Types of Sewing Pins: Your Essential Guide to Choosing the Right One

When you first start sewing, you pick up any old packet of pins for your sewing kit and off you sew. But did you know there’s more than one type of pin?

Let’s look at the different types of sewing pins and when you use each one.

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What to consider when choosing pins

Just like needles, pins come in different sizes (both length and diameter) and have different points (sharp and ball points). Different pins are suited to different fabrics and applications.

Collage of different types of sewing pins

There is a range of options for the head of pins, from the traditional metal stub, to balls and other decorative options. Different head types can be more easy to spot in your fabric and more easy to handle when pinning. This tends to be a personal preference.

Sewing pins can be made from different metals. Stainless steel pins are cheap to make, and have reasonable and rust resistance (although may still rust). Brass pins were previously more common and are a strong option. Pins may also be nickel-plated to improve their strength, smoothness and rust-resistance.

Straight Pins

Straight pins are the most common and versatile type of sewing pin. You’ll find these essential tools in every sewist’s kit. They feature a thin, straight metal shaft with a head on one end.

These are the pins I grew up with and are generally the cheapest, but I don’t tend to use them as they can be hard to spot when you are sewing.

Glass Head Pins

Glass-head pins have a colorful glass ball on top, making them easy to spot and remove when you’re sewing (and find when you drop them on the floor!).

The biggest advantage of glass-head pins (versus plastic-headed pins) is you can iron over them without worrying about melting. Take care when pressing over pins – you don’t want to scratch the surface of your iron!

Flat Head Pins

Flat head pins, also known as dressmaker pins, are great for general sewing tasks. Their low-profile heads make them easy to iron over when necessary (but check what the head is made of before you iron over it!). The big heads are also useful for plush or chunky fabrics where other pins can get embedded and lost.

Ballpoint Pins

Just like you should use ballpoint needles when sewing knit fabrics, you should also use ball point pins. These pins have a rounded tip instead of a sharp point so they slip between the fabric loops rather than piercing them. This prevents damage and snagging, particularly on stretchy or loosely woven and delicate fabrics, such as lace.

Tip: Keep ballpoint pins in a separate container or pin cushion, so you don’t mix them up with your sharp pins.

Quilting Pins

Quilting pins are longer and thinner than regular sewing pins, making them perfect for piercing through multiple layers of fabric and batting.

T-Pins

T-pins are unique fasteners with a distinctive T-shaped head. They are great for working with thick or tightly-woven materials, like upholstery fabrics. Some have an extra-long shaft makes them ideal for heavy fabrics or pinning through multiple layers.

Decorative Head Pins

Decorative head pins add a touch of flair to your sewing projects. These pins feature colorful or ornate heads that make them both functional and visually appealing.

There are lots of cute options available on Etsy and Amazon, or in sewing stores, with almost anything you can dream of on the head, like flowers, cats, butterflies and more.

While decorative pins are pretty, they should still be sharp and sturdy enough for your sewing needs. Don’t sacrifice function for prettiness when selecting your pins!

Silk Pins

Silk pins, also known as ultra-fine pins, have a very small diameter, making them perfect for pinning silk and other lightweight, delicate fabrics.

Tip: Always pin within the seam allowance when working with silk. This extra precaution makes sure any tiny marks left by the pins won’t be visible in your finished garment.

Safety Pins

Safety pins are handy to have in your sewing supplies. You can use them in place of normal pins. They can be handy when fitting clothing, as they won’t slip out when taking the garment on and off and won’t stab you (I still remember the fear of being jabbed by pins when my Mum made me try on clothes when I was a kid!).

Safety pins can also be used for threading elastic or drawstrings. They can even be used as decorative elements (such as the famous Liz Hurley dress or kilt pins).

These pins come in different sizes. I like to keep a few different sizes in my sewing kit.

Curved safety pins are a favorite for basting quilts, as they are easy to insert and stay in place when handling big quilts.

U pins / Fork pins

U pins, also known as fork pins, are unique sewing tools designed to help you perfectly match seams. The two-pronged design allows you to pin both sides of a seam with one pin. This can be useful when matching seams for quilting or other sewing projects, and can also keep seam allowances flat.

Magic Pins

Magic pins have heat-resistant head. The large silicone head make them easier to grip. They come in a range of options, including quilting, applique, extra-long and fork pins.

Sewing pins are essential tools in your sewing kit. They come in various types, each designed for specific fabrics and purposes. So the next time you reach for your pins, consider pin size, sharpness, and head style to decide which is the best pin for the job!