Is there a science to pinning?
 

Hello,

I am new to this sewing and quilting business. I am just wondering how other people pin? My first projects are all basic square-patch designs, and my friend teaching me did not have me start, pinning. But now that I am on my own I am preferring to pin. I think I've figured out a good method, but I can't help but wonder how other people do it.

For example, needles pointing down? Or, to the left? Or, diagonally? Perhaps I am being too fussy to even be wondering about this?

Thank you!
Karen

i pin with the point going to left . if you pin vertical you would want the point to go up. that is my opinion

Hi Karen,

I am also new to quilting and am anxious to see what answers you get. As for me, I use safety pins and when I think I have enough, I pin more. I start from the center and go out from there. I know that doesn't help you with your question exactly...but I wanted to chime in!

Traci

If you are referring to pinning during piecing, I pin across with the point to the right and the head to the left so I can pull them out with my left hand as they get close to the presser foot/needle. I am right handed but my mom was left handed and I do several things like ironing left handed because that was the way she taught me so maybe I pin backwards too....... But if you are referring to pinning on making the quilt sandwich, I only use safety pins and try to space them 4-6 inches apart all over the quilt.

Here's a recent post. Lots of info
http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...s-t237783.html

AVOID FINGERS !!! lol..

For some reason i go in a square.. i pin point to right.. then i turn the quilt and pin to the right... turn the quilt and pin point to the right..

That video was very helpful, thank you.

As I am lefthanded, my pins face with the point to the right. Makes it a bit tougher to get them out when they are close to the machine needle, but I put up with it.

I pin horizontally to the edge, about an inch back. It seams to distort the fabric less than doing it vertically, plus you don't have to take the pins out when you're sewing, which I like.

If I need to pin, I prefer using Elmer's glue.

Regarding pinning, I think one of the most important things is to choose a good quality straight pin. It should be very fine with a sharp point. I think it also helps if they are long, or at least not really short. I also like glass head pins because they don't melt if I need to iron. I tried flathead pins only once; although I think it's a great idea to have a flat head, the quality of the pins I got was terrible -- not very sharp, and not very fine.