Today is Day 19 of 31 Days of Sewing School.
Using pins to keep layers of fabric together is a basic technique for sewing. Let’s take a look at a few thoughts on using pins in sewing.
There are two methods for pinning in sewing.
I personally use method A. I like to line my pins up with my needle, so that as I sew, it helps me keep my line straight and the right width away from the edge of the fabric (the distance from edge of fabric to stitching line is called the seam allowance).
If you use method A, be sure to have the balls or blunt end of your pins pointing down so that as you sew, you can pull them out towards you easily. If you use B, have the ball end on the right side of your fabric. The bulk of your fabric should almost always go off the machine to your left so again, the pins will be easier to pull out from the right.
Some people like to sew directly over the pins with method B, but I don’t recommend that. If your needle happens to sew directly on one of your pins, that could either mean a broken needle, or things getting slightly jarred or out of whack.
Whichever method you choose, you’ll want a pin cushion to store your pins for easy access. I made the fat lady cushion pictured above years ago, modeled after a style my grandma used to make and sell at craft fairs. She makes smile as she holds my pins.
Straight pins are also helpful for marking where something will go on your fabric (such as a pleat or a dart), or when you’re cutting your pattern out, to keep the pattern pieces in place on your fabric.
Which pinning method do you prefer?
About Nicole
FYI – left-handers will have their pins facing the opposite way for ‘method b’. Method A is not as good to use for heavy fabrics or when you are trying to match details – like plaids, intersections of seams, etc.
Thanks for your input, Shenna. I’ll have to ask the left-handers I know how they do it! I personally stick to Method A when I’m sewing, but I could see where that might be helpful.
Nice to be here and see your post!