I have been breaking an awful lot of pins and needles lately. I sew over them and something makes a big clunk and I am left with a bent or broken pin, or worse, a snapped off needle. It occurs to me that perhaps I am using pins that are too thick. Can you friends out there tell me what kind of pins you use? Mine are the ubiquitous blue and yellow glass headed pins that are marketed as being especially for quilt piecing. I think I could do better. Any advice would be appreciated.
Speaking of pins, have any of you tried the U shaped pins that are available now? The wonderful thing about these pins is that it holds your underneath seam allowance flat and in place, so that when you sew over it, it doesn't fold over. They are also terrific for achieving nice sharp points. Here is what it looks like on the top side.
And here is what it does on the underside.
They are fabulous, really. When you use them, this doesn't happen:
All this talk of pins makes me start thinking about pin cushions. When I was a littIe girl, my Nonnie had just one pincushion. It was red and shaped like a tomato, with a strawberry hanging off of it on a black thread. I diddled and diddled with the strawberry until it fell off the tomato. Besides the similarity of color, I never did understand why a tomato and a strawberry would go together.
Today most of us have way more than just one pincushion. In fact pin cushions are a very popular craft project lately, and I have been the fortunate recipient of a few. I have my favorite pin cushions however, which I would like to share with you. This one I have had for years and years and years. It is my Number One Pincushion, living right on my sewing machine table, and the one I use most. It reminds me of a wedding ring bearer's pillow. Ozzie is fond of grabbing the tassels and pulling it off the table, where it lands upside down and leaves pins sticking up out of the carpet for me to step on.
This is the one that travels with me when I go to retreats or to sew with friends. The cool thing about this one is that it is magnetic AND has a cover!
Here are a couple of other magnetic pin cushions that sit on my cutting table.
Some gift pincushions are shown below. The fishy was made by my friend Lisa, and was given to me last summer when I went to visit her.
Can't remember who gave me this one!!! But it's a sweetie.
This last one I made ages ago before Sara was born. I did the needlepoint and used the pincushion to hold diaper pins. (That gives away my age a bit, doesn't it?)
I would love for some of you to share on your blogs what kind of pins you favor and what your favorite pincushions are!
74 responses to “Can We Talk? About Pins…….”
I love that first pincushion! I use a small glass jar for my pins. I bought the tomato pin cushion, but I like to the flexibility of the jar. The biggest advantage is I can close it and slide it on its side into my sewing organzier. Its easy to pull out and move with me to other rooms, especially when I’m pinning quilts in the living room.
As for pins, I use the cheap ones with a flat head. When they get bent, I don’t mind so much because they are inexpensive.
I love that first pincushion! I use a small glass jar for my pins. I bought the tomato pin cushion, but I like to the flexibility of the jar. The biggest advantage is I can close it and slide it on its side into my sewing organzier. Its easy to pull out and move with me to other rooms, especially when I’m pinning quilts in the living room.
As for pins, I use the cheap ones with a flat head. When they get bent, I don’t mind so much because they are inexpensive.
Nicole, you really aren’t supposed to sew over pins, although most of us do (including me). As you noted, sometimes a broken needle is the result, and sometimes a piece of the needle can fly into your eye. I had one hit me just beside my eye once. So, if you sew over pins (no matter what kind) at least wear eye protections, glasses.
Love your pin cushions. Hey, I remember diaper pins.
I too have wondered about the strawberry hanging from the tomato. But I do know what purpose the strawberry served. It’s filled with some kind of medium that sharpens pins and needles. Got a dull needle? Just jab it into the strawberry a few times, and it (supposedly) is sharp again.
Nicole, you really aren’t supposed to sew over pins, although most of us do (including me). As you noted, sometimes a broken needle is the result, and sometimes a piece of the needle can fly into your eye. I had one hit me just beside my eye once. So, if you sew over pins (no matter what kind) at least wear eye protections, glasses.
Love your pin cushions. Hey, I remember diaper pins.
I too have wondered about the strawberry hanging from the tomato. But I do know what purpose the strawberry served. It’s filled with some kind of medium that sharpens pins and needles. Got a dull needle? Just jab it into the strawberry a few times, and it (supposedly) is sharp again.
I’ve never seen those U pins…what a great idea…I do that with 2 pins when I’m sewing intersections but I like the one pin idea. I use very fine, long silk pins with glass heads. Clover makes some wonderful ones and I also like the ones that Fons & Porter do…they come in a metal container and I think they have kind of clear blue balls on them. Sorry I don’t have any here in Birmingham with me or I would send a picture.
I’ve never seen those U pins…what a great idea…I do that with 2 pins when I’m sewing intersections but I like the one pin idea. I use very fine, long silk pins with glass heads. Clover makes some wonderful ones and I also like the ones that Fons & Porter do…they come in a metal container and I think they have kind of clear blue balls on them. Sorry I don’t have any here in Birmingham with me or I would send a picture.
I use long pins with a flat yellow flower head on them – I don’t know who makes them. They do bend when I sew over them, and get nicked up so that they are really too rough to put into fabric. I know that PKM has some glass head pins that she swears by, but again, I don’t remember what kind they are. Geez, wasn’t I a lot of help!
I use long pins with a flat yellow flower head on them – I don’t know who makes them. They do bend when I sew over them, and get nicked up so that they are really too rough to put into fabric. I know that PKM has some glass head pins that she swears by, but again, I don’t remember what kind they are. Geez, wasn’t I a lot of help!
I’m going to be watching Comments on this post carefully, as I need a good pin cushion.
A quilter friend of mine made one that’s long and floppy and rests on the arm of her chair, filled with silica sand for sharpening (like the strawberry thingie). I have a bag of silica sand that I’d like to use to make one similar, though I don’t want it to hang on the arm of a chair. So I’ll be watching everybody’s ideas.
I’m going to be watching Comments on this post carefully, as I need a good pin cushion.
A quilter friend of mine made one that’s long and floppy and rests on the arm of her chair, filled with silica sand for sharpening (like the strawberry thingie). I have a bag of silica sand that I’d like to use to make one similar, though I don’t want it to hang on the arm of a chair. So I’ll be watching everybody’s ideas.
I use ultra fine silk pins. There’s a couple different brands out there, available at quilt stores. The silk pins cause the least amount of distortion when you are matching seams. They’re so fine, that I do sew over them sometimes without a bit of trouble. I was amazed at the difference they made.
I use ultra fine silk pins. There’s a couple different brands out there, available at quilt stores. The silk pins cause the least amount of distortion when you are matching seams. They’re so fine, that I do sew over them sometimes without a bit of trouble. I was amazed at the difference they made.
oh i remember mousy pin cushion! how nice to see her again! let’s make cupcake pin cuscions with weighted bottoms, thats the trouble with my current one. come to think of it, i have a purple magnetic one that yougave me, i should find that…
oh i remember mousy pin cushion! how nice to see her again! let’s make cupcake pin cuscions with weighted bottoms, thats the trouble with my current one. come to think of it, i have a purple magnetic one that yougave me, i should find that…
I use the glass head silk pins.
My mom had an old pin cushion made out of corderoy, but I remember the tomato/strawberry one and now I can’t think of who had it.
I use the glass head silk pins.
My mom had an old pin cushion made out of corderoy, but I remember the tomato/strawberry one and now I can’t think of who had it.
Enjoyed seeing your pincushions. I have a little collection and maybe soon I can post something. I had a photo of them on my old blog but it’s gone now. I try not to sew over pins. I use blue glass head ones from the quilt shop and also very fine silk pins, depending on the use.
Enjoyed seeing your pincushions. I have a little collection and maybe soon I can post something. I had a photo of them on my old blog but it’s gone now. I try not to sew over pins. I use blue glass head ones from the quilt shop and also very fine silk pins, depending on the use.
You are not supposed to sew over pins. In addition to bent pins & broken needles, you can mess up the timing on your machine & be forced to take it in to be serviced.
You are not supposed to sew over pins. In addition to bent pins & broken needles, you can mess up the timing on your machine & be forced to take it in to be serviced.
I used to use the pins you use, but have gone to the long pins with the flat yellow flower head. I have not seen the U pins, but I definitely will give them a try. Your pincushions are wonderful – I have not seen the travel one before. Something else I must purchase! Great post, Nicole!
I used to use the pins you use, but have gone to the long pins with the flat yellow flower head. I have not seen the U pins, but I definitely will give them a try. Your pincushions are wonderful – I have not seen the travel one before. Something else I must purchase! Great post, Nicole!
I came across your blog a while back. Really enjoy reading it every day. I am learning to make my first quilt. And I made some notes about the local quilt stores you mentioned. Hopefully will find sometime to visit them. I live in Santa Teresa area. 🙂
I have done some cross stitching and spent sometime to understand the antique needle tools. Here are what I know—
The strawberry is filled with emery(black or white—aluminum oxide). It is for sharpening the needles. The cheaper and common version of “emery” is silica sand.
A good pincushion is supposed to be stuffed with wool, instead of cotton or whatever. They said the wool won’t rust the needles. 😛
In cross stitching world, there are many fancy pincushions. Kelmscott also designs something called “Needle Minders”
http://kelmscottdesigns.com/needle-minders.htm
Since we are lucky not living in 18th century, the needles are quite cheap. So I just don’t bother.
As for my quilt piecing pins and small items, I throw them into different Altoid fruity candy tins (the round one). Then put the label on the side. 🙂
I came across your blog a while back. Really enjoy reading it every day. I am learning to make my first quilt. And I made some notes about the local quilt stores you mentioned. Hopefully will find sometime to visit them. I live in Santa Teresa area. 🙂
I have done some cross stitching and spent sometime to understand the antique needle tools. Here are what I know—
The strawberry is filled with emery(black or white—aluminum oxide). It is for sharpening the needles. The cheaper and common version of “emery” is silica sand.
A good pincushion is supposed to be stuffed with wool, instead of cotton or whatever. They said the wool won’t rust the needles. 😛
In cross stitching world, there are many fancy pincushions. Kelmscott also designs something called “Needle Minders”
http://kelmscottdesigns.com/needle-minders.htm
Since we are lucky not living in 18th century, the needles are quite cheap. So I just don’t bother.
As for my quilt piecing pins and small items, I throw them into different Altoid fruity candy tins (the round one). Then put the label on the side. 🙂
i use the same kind of pin that michelle b does. the flat flower head really makes me happy.
also, shame on you for sewing over your pins! either slow down and go over them slowly so you won’t hit them or pull them out right before the hit the foot. it is far too dangerous to sew over a pin. even with protective eye wear. seriously, what kind of example are you setting for ozzie!
i use the same kind of pin that michelle b does. the flat flower head really makes me happy.
also, shame on you for sewing over your pins! either slow down and go over them slowly so you won’t hit them or pull them out right before the hit the foot. it is far too dangerous to sew over a pin. even with protective eye wear. seriously, what kind of example are you setting for ozzie!
Can you believe that I do not nor have I ever owned a pin cushion and I desperately need one! One of these days, I am going to have to fix that. I use the flat head quilting pins. The land like darts in the carpet, so I have never stepped on one yet. I try to remove them just before they reach the needle. I have heard it is very bad on a machine to hit them, and that was my trend, too.
Can you believe that I do not nor have I ever owned a pin cushion and I desperately need one! One of these days, I am going to have to fix that. I use the flat head quilting pins. The land like darts in the carpet, so I have never stepped on one yet. I try to remove them just before they reach the needle. I have heard it is very bad on a machine to hit them, and that was my trend, too.
Just bought new silk pins…mine were too thick and distorted my sewing. (That is when I use pins at all…I hate to pin!)
Just bought new silk pins…mine were too thick and distorted my sewing. (That is when I use pins at all…I hate to pin!)
I love my glass headed silk pins. But since I like to do a lot of Stack ‘n Whack I couldn’t put the ruler on top of them. I found the regular headed silk pins allow me to put a ruler on them and get accurate results. Don’t sew over your pins. If you have to, then sew right up to the pin, take your foot off the pedal and hand walk the wheel.
I love my glass headed silk pins. But since I like to do a lot of Stack ‘n Whack I couldn’t put the ruler on top of them. I found the regular headed silk pins allow me to put a ruler on them and get accurate results. Don’t sew over your pins. If you have to, then sew right up to the pin, take your foot off the pedal and hand walk the wheel.
Like most of the others, I use the fine pins with glass heads. And when I purchased my last machine… I too was told not to sew over my pins so I don’t. But I don’t pin a lot! I do enjoy having and purchasing pin cushions. I think most of us have the tomato/strawberry one. And I think that’s why we love seeing all the new/different ones available. I probably have at least 10 or more pin cushions and love each one! They do make nice gifts!!! Thanks for sharing as always!
Like most of the others, I use the fine pins with glass heads. And when I purchased my last machine… I too was told not to sew over my pins so I don’t. But I don’t pin a lot! I do enjoy having and purchasing pin cushions. I think most of us have the tomato/strawberry one. And I think that’s why we love seeing all the new/different ones available. I probably have at least 10 or more pin cushions and love each one! They do make nice gifts!!! Thanks for sharing as always!
I use the pins you do but I do not drive over them. LOL!!!!! I pull them out as I approach. Therefore leaving my pin in one piece. LOL!!!!!! You might wanna give this a try. I’m just sayin.
Love a good pincushion and love all of yours. Thanks for sharing.
I use the pins you do but I do not drive over them. LOL!!!!! I pull them out as I approach. Therefore leaving my pin in one piece. LOL!!!!!! You might wanna give this a try. I’m just sayin.
Love a good pincushion and love all of yours. Thanks for sharing.
Love the pincushion parade. I’ll definitely be doing a post on mine although I don’t think I have as many as you.
Love the pincushion parade. I’ll definitely be doing a post on mine although I don’t think I have as many as you.
I sew over my pins even though I know you are not suppose to … I use fine flower head pins mainly because if I drop them on the floor I can find them before someone’s foot does :-)! I love my moms old tomatoe pin cushion (I still have it). I will have to post some! Love your collection.
I sew over my pins even though I know you are not suppose to … I use fine flower head pins mainly because if I drop them on the floor I can find them before someone’s foot does :-)! I love my moms old tomatoe pin cushion (I still have it). I will have to post some! Love your collection.
Wow.. lots of pin comments. I use what I call life-changing-pins.. the Clover Fine Patchwork pins, they have the aqua and yellow glass heads. They do bend easily and you have to replace them more often but ohmy they really do pin like nobody’s business. I use no other pins EVER. I would highly reccomend them.
Wow.. lots of pin comments. I use what I call life-changing-pins.. the Clover Fine Patchwork pins, they have the aqua and yellow glass heads. They do bend easily and you have to replace them more often but ohmy they really do pin like nobody’s business. I use no other pins EVER. I would highly reccomend them.
i sew over my pins too *blush & shame*… like a lot of others i use the fine glass headed pins. the u-shaped pins look like they are a MUST have and i will be searching them out. my pincushions never get to be used – miss seven likes to play with them *smile* i use a couple of magnetic ones that she doesn’t like cause they aren’t ‘cute enough’ *lol*
i sew over my pins too *blush & shame*… like a lot of others i use the fine glass headed pins. the u-shaped pins look like they are a MUST have and i will be searching them out. my pincushions never get to be used – miss seven likes to play with them *smile* i use a couple of magnetic ones that she doesn’t like cause they aren’t ‘cute enough’ *lol*
My favorite pins are Iris Swiss Super Fine Pins. I have been using them for several years. The last ones I bought were $6.50. They don’t bend and I have never had one break-I try not to sew over them. You have to be careful with them because they are really sharp.
I have several pin cushions. I made one with an attatched thread bag that I keep by my sewing machine.
I read quite a few blogs and yours is my favorite. I love to see what you are working on and what Ozzie is up to.
My favorite pins are Iris Swiss Super Fine Pins. I have been using them for several years. The last ones I bought were $6.50. They don’t bend and I have never had one break-I try not to sew over them. You have to be careful with them because they are really sharp.
I have several pin cushions. I made one with an attatched thread bag that I keep by my sewing machine.
I read quite a few blogs and yours is my favorite. I love to see what you are working on and what Ozzie is up to.
My favourite pins are the flat flower head pins, not that I do enough machine stitching to talk about. But the odd time I have sewn over one on the machine, it hasn’t caused a problem.
I’m just about to try making a few pincushions this weekend as my old, old tomato pin cushion is really rather sad looking at this point.
Those U-pins look fantastic. What a great idea!
My favourite pins are the flat flower head pins, not that I do enough machine stitching to talk about. But the odd time I have sewn over one on the machine, it hasn’t caused a problem.
I’m just about to try making a few pincushions this weekend as my old, old tomato pin cushion is really rather sad looking at this point.
Those U-pins look fantastic. What a great idea!
I have a cardinal rule NEVER sew over pins. Even when my daughter, who always does, is not allowed to on my sewing machine. I have never seen the u-shaped pints but they look like a good idea. I enjoyed you pincushions. I am a bit afraid of the magnetic ones because I have heard that they can mess up the computer part of the sewing machine. Not sure if that’s true but I’m taking no chances.
I have a cardinal rule NEVER sew over pins. Even when my daughter, who always does, is not allowed to on my sewing machine. I have never seen the u-shaped pints but they look like a good idea. I enjoyed you pincushions. I am a bit afraid of the magnetic ones because I have heard that they can mess up the computer part of the sewing machine. Not sure if that’s true but I’m taking no chances.
tsk tsk mom, what a response! I think I’ll invest in a few packs of the glass headed pins too. I’m having a sewign weekend! Thats all I want or plan to do!
tsk tsk mom, what a response! I think I’ll invest in a few packs of the glass headed pins too. I’m having a sewign weekend! Thats all I want or plan to do!
Hi,
I was in shock to see “my” pincushion in your blog! Mine as in I think they’re sisters! Your 30’s log cabin one has a twin at my house. I received it in a Secret Santa gift years ago. It truly is my very favorite.
Naomi
Hi,
I was in shock to see “my” pincushion in your blog! Mine as in I think they’re sisters! Your 30’s log cabin one has a twin at my house. I received it in a Secret Santa gift years ago. It truly is my very favorite.
Naomi
The U shaped pins are called Fork Pins and have been around approx 5 years.
Someone already shared why you shouldn’t sew over your pins (timing on your machine and flying debris). My tyrant quilt making teacher preached and preached about that so I just don’t do it.
I love the white glasshead pins by Clover and the blue/yellow glasshead pins also,(I believe by Clover). They are long, thin and smooth. SWEET!
The magnetic pin cushions are wonderful but I’m afraid to use one and get it to close to my machine.
Great post!
The U shaped pins are called Fork Pins and have been around approx 5 years.
Someone already shared why you shouldn’t sew over your pins (timing on your machine and flying debris). My tyrant quilt making teacher preached and preached about that so I just don’t do it.
I love the white glasshead pins by Clover and the blue/yellow glasshead pins also,(I believe by Clover). They are long, thin and smooth. SWEET!
The magnetic pin cushions are wonderful but I’m afraid to use one and get it to close to my machine.
Great post!
I love your pin cushions. I am a junky for them. Isnt it funny. I wonder what makes them so appealing to us. Stay safe with your pins!
I love your pin cushions. I am a junky for them. Isnt it funny. I wonder what makes them so appealing to us. Stay safe with your pins!
Oh I forgot! I would share my peonys with you if I could.
Oh I forgot! I would share my peonys with you if I could.
Pincushion note — I have two Ewesful felted wool pincushions and I love them (http://www.checkerdist.com/ax_commerce/shp_detail.cfm?productID=21629&search=1 to see a photo).
I like these because they don’t tip or roll around & the wool is good for the pins.
Pincushion note — I have two Ewesful felted wool pincushions and I love them (http://www.checkerdist.com/ax_commerce/shp_detail.cfm?productID=21629&search=1 to see a photo).
I like these because they don’t tip or roll around & the wool is good for the pins.
I have recently started using Clover Flower headed pins. Before I used good old British dress making pins, very boring, no glass beads on the ends and they are kept in an old tabaco tine belonging to my Grandfather who I died before I was born (I’m 46 now)(the pins aren’t that old!!!).
I have been inspired to show a photo of my pin cushion which has a wooden base and a hand embroided top (by me)
I have recently started using Clover Flower headed pins. Before I used good old British dress making pins, very boring, no glass beads on the ends and they are kept in an old tabaco tine belonging to my Grandfather who I died before I was born (I’m 46 now)(the pins aren’t that old!!!).
I have been inspired to show a photo of my pin cushion which has a wooden base and a hand embroided top (by me)
I never ever sew over pins – that scares me too bad. I use very thin sharp pins with a glass head that I think might be by Clover. They bend easily so I end up throwing a lot away. I do have the thicker ones like you have but I only use them for pinning things to the design wall. Blessings, marlene
I never ever sew over pins – that scares me too bad. I use very thin sharp pins with a glass head that I think might be by Clover. They bend easily so I end up throwing a lot away. I do have the thicker ones like you have but I only use them for pinning things to the design wall. Blessings, marlene
Thanks for the post about the pins…I am new to all of this so things like this are very helpful to me!
Thanks for the post about the pins…I am new to all of this so things like this are very helpful to me!
As always – late reading and commenting. And of course I have no idea what the previous 34 people told you. I still have to put in my two cents. I use ultra fine silk pins for my piecing. They do not have a glass head – just a tiny silver head. Many excellent piecers recommend these in their books and I always recommended them to my students. For one good reason – quilters NEED to sew over pins! At least those who care about their seams matching. If you take out the pins before you reach the matching point the feed dogs can cause the bottom layer to be pulled faster. 99.9% of the time you can sew over these pins with no problems at all because they are so fine. Just go slowly and keep your eyes open for a needle heading directly at a pin. I can’t even remember the last time I hit a pin which these.
And just for the record – most every sewing machine is made to sew over pins. It’s the sewing NEEDLES that aren’t made for sewing over pins LOL!
As always – late reading and commenting. And of course I have no idea what the previous 34 people told you. I still have to put in my two cents. I use ultra fine silk pins for my piecing. They do not have a glass head – just a tiny silver head. Many excellent piecers recommend these in their books and I always recommended them to my students. For one good reason – quilters NEED to sew over pins! At least those who care about their seams matching. If you take out the pins before you reach the matching point the feed dogs can cause the bottom layer to be pulled faster. 99.9% of the time you can sew over these pins with no problems at all because they are so fine. Just go slowly and keep your eyes open for a needle heading directly at a pin. I can’t even remember the last time I hit a pin which these.
And just for the record – most every sewing machine is made to sew over pins. It’s the sewing NEEDLES that aren’t made for sewing over pins LOL!
I’m late to this convo, but I’m gonna add this anyway. Recently I purchased a handmade pincushion that slides onto my wrist with a band of elastic. I got it from a seller in Etsy. It’s the BEST pincushion I’ve ever had. I just wear it when I’m sewing and my pins are always, always handy. Sometimes I just forget I have it on and find myself washing my hands or cooking with it. *S* No matter what kind of pins you have, this is a real winner.
I’m late to this convo, but I’m gonna add this anyway. Recently I purchased a handmade pincushion that slides onto my wrist with a band of elastic. I got it from a seller in Etsy. It’s the BEST pincushion I’ve ever had. I just wear it when I’m sewing and my pins are always, always handy. Sometimes I just forget I have it on and find myself washing my hands or cooking with it. *S* No matter what kind of pins you have, this is a real winner.
I Use glass head pins for quilting the thing is I don’t run over them I pull them out as I come across them, or if I must run over them I do it very slowy. So I don’t cause damage to the pin, needle, or machine. But im only 16 so my knowledge isn’t as large and vast and some other adult figures out there. However that is my opinnion
I Use glass head pins for quilting the thing is I don’t run over them I pull them out as I come across them, or if I must run over them I do it very slowy. So I don’t cause damage to the pin, needle, or machine. But im only 16 so my knowledge isn’t as large and vast and some other adult figures out there. However that is my opinnion