Learn all about pins and needles! We cover different types of needles and pins and what you need to know when considering pins and needles for your projects.
Thanks to Love Notions Sewing Patterns for supporting Love to Sew! Try out Love Notions’ Classic Tee pattern for free by going to lovenotions.com and using the code “lovetosew”.
Thanks also to MakeBox+Co. for supporting Love to Sew! Visit makebox.co before August 18th and get 10% off everything in the shop using code LOVETOSEW at checkout!
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Our favourites pins mentioned:
Pin length differences:
- Smaller pins: applique/sequin pins (½ inch-¾ inches in length)
- Most common / medium size: all-purpose pins or silk pins (1 1/16 inch-1.5 inches in length)
- Longer pins: quilting pins (1.5-2 inches in length)
Pin point differences:
- All-purpose pins – standard, sharp pins
- Ballpoint pins – great for knits
- Extra-sharp – great option for delicate fabrics
Fancy / Other pins:
- Fork pins
- T-pins
- Glow-in-the-Dark pins
- Wonder / Craft Clips
- Marbled Glasshead Pins from Blackbird Fabrics
Pincushions mentioned:
- Clover Magnetic Pin Caddy
- Grabbit Magnetic Pin Holder
- Wrist Pincushion
- Tomato and Strawberry Pincushion
Pincushion quadrant organization:
About Sewing Machine Needles:
- Sewing machine needle anatomy:
- Sewing machine needle size coding systems:
- What different sewing machine needle points look like up close:
Schmetz’s colour code system for needles!
Common sewing machine needles mentioned in this episode:
- Universal Needle
- Great for most wovens!
- Ballpoint Needle AKA Jersey Needles
- Use a ballpoint needle for knits, such as interlock, double knits, or jersey.
- Stretch Needle
- Use a stretch needle for slinky knits and knits with spandex.
- Jeans/Denim Needle
- Use denim/jeans needles for denim (of course!), canvas, waxed canvas! It’s a great needle for tightly woven fabrics.
- Microtex/Sharp Needle
- Use microtex needles for sewing bras! You’ll want to consider this needle when working with fine, delicate fabrics.
- Twin Needle
- Great for finishing knit hems!
- Serger/Overlocker needles
- Depends on your serger and what your manual says!
Other needles mentioned:
- Metallic Needles
- Topstitching Needles
- Quick-Threading Needles
- Quilting Needles
- Leather Needles
- Embroidery Needles
Hand-sewing needles mentioned:
Sharpening needles:
Other mentions:
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I tried Thanks to Love Notions Sewing Patterns for supporting Love to Sew! Try out Love Notions’ Classic Tee pattern for free by going to lovenotions.com and using the code “lovetosew”. but it doesn’t accept the coupon
Hello Rena! We just tested it out and it seems to work on our end! We recommend trying it again, and if it still doesn’t work, reach out to Love Notion directly for the free pattern 🙂