8 Essential Types Of Pins For Every Sewing Project
- WAWAK Sewing Supplies
- 26 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Sewing pins are an essential in every sewist's toolkit. Whether you're an experienced stitcher or are totally new to the craft, you've probably got quite a few on hand. But did you know there are different types of pins? Sewing pins come in different lengths, thicknesses and styles suited for different materials. Depending on your project, fabric type and personal preferences, a different type of pin could change the way you work! Read on to learn which style of pin is best for you, and find the perfect sewing pins for all your projects at WAWAK.
8 ESSENTIAL TYPES OF PINS FOR SEWING
1. Ball Pins
When you think of sewing pins, Ball Head Pins (also known as ball pins) are probably what come to mind: sharp pins with a plastic ball head. These versatile pins are ideal for a wide variety of projects. If you're looking for all-purpose sewing pins, these are a great choice!
2. Glass Pins
Glass Head Pins are very similar to Ball Pins, but feature a head made of glass instead of plastic. The advantage of glass head pins is that they can be ironed without melting, making these pins good for applications where you might want to iron your project after pinning it.
Commonly used by dressmakers and tailors, straight pins are another versatile style of sewing pin. Unlike other styles of sewing pins, straight pins don't have a ball head. Instead, these all-metal pins feature a flat metal head with a lower profile. They're ideal for hand sewing because they're less likely to get caught on threads. They can also be passed over with an iron. Straight pins are available in a variety of weights for different materials; choose shorter, thinner pins for lightweight fabrics and longer, thicker pins for heavy materials.
4. Silk Pins
If you're working with fine, delicate materials like silk, it helps to use pins specifically designed for that purpose. Silk Pins are extra thin with a very sharp point to avoid leaving visible puncture holes in delicate materials.
Quilting Pins are long, thin pins ideal for pinning through multiple layers of material. Their length and fine diameter make these pins excellent for basting quilt layers or working with bulky materials like synthetic fur, plush velvet, and thick fabric layers.
6. Safety Pins
You're probably familiar with the safety pin, though maybe not in a sewing context—this everyday fastener can be an excellent option for pinning items that you'll be handling a lot while they're pinned, like quilts. With their secure heads, safety pins stay in place even as fabric layers shift. They can also help prevent the user from getting scratched or pricked by pins while handling their project.
Not to be confused with ball head pins, ball point pins are a style of pin with a rounded tip. Much like ball point sewing needles, they're intended to be used on knit materials. Their rounded points aren't as sharp as a standard pin's, allowing the point to push through the knit fibers instead of puncturing them. These are a great option for anyone working with knit materials.
If standard pins are a bit too small and fiddly for you to see or grasp, a pin with a larger head can make your work easier. Taylor Seville Magic Pins feature a large, comfort-grip handle that makes it super easy to see, grab, and maneuver your pins. Dritz Easy Grasp Pins also feature an elongated head ideal for beginners or those with limited dexterity. For working with heavy fabrics, T-Pins also offer a handle with a larger surface area (this one T-shaped) to make the pin easier to maneuver through thick materials and prevent it from slipping between thick fabric layers.
No matter which style of sewing pin you need, find it at WAWAK. With our wide selection of sewing supplies, we’re sure to have what you need—and much more. Happy sewing!
