I see all kinds of pins: pretty ones, dull ones, short ones, ones that bend when you touch them, pearlized ones. Many pins have a specialized purpose. When working with delicate fabrics like lace or bridal fabric, then a very fine short needle is required since they cause the lest amount of damage to delicate fabric. If working with a knit fabric, then you need to use ball point pins, which will push apart the fabric threads, versus piercing the knit thread which could result in a run. Ball point pins usually come with plastic heads, so be very careful not to press over them since they can melt.

My favorite pin is a glass headed, medium length style. (The ones on the back left of the photo). Pick one with good shaft strength so they are not constantly bending. The length makes it easy to maneuver in and out of fabric seams, and the glass head allows me to press over the pin without concern of melting. The small glass bead is easier on the fingers than a small T shaft pin.

So, check out your pins! If they constantly bend, or seem hard to push through fabric, time for some new ones. Pins are one of the foundational tools of the trade, so invest as needed.

Happy Sewing

Gail