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Im On Pins And Needles (July 2010)

20 July 2010 - Unknown Author

I’m on Pins and Needles

Pin facts.

Straight pins usually measure between ½” to 2 1/8” long. Most pin manufacturers list the pin length on the package. The size number refers to the length in 1/16” increments. So, a size 20 pin is 1 ¼” long.

Pins can be made out of different metals, like nickel, steel, brass, or a combination. Be sure to get rust resistant pins, they last longer and protect your fabric.

There are 3 types of pins: straight, specialty and safety pins, with multiple options in each category. Most of the time, general dressmaker pins are a good all-purpose choice.

The shaft diameter varies in pins. Use .5mm for lightweight fabrics and .7 to .8 mm for heavier fabrics. Sometimes the measurement is not listed but the pin will be labeled fine or super-fine.

Types of straight pins:

Ball Point: Rounded point for knit fabrics to keep from snagging the loops of the knit.
Craft: Extra-long for use with heavier fabrics.
Bridal and lace: extra-fine shaft for use on fine fabrics. They keep from leaving permanent holes.
Ball head, glass head or decorative head. Sometimes you want a pin head that’s easy to see.
Silk: Rust-proof fine pins for silks and fine fabrics.
Quilting: Long pins with colorful heads. For use on layers or heavy fabrics.
Satin: Tapered fine points to protect satin and other delicate fabrics from snagging.
Applique, Sequin and Bead pins: Very short, used for sequin and bead work.

Specialty Pins:

Twist or Spiral shaft pins: Can be twisted into soft wood, furniture for a strong hold. Used on upholstery.
T-Pins: Long and thick, used for crafts.
Florist or Hat pins. Very long pins with decorative pearl heads.
Loose cover pins: flat-topped for crafts and floral.

What’s so important about a pincushion?

Make sure to get a pincushion with the emery-filled strawberry, which sharpens and cleans the needle or pin.

The wrist-band type pincushion is very handy. Once you’ve dropped a tin of pins on the floor as you’re trying to maneuver around marking a hem, you’ll love your wrist-band pincushion