Working with fabric is very rewarding for all skill levels. Knowing how to pin fabric properly is the first step to a successful project. The tips below will help to clear up questions and communicate ideal pinning methods.
Tips for new crafters on how to pin fabric properly. Fabric crafting requires frequent pinning and planning–this is how to do it accurately.
- Begin with pressed fabric and line up raw edges
- To avoid puncturing the fabric, you can place the pins on the outside of the seam allowance. This method also allows you to sew without having to remove the pins first.
- Do not sew over pins. While some do not remove pins prior to sewing, this practice can dull or even ruin a sewing machine. Sewing over pins can destroy the needle, damage pricey fabric and even jam the machine. Machines are quite an investment, so it is best to develop good sewing habits from the start.
- Many pin at a perpendicular angle to the raw edge, this provides more strength but may leave holes in fabric.
- Pinning parallel with the raw edging removes the risk of damage to the fabric. The direction you need to pin will depend largely on the project at hand. The more you sew, the more trial and error will become a valuable teacher.
- No matter what direction you are pinning, leave a 1” gap between pins. This will keep the dimensions of the project correct. Larger gaps can lead to spacing errors that can be timely to correct.
- Never use bent pins. Remove ruined pins from your stash before they wreak havoc on your next project by tearing the fabric or securing the wrong spot.
- Using clips will add binding
- Happy fabric crafting! Share your tips and tricks with us on Facebook.
Post by J&O Fabrics
