Introduction
Sewing machines are incredibly useful pieces of equipment, allowing sewers to create clothing, accessories and other items with accuracy, speed, and ease. Generally, when working on a sewing project, pins are necessary in order to hold fabrics together and in place prior to sewing. But is it safe to sew over pins with a sewing machine, or is it possible for the pins to cause an issue and damage the machine or the fabric? In this article, we’ll explore the answers to those questions, looking at both the benefits and risks of sewing over pins.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Sewing over Pins
Sewing over pins has advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to be aware of both before attempting to do so. To begin with, the most obvious advantage is that pins keep fabric in place much better than only using your hands. In fabric-heavy areas, it is difficult to accurately line up the edges of fabric and hold them in place while you sew. Pins can solve this problem with ease allowing you to create a precisely lined up seam or hem.
On the other hand, there are significant risks to sewing over pins. While modern sewing machines are built to withstand the minimal amount of pressure exerted by sewing over pins, there is still a possibility that the pin may get stuck in the needle or be moved during the sewing process resulting in damage to either the fabric, the machine, or both. Additionally, there is also a chance that the pins may mark the fabric, leaving a visible mark even after the sewing process is finished.
Experienced Sewers’ Perspectives
According to interviews with experienced sewers, the majority of them have expressed that they have had success sewing over pins in the past, with very few issues. There are those who do not advise sewing over pins, but it seems to really depend on the individual.
When it comes to experienced individuals, it appears that they are generally proficient enough when it comes to maneuvering the fabric accurately and quickly, which keeps the pin from moving too much and damaging the fabric or the machine. However, they do advise newer or less experienced sewers to be cautious and observe how their machine behaves when sewing over pins before attempting to do so in a larger project.
Sewing Over Pins with Different Types of Machines
When it comes to sewing over pins, different types of sewing machines may behave differently. Older and lower-end machines may not be able to lend enough support to the process and may not be able to handle the pressure of sewing over pins. In this case, it is usually recommended to avoid sewing over pins with these machines.
On the other hand, new and higher-end models are designed with extra support and strength, and are generally better equipped and built to handle the force needed when sewing over pins. With one of these machines, it is much safer to attempt to sew over pins, as the extra support and strength of the machine should ensure that no damage occurs.
Safety Precautions
Once it has been determined that a machine can handle sewing over pins, it is still important to take extra precautions. One of the most important precautionary steps is to make sure that the pins are 90 degrees to the surface of the fabric; any angle that differs from this may put an all too much stress on the needle, leading to potential damage. In addition, it is also important to avoid pushing or pulling the fabric while you are sewing over it. This not only ensures accuracy, but it also ensures that the pins remain secure and do not move during the sewing process.
What Fabric to Sew Over Pins With
When it comes to the type of fabric that should be sewed over pins with, most individuals agree that it is always best to choose thicker fabrics. Thicker fabric can easily support the pins and is generally strong enough to withstand the stress of the sewing process. Additionally, these types of fabrics usually contain more layers that can provide a layer of protection in case the pin is moved during the process.
Thinner fabrics tend to be more prone to damage and tears when sewing over pins, and should be avoided whenever possible. If these fabrics cannot be avoided, it is important to make sure that extra care is taken when sewing over them, as the force and pressure needed can result in serious damage to the fabric.
Alternatives to Sewing Over Pins
For those who prefer not to sew over pins, there are other alternatives that can be used instead. One of the most popular alternatives is to use a fabric adhesive. This can help keep the fabric in place and can be a great time-saver. There are some drawbacks to using the adhesive option, however; it is not as secure as pins, and it can also be difficult to remove the adhesive residue after sewing is completed.
Another option is to use fusible interfacing, which is a type of lightweight fabric that is coated on one side with an adhesive. The interfacing is placed onto the wrong side of the fabric with the adhesive side facing outwards. This can help hold fabrics in place and provides a reliable barrier that can prevent shifting during the sewing process.
Conclusion
Sewing over pins with a sewing machine is generally safe, provided that extra precautions are taken and the machine is of a high enough quality. However, for those who are new to sewing or to sewing with a machine, it is important to understand the risks involved, and that it is possible for damage to occur. It is also important to be aware of other alternatives to sewing over pins, such as using fabric adhesive or fusible interfacing, that can provide just as good of a hold while avoiding the risk of damage.
