / Applique pins

These are short pins (about 3/4 inch or shorter) which is useful to keep the applique pieces pinned on the foundation fabric without them coming in between the sewing line. These small pins can be used for pinning small pleats. 

7.Upholstery tacks/T pins/ Tidy pins/bed skirt pins/Twist pins

Uphosltery tacks are pins with a round head. The T-pins, Tidy pins have a long horizontal head. They are used to hold things down like a pushpin. Twist pins are also used the same way but they are twisted to pin – so not as easy to take it out. 

8.Safety Pins

Your normal stainless steel pins – can be useful where pinning may not be convenient. 

9.Diaper pin

I have used cloth diaper pins (It has a sturdy plastic safety cap which makes it impossible to come open in between) in so many types in sewing – it is the sturdiest pin you can get and can hold anything within its hold. Very useful when you cannot find your bodkin to thread casings. 

10 Button pin

This is a safety pin with a curve – it is used to hold down buttons temporarily.

All I ever wanted was a pin! But now I have got all these different types of pins I am raring to use them in my projects.

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