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From: keljo60
Date: 08-02-2006, 09:38 PM (1 of 6)
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I like to make tops with a tight knit, kind of like a lycra or something, but my problem is getting the straight pins to go through the fabric easily. I've tried different kinds, but I have to really push them through. Does anyone have any suggestions for a good straight pin size that will work for this? Kelly Kelly
Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and good with ketchup! |
User: keljo60
Member since: 07-30-2006 Total posts: 154 
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From: plrlegal
Date: 08-02-2006, 10:12 PM (2 of 6)
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You might try quilting pins. They're a little more expensive than regular straight pins, but I think they are a lot sharper. Silk pins might also do the trick. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: paroper
Date: 08-02-2006, 11:51 PM (3 of 6)
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In my (humble) opinion, these are the best pins that there are for FINE sewing. I don't use them for sewing cottons, etc...I use a long quilting pin for that...but these are smooth like "silk" and they do not mar fine fabrics nor snag them..if they happen to be used in the machine (to sew over) they don't bend like most pins unless they suffer a direct hit..they usually just slightly bent or just flex out of the way (they bend back). If used in "looser" woven fabric, cottons, fleece, wool, knits, etc, they tend to fall out because they are so fine. I only use these on silks, tafeta, satins, chiffon and other fine fabrics. I think they would work well on lycra. If you are doing a knit with a heavier texture, I'd move up to the quilting pins. They just beat the Dritz pins...you can feel the difference when they go into the fabric. They cost a lot but because they don't often break/bend, they last a long time. I use the 50mm x-fine silk IBC glass head pins in the 1 7/8 and 1 3/8 inch length for my fine sewing as shown here... http://www.clotilde.com/cl/product_group.asp?listtype=search&searchterm=pins&go.x=20&go.y=7&pg=2&dept_name=Search+Result%3A+pins&g_id=215003V pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: keljo60
Date: 08-03-2006, 12:47 AM (4 of 6)
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Thanks for the info Pam. My next question is regarding the sizes on the pin packages. Some say 17, or 20, or 24, etc., does anyone know if the lower number is finer or is the higher number finer? It's hard to tell the difference with my old eyes anymore!
Kelly
Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and good with ketchup! |
User: keljo60
Member since: 07-30-2006 Total posts: 154
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From: paroper
Date: 08-03-2006, 12:53 AM (5 of 6)
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Don't hold me to this but I believe the smaller the number the finer the pin. I know that my 50 pins are much smaller than my 60. It is that way with needles too. I understand that needles are gauged on wire measurments....but then again, needles must have a different gauge than these pins because if they were the same the size 12-14 needles would be invisible so these particular pins must be graded on a different scale. However, I think that you'll probably find that a size 24 is larger than a 17. If I'm in doubt I can tell by feel better than I can tell by looking.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 08-03-2006, 02:48 PM (6 of 6)
I don't know if all needles are graded the same. However, with quilting needles, the higher the number the smaller the needle. If you've ever quilted with a No. 9 quilting needle and a No. 11 quilting needle, you would immediately see the difference, especially when you tried to thread the eye of a No. 11. You almost need a magnifying glass, especially if you an "old lady" like I am.  Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
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