When it comes to sewing, using pins to hold fabric layers together is a common and essential practice. But many sewers wonder: is it safe to sew over pins? While the answer may seem simple, it involves some risks and considerations. In this article, we will discuss the potential dangers of sewing over pins and explore safer alternatives to help you achieve the best results without compromising your sewing machine or fabric.
One of the most common risks of sewing over pins is a broken needle. If your sewing machine needle comes into direct contact with a pin, it can break immediately. This not only leads to a costly replacement of the needle, but the shards from a broken needle can fly in different directions, causing potential injuries. Sharp needle fragments can become lodged in the fabric, on the floor, or in your sewing machine’s internal mechanism, making them hard to find. In the worst case, these shards can cause serious injuries to the person sewing or damage other parts of the sewing machine.
In addition to the immediate danger of a broken needle, it can also lead to issues in stitching. A damaged needle won’t produce consistent stitches, which could result in poor seam quality or even skipped stitches.
Tip: Always wear protective glasses while sewing, especially when working around pins, to protect yourself from flying needle shards.
Sewing over pins can also cause significant damage to your sewing machine. When the needle hits a pin, it can cause the pin to bend or break into pieces. If the pin becomes lodged in the machine, it can cause the internal mechanisms, such as the bobbin mechanism or the timing system, to malfunction. Over time, this can affect the machine’s performance, leading to inaccurate stitches or mechanical failure.
The timing system, which ensures that the needle moves in sync with the rest of the machine’s movements, is particularly vulnerable to damage from pin impacts. If this system is disrupted, it can cause costly repairs or even render the machine unusable until it is serviced.
Another downside to sewing over pins is fabric shifting. The pin’s role is to hold fabric layers together while you sew, but when the needle hits the pin, it can push the fabric out of place. This misalignment often results in crooked seams or uneven fabric layers. When working on delicate or intricate projects, this issue can be especially problematic as it compromises the overall precision and appearance of the finished product.
Sewing over pins can cause additional problems with fabric, such as stretching or distorting the fabric, which is particularly problematic for stretchy materials or fabric with patterns that need to align correctly.
The safest and most widely recommended method is to remove pins as you sew. As you approach a pin, stop sewing with the needle in the down position, remove the pin, and continue sewing. This method ensures that the fabric remains in place while you avoid the risks of sewing over pins.
Removing pins while sewing may seem like a hassle, but it’s worth it to avoid broken needles, machine damage, and fabric shifting. With some practice, you’ll become more efficient at stopping and removing pins quickly.
If you are working with delicate fabrics or need extra control, you can sew over pins manually. Instead of relying on the machine’s automatic speed, use the handwheel to turn the needle slowly and carefully over the pin, one stitch at a time. This method allows you to guide the needle precisely, reducing the risk of the needle breaking or the machine getting damaged.
While it’s slower, manual sewing gives you more control, particularly when working with fabrics that require extra attention to detail.
An excellent alternative to pins is sewing clips. Sewing clips are particularly useful for holding thick or bulky fabrics together, as they don’t require puncturing the fabric like pins do. These clips are easy to use, and they won’t pose the same risks as pins when passing through the sewing machine.
Sewing clips come in various sizes and strengths, making them versatile for different types of projects. They are especially helpful for quilting, where large amounts of fabric need to be secured together without the hassle of pins.
Tip: Keep a variety of sewing clips in your sewing kit to tackle different fabric thicknesses and project types. They’re particularly effective for holding fabric in place on multiple layers or during quilting.
For those who prefer not to use pins at all, there are several pin-free methods available. One popular method is using basting tape, a double-sided adhesive tape designed for fabrics. This tape holds fabric layers together without leaving residue, making it ideal for temporary fabric bonding.
Another method is using fabric glue, which can be applied to fabric edges to hold them together while sewing. Fabric glue works well for smaller projects or when you need extra hold without the risk of pins.
| Method | Risk of Damage | Accuracy | Time Efficiency | Fabric Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sewing Over Pins | High (Broken Needle, Machine Damage, Fabric Shifting) | Low (Fabric may shift, crooked seams) | Fast (But risky) | Not ideal for delicate fabrics |
| Removing Pins While Sewing | Low (No risk of needle breakage) | High (More accurate seams) | Moderate (Stops to remove pins) | Works with all fabrics |
| Manual Sewing Over Pins | Low (Careful control) | High (Delicate fabrics) | Slow (More controlled) | Ideal for intricate fabrics |
| Sewing Clips | Very Low (No damage) | High (Secure fabric) | Moderate (Clips must be placed) | Great for thick fabrics |
| Basting Tape or Fabric Glue | Very Low (No punctures) | High (Precise fabric hold) | Fast (Minimal setup) | Ideal for delicate fabrics |
Sewing over pins may seem convenient, but the risks far outweigh the benefits. A broken needle can lead to a string of issues, such as fabric damage, broken machine components, and even injury. These issues can cause a domino effect, with the needle fragments potentially damaging other parts of your sewing machine, such as the timing mechanism or the bobbin mechanism.
The long-term costs of sewing over pins aren’t just limited to machine repairs. Constantly sewing over pins can decrease the overall lifespan of your sewing machine, leading to more frequent servicing. The wear and tear caused by repeated pin-related incidents can also degrade the quality of your stitches, leading to less professional-looking results.
Furthermore, using pins can damage fabrics that need to remain pristine, such as silk or specialty upholstery fabrics. The risk of fabric shifting or being damaged by broken pins or needles can lead to wasted materials and unnecessary rework.
If you absolutely must sew over pins, the best practice is to place them perpendicular to the seamline. Place the pin so that the shaft crosses the fabric layers, but the head is away from the needle’s path. This positioning reduces the risk of the needle hitting the pin directly. However, even with this setup, it’s still important to sew slowly and carefully to avoid accidents.
One key factor in minimizing the risk of sewing over pins is slowing down your sewing speed. If you approach a pin slowly and cautiously, the needle is less likely to break. Slower sewing also gives you more time to stop and adjust the fabric if needed.
While some people prefer to sew at a higher speed, it’s essential to slow down when you’re approaching pins to ensure a safer sewing experience.
For projects where precision is key, hand-basting is an excellent method to avoid using pins. Hand-basting involves temporarily stitching fabric layers together with a long, loose stitch. Once the sewing is complete, the basting stitches can be easily removed. This method allows for more precise control over the fabric and eliminates the risks associated with pins.
Spring clips and basting tape are two alternatives that provide a secure hold without the risks of pins. Basting tape works well for holding fabric layers in place temporarily, while spring clips can secure thicker fabrics. Both methods are quick, easy, and effective for a variety of sewing projects.
While you can technically sew over pins, it’s not worth the risk. Broken needles, machine damage, and fabric shifting are common issues that can arise. Safer alternatives include removing pins as you sew, using sewing clips, or opting for pin-free methods. By using these methods, your sewing projects will go smoothly, your machine will remain in good condition, and your finished pieces will look professional. With products from Huisui, you can enhance your sewing experience, ensuring precision and reliability in every project.
A: Sewing over pins is not recommended due to the risk of breaking needles, damaging the machine, and shifting fabric. It's safer to remove pins as you sew.
A: Sewing over pins can cause broken needles, damage to your sewing machine, and fabric misalignment. Removing pins before sewing is a safer alternative.
A: Yes, using sewing clips is a safer alternative. Clips hold fabric layers together without the risks associated with pins.
A: If you sew over pins, the needle may break or the pin may get stuck in the machine, causing mechanical damage or fabric shifting.
A: You can use alternatives like basting tape, fabric glue, or spring clips to keep fabric layers secure without using pins.
