Sewing with knit fabric can be a rewarding experience, but it requires the right tools to get the job done accurately. Many times because I was so excited to get started on a project, or because I simply forgot, I did not take to the time to switch out my regular pins and needles for the correct ones to use with knit fabric. And because of that, I had “runs” in my beautiful knit fabric caused by my pins. Always test your pins on your fabric in a corner area before using to make sure the pin does not “pull” the fabric or create “runs.”
One tool that you can’t do without is the sewing pin. Choosing the right pin for your project can make a significant difference in your sewing experience, especially when working with stretchy materials such as knit fabrics. This article will guide you through the best pins for sewing knits, swimwear, fleece, sweatshirt material, and fine knits.
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Our Studio’s Top Pins to use when Sewing with Knit Fabrics
- Best Pins for Sewing with Everyday Knit Fabrics: Dritz Ball Point Pins
- Best Pins for Sewing Swimwear: Dritz Ultra Fine Glass Head Pins
- Best Pins for Sewing Fleece and Sweatshirt Fabrics: Dritz Extra Fine Glass Head Quilting Pins
- Best Pins for Sewing Fine Knits: Dritz Extra Fine Glass Head Pins
Best Pins for Sewing with Everyday Knit Fabrics:
When sewing knits, a ball point pin is your best friend. These pins have a rounded tip that allows them to slip between the threads of the fabric without causing any damage or “runs”. The Dritz Ball Point Pins are excellent for this purpose. They glide smoothly through knit fabrics without snagging, making your sewing process a breeze.
Best Pins for Sewing with Swimwear or Dance-wear Fabrics:
Swimwear fabric, like lycra or spandex, is notorious for its stretchiness, which can be challenging to handle while sewing. The key is to use pins specifically designed for stretchy fabrics. Dritz Ultra Fine Glass Head Pins are ideal for sewing swimwear. They have an extra-thin diameter that enables them to pierce stretch fabrics without causing runs or puckers.
Best Pins for Sewing Fleece and Sweatshirt Fabrics:
Fleece and sweatshirt material are thicker than most fabrics, requiring a longer, sturdier pin. Quilting pins are designed to handle these thicker fabrics with ease. They are longer and stronger than standard pins, enabling them to hold multiple layers of fabric together without bending or breaking. The Dritz Extra Fine Glass Head Quilting Pins are perfect for this task. Their long, sharp ends penetrate thick fabrics easily, and the glass heads make them easy to grip.
Best Pins for Sewing Fine Knits:
Sewing fine knits can be tricky. You need a pin that is sharp and thin enough to go through the fabric without distorting it. Ultra-fine glass head pins are perfect for the job. The Dritz Ultra Fine Glass Head Pins are ultra-thin and have a sharp point that can easily penetrate fine knits without causing any damage. The glass head is easy to see and doesn’t melt under the iron, making your sewing process smoother.
Sometimes sewing with knit fabrics require the use of many more pins, because some knit fabrics, especially swimwear and dance-wear fabrics can be very slippery. When sewing with knit fabric, choosing the right pin can make your sewing experience much more enjoyable and your finished project much more professional. Whether you’re sewing knits, swimwear, fleece, or fine knits, there’s a perfect pin for you. Check out the affiliate links above to find the best pins for your next project. Happy sewing!
Pro-Tips from our Studio:
- As soon as you see that a pin has been bent – throw it out. Pins are cheap enough and easily replaced, so don’t risk keeping a bad pin.
- As soon as a pin will not easily go through a piece of fabric – throw it out. It obviously got dull somehow, or rusted, or chipped. Don’t force your pin through your fabric, just toss it in the trash. It is not worth keeping. Trust me, if will ruin your project or a future project.
- Sometimes the head of the pin pops off, immediately trash the pin. The head is a protector as well as something to grasp onto when pinning. If the head pops off there is nothing to protect that end of the pin from rubbing against your fabric and it may cause some damage to your fabric, so just toss it away in the trash.
- Sometimes even brand new pins can be dull even right out of a brand new package. Just toss them in the trash.
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