Ever since sewing clips have made their debut there’s been a question of whether they’re better than than sewing pins. Or, if you’re reading this post to decide which one you want to use. So down below in this post I’m going to talk about both these alike notions pros and cons. But, first let’s talk about sewing.
Whether you’re using a sewing machine or sewing by hand. Sewing is a wonderful craft. You can make all kinds of different things. Like sewing a outfit complete with a hat. Or sewing a crazy quilt. Also place mats and soup bowl cozies. The trick to enjoying sewing is to take your time on your sewing projects. Don’t rush through it trying to get it down. I know I’ve had a couple of project that I’ve had to hurry along and they’re not as enjoyable.
You can also buy a sewing pattern or you can even make your own sewing patterns. When you go to make your own sewing pattern, start simple. Do something easy with few pieces. Don’t start with something complex with a whole bunch of different pieces or you’ll wind up getting frustrated and not want to try again.
And I love sewing, I especially love how you can make vintage clothing. I love looking at all the different vintage sewing patterns. Although I’ve made a few vintage 18 inch doll clothes, I haven’t made any historical outfits for myself (yet).
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Sewing Pins vs Sewing Clips
Now I’m going to talk about what’s best sewing clips or straight pins. You usually can get either of these at your favorite craft store. I know that my Hobby Lobby has a selection both of these items. I think that these are both something that needs to be in every sewing room. They both have things I like about them. And they both have pros, but they also both have cons. To be honest whichever one you use is entirely up to you, because they’re both a great choice for your craft projects.
But, first let’s talk about they’re both used for. They’re used to hold your layers of fabric together. To hold your hem up until you sew it. And to hold the pattern pieces to the fabric and more. There are something that the pins are better for than the clips. But, that also goes for the clips, because there are somethings the clips are best for.
Pins are also called dressmaker pins and there are different pins like, ballpoint pins and silk pins. Silk pins are finer pins, and ballpoint pins like ballpoint sewing needles are for knit and stretch fabric.
Fabric clips can come in different sizes, larger clips and smaller clips. And they come in all kind of pretty colors. And remember when your sewing you always remove the pins or clips right before you get to the presser foot on your machine.
Pros and Cons
- Pin Pros: To me pins are the best choice to hold together the layers of a quilt. Because the clips can hold the outer edge together but not the middle of the quilt.
- Pins are also what I prefer for holding the pattern to the fabric. Even though you could also use weights.
- And they’re not as bulky as clips can be.
- They can also be used to mark where you want a button or buttonhole.
- They’re better if you’re working on a something small.
- Pins are great for marking where you start or stop sewing.
- Affordable, pins are much cheaper than clips.
- Pin Cons: Pins can also get dull and snag the fabric, they can also bend very easily.
- Pins can also slip when your sewing so that may make you mess up your seam.
- You can poke yourself very easily with them. I don’t know how many times I’ve poke myself trying to pin two pieces of fabric together.
- You also can’t see them as easy when you drop them and they hurt if you accidentally step on them.
- It’s harder for them to hold really thick fabric or a bunch of layers.
- Clip Pros: Clips are a better choice for delicate fabrics or satin fabric. Because the pins can sometimes make small holes on the fabric, especially satin fabric and that’s the last thing you need if you’re working with leather or vinyl.
- And clips hold the fabric firmly without slipping.
- They’re great to use with quilt binding
- And the bottom flat side helps with easy feeding.
- They’re easier to see so when you’re sewing so you can’t miss them.
- They’re also great for heavy fabric or thick layers of fabric.
- Clips Cons: Clips can break and they can sometimes lose their tension so it doesn’t hold the fabric together.
- And you can only use them on the outer edge of fabric.
- And sometimes they’re too bulky for smaller projects.
- You can’t add embellishments on the front of your outfit with clips, you’ll have to use pins.
- They may weight down and distort knit or stretch fabric.
The winner is
Both of them are winners, because they have so many good points and are great for different things. And I actually like them both. There will always be certain parts of projects that I’ll use the pins for. Or, other parts I’ll use clips for. It’s really like I said before it’s personal preference. They’re both great and I think you definitely need both around for your next sewing project. I also read somewhere that you could also use paper clips, but I don’t know about that.
And don’t let the cons of either scare you. They’re both great and have so many pros. And remember if you’re just starting to sew, you just need to take your time, breathe and enjoy your sewing life.
Remember there’s no right or wrong when crafting, just preference. And there are all kinds of different sewing supplies. Some you may not need and some that you can’t live without.
Check out my other sewing post
- How to Sew on a Four or Two Hole Button by Hand
- What are The Best Needle Threaders for Hand Sewing
- The Best Thread to Buy for a Brother Sewing Machine
- Tips and Tricks for Sewing Doll Clothes for Beginners
- How to Change a Sewing Machine Needle Like a Pro