Pins are such basic sewing tools that we don’t think about them very often. For years, I used whatever pins were available. I didn’t pay attention to whether I was using quilting pins for sewing satin clothes, or silk pins for a cotton quilt. A dear friend taught me that quilting pins are for quilts and you need the appropriate pin for the fabric you are using. But I didn’t understand the finer points (pun intended) until recently. I have a toolbox of pins. My all purpose pins are on my red magnetic pin holder. My large safety pins for basting are in the clear container. I also have small safety pins that are used primarily for costumes and quick repairs. I have become a lover of the lowly pin. As I discuss my favorites, please be aware that as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases through the links.
For basting, I like large (at least size 2) curved safety pins. These work very well for me. I have a box of size 1 safety pins, but I don’t use them except for some wallhangings. Here is a handy size chart for safety pins:
| Size | Length in inches (mm) |
| 00 | 3/4″ (19mm) |
| 0 | 7/8″ (22mm) |
| 1 | 1 1/16″ (27mm) |
| 2 | 1 1/2″ (38mm) |
| 3 | 2″ (51mm) |
| 4 | 2 1/4″ (57mm) |
Straight pins also have sizes. Some manufacturers list a pin by the length and some include diameter to distinguish fine pins from regular or large pins. Here is a chart for straight pins:
| Size | Length in inches |
| 44 | 2 3/4″ |
| 32 | 2″ |
| 28 | 1 3/4″ |
| 24 | 1 1/2″ |
| 20 | 1 1/4″ |
| 17 | 1 1/6″ |
| 14 | 7/8″ |
| 12 | 3/4″ |
| 8 | 1/2″ |
Pin diameter also varies:
| Diameter in mm | Size | Use |
| 0.4 mm | Super fine | Sheers, chiffons, satins |
| 0.5 mm | Extra fine | Cottons, sewing curves |
| 0.6 mm | Fine | All purpose sewing |
| 0.7 or 0.8mm | Heavy duty | Denim, corduroy, heavy fabrics |
I have played around with a lot of pins over my nearly 50 years of sewing, and I am happy to share some of my favorites with you.
My favorite pins for keeping track of pieces for a quilt are these star pins from Dritz. They are long (2 3/4″) and thick, but the variety of numbers and marks works for most of my quilts.
If I need more variety, I add in my Wright flower pins . These are also long and are slightly thinner than the star pins. I wrote numbers 1-75 on my flower head pins, but some of the numbers have worn off. They work well in conjunction with my stars.
For piecing, I have two sets of pins. Sheri Cifaldi-Morrill of Whole Circle Studio suggested that better pins would improve my precision in piecing tight curves, and she was right! Sheri recommends (and I agree) the Iris 1 1/4 inch pins for tight curves. Iris also makes 1 1/2 inch colored head pins which are great general use pins.
These are European pins with a delightful tin. I love opening and closing it! The pins are fine and relatively short and work great on tight spaces.
For most piecing, my favorite pins are Clover Fine Quilting Pins<a href="http://<a href="http:// .
They are long, thin and hold up to heavy use quite well. I have been using them for curves and straight piecing. Clover also makes a super fine which is also 1 1/2 inches long but is 0.4mm.
I don’t do much hand applique, so I have not worked with fine applique pins, but there are numerous short (1/2 to 3/4 inch) special applique pins to choose from
I am always looking for the newest, best pin. Do you have a favorite to share? Remember to change out dull or bent pins. I keep a “discard” bottle for old pins next to my sewing machine.
Happy sewing and may your pins be sharp!
