Can You Sew Over Pins
Can You Sew Over Pins
The question of whether or not you can sew over pins is one of the most debated topics in the sewing community, often splitting crafters into two distinct camps. Beginners are often tempted to leave pins in place to ensure fabric layers do not shift, especially when dealing with slippery materials or complex curves. While some experienced sewists claim to have sewn over pins for decades without a single issue, others tell harrowing stories of shattered needles and damaged machines. Understanding the technical mechanics of your sewing machine and the potential risks involved is essential for any hobbyist or professional looking to maintain their equipment and ensure personal safety.
The Risks of Sewing Over Pins
Technically, a sewing machine can sew over a pin if the needle manages to miss the metal shank or if the pin is thin enough to be pushed aside. However, this is a gamble that carries significant risks. The most immediate danger is the breaking of the sewing machine needle. When a needle striking at high speed hits a solid metal pin, it can snap instantly. This doesn't just ruin your needle; it can send sharp metal shards flying toward your face or eyes. Many veteran sewists recommend wearing safety glasses specifically because of the unpredictable nature of needle fragments.
Beyond personal injury, sewing over pins can cause long-term damage to your sewing machine. One of the most common technical issues is throwing off the machine's timing. The timing is the precise synchronization between the needle and the bobbin hook. A hard strike against a pin can jar these components out of alignment, resulting in skipped stitches, thread nesting, or a machine that refuses to sew at all. Fixing the timing usually requires a professional service call, which can be expensive and time-consuming. Additionally, even if the needle doesn't break, it can develop a microscopic burr upon impact. This tiny snag will damage your fabric, causing runs in delicate knits or pulled threads in woven materials.
Best Practices for Pinning and Sewing
To avoid the "needle-meets-pin" catastrophe, experts suggest several alternative techniques. The most effective method is to pin perpendicular to the seam line. When pins are placed at a 90-degree angle to the edge of the fabric, with the pin heads facing toward the right, you can easily grab and remove them just before they reach the presser foot. This keeps the fabric secure for as long as possible without ever putting the needle at risk. Another popular option is using sewing clips, such as Wonder Clips. These plastic clips hold thick layers or vinyl and leather securely and are impossible to sew over, naturally forcing the sewist to remove them as the fabric feeds through the machine.
For those working on highly detailed projects like garment construction or quilting, "basting" is a superior alternative to heavy pinning. Hand-basting or using a long machine-basting stitch allows you to secure the fabric layers and remove the pins entirely before doing the final stitching. If you find yourself in a situation where you absolutely must keep a pin in place to maintain an intersection, the safest way to proceed is by using the handwheel. By manually lowering the needle, you can feel if it is going to hit the pin and adjust the fabric slightly to ensure a safe passage. This slow, controlled movement eliminates the high-impact force that causes breakage and timing issues.
| Sewing Method | Risk Level and Impact |
|---|---|
| Sewing Over Pins (High Speed) | High Risk: Broken needles, flying metal shards, and damaged machine timing. |
| Removing Pins Before Needle | Safe: Maintains fabric alignment while protecting the machine and user. |
| Using Sewing Clips | Zero Risk: Clips cannot pass under the needle, ensuring safety. |
| Handwheel Maneuvering | Low Risk: Allows for precision at tricky intersections without high-speed impact. |
How Pin Quality and Type Affect the Outcome
Not all pins are created equal, and the type of pin you use can change the severity of a collision. Thick, heavy-duty quilting pins are much more likely to break a needle or damage the machine's internal gears. On the other hand, extra-fine glass head pins or silk pins are more flexible. Proponents of sewing over pins often argue that these thinner pins will simply bend or be pushed aside by the needle. While this might be true in some cases, a bent pin is still a ruined pin, and the needle still suffers wear and tear from the glancing blow. Furthermore, modern computerized sewing machines are more sensitive than older mechanical models. Stepper motors and delicate sensors in new machines can be more easily disrupted by the jarring force of a pin strike compared to a vintage all-metal Singer.
Another factor to consider is the sewing machine foot. Some specialized feet, like the walking foot or a zipper foot, have very narrow openings. If a pin head or a thick shank gets caught under these feet, it can cause the fabric to pucker or feed unevenly. This results in distorted seams and a poor-looking finished product. If you are aiming for professional-quality results, the consensus is that removing pins is the only way to ensure the fabric remains flat and the tension stays consistent throughout the entire length of the seam.
FAQ about Can You Sew Over Pins
Is it okay to sew over pins if I go very slowly?
While sewing slowly reduces the force of a potential impact, it does not eliminate the risk. A needle can still strike a pin and bend it or develop a burr. It is always safer to stop the machine and remove the pin before the needle reaches it.
What should I do if my needle hits a pin?
If you hit a pin, you should immediately stop sewing and change your needle. Even if it looks fine, it likely has a dull point or a small burr that will snag and damage your fabric. You should also check the pin for damage and discard it if it is bent.
Are there any machines designed to sew over pins?
No consumer sewing machines are specifically designed to sew over pins. While some industrial machines are built to be more robust, the risk of needle breakage and personal injury remains the same regardless of the machine's power.
Can sewing over pins ruin my serger?
Yes, and the consequences for a serger are much worse than for a standard sewing machine. A serger has cutting blades; if a pin hits the blades, it can ruin them instantly, requiring an expensive replacement of the knife system.
Conclusion
In summary, while you technically "can" sew over pins, it is a practice that most sewing instructors and repair technicians strongly advise against. The potential for broken needles, damaged fabric, expensive machine repairs, and personal injury far outweighs the small amount of time saved by not removing pins. By adopting better habits, such as pinning perpendicular to the seam, using sewing clips, or utilizing the handwheel for difficult spots, you can protect your equipment and ensure your sewing projects are both safe and high-quality. Taking the extra second to pull out a pin is a small price to pay for the longevity of your sewing machine and your own peace of mind.