Sewing With Pins In????

**headchange4u** · 12-02-2006, 11:08

I saw a sewing video on the internet the other day (sorry I can't remember where) where the person sewing just left the pins in the fabric and then removed them after the sewing was done.

I have always removed the pins just as they reach the sewing foot which makes the whole process a little more time consuming. I tried leaving a couple of pins in the fabric but the sewing machine needle grazed one and made a noise that I did not like.

Does anyone else leave pins in the fabric as they sew? Is there a special technique to do this? Do I run a risk of damaging my machine?

**attroll** · 12-02-2006, 11:23

That was how my mother used to do it when we were kids. She always left the pins in until she was done. unless you have a flat pin the needle should always go to one side of the pin.

**Doctari** · 12-02-2006, 11:50

Originally Posted by attroll

That was how my mother used to do it when we were kids. She always left the pins in until she was done. unless you have a flat pin the needle should always go to one side of the pin.

Exactly!

It's how I was taught by my mom.

I now rarely use pins, but YES, with a conventional machine you can leave them in. I usually have them at about a 45 degree angle, with the heads to the left, points facing forwards. That is Usually, sometimes I don't do it "Right" but that's OK too.

Do NOT allow pins to go through a Serger, it will tear up your machine. I put the pins in as I do with a conventional machine, but as they get close to the needles, I pull them out.

Doctari.

**Just Jeff** · 12-02-2006, 12:00

I often leave them in and never had a problem. Sometimes on silnylon when I take the needle out that stitch is a little bit looser than the others, but it's not a big deal...don't really notice it unless I already know the pin was there.

**Coffee** · 12-02-2006, 15:35

Do you guys have any problems with pins in nylon? I have been avoiding them. If I keep them in the seam, will I have any problems later with ripping?

**Arkwater** · 12-02-2006, 16:06

I learned the hard way! Don't use them with a down filled item. The down will come out the holes left by the pins!

**slowhike** · 12-02-2006, 17:54

Originally Posted by Arkwater

I learned the hard way! Don't use them with a down filled item. The down will come out the holes left by the pins!

that`s a good point w/ the down filled stuff.
as far as something like a tarp, i`m gathering that pins are not a problem, because the pin holes (even if you use lots of pins) are nothing in comparison to the line of holes left by the sewing machine, so i wouldn`t think that they would take away from the fabric strength.
and on a tarp, you`ll be filling every hole when you seal the seams.
somewhere i herd a warning not to sew over pins. i`m sure that 90-some persent of the time the needle will deflect off to one side or the other of the pin, but if it hits it dead on, it will dull the needle & possibly knock the timing off on the sewing machine.
a dull needle will take away from the fabric`s strength, i`m told.
i`d like to hear more about this from those who know.

**attroll** · 12-03-2006, 01:28

Also make sure you get all the pins out when your done. Man, I remember once my mom left one in and I got a surprise.

**Chump_Monkey** · 12-03-2006, 07:49

Leave the pins in and just sew right over them...I think thats how the experts do it...i.e. My Mom

**headchange4u** · 12-03-2006, 10:01

I found some 1.9oz ripstop at WalMart in a nice olive drab/tan-ish color. I was going to use it to make an asyemtrical hammock. I have gotten where I can roll hem the edges without pinning them, but I may try and sew one of the short edges with pins in.