Pins

Curious About Pins? Discover the Different Types of Pins at Spotlight!

Pins are used in a variety of crafts, so most crafters will have a selection of pins in their collection. Of course, there are different types of pins available, so it is always a good idea to get familiar with each one. Below, we have created a guide mentioning all available pins, so you can easily find the perfect pins for your craft.

What Are Glass Head Pins?

Glass head pins are probably the most common types of pins used in fabric crafts. These pins are characterised by a metal shaft and a white glass head on top, which tends to be quite visible when used in combination with darker fabrics.

The strength of your glass head pins depends heavily on the material the shaft is made of. Most are made from nickel-plated steel, which makes the pins quite durable. However, the material does come with a negative side, since it does give the pins less flexibility.

We must also mention the importance of the glass head on glass head pins, because this material is resistant to heat. So, if you need to use an iron during a craft, glass head pins will be your recommended choice.

What Are Ball-Point Pins?

Ball-point pins are often underestimated, because many people do not realise these pins are perfect for stretch knit fabrics and Jersey fabrics. When you work with these types of fabrics, normal pins will break the material. However, a ball-point pin will leave it intact.

Most ball-point pins are easier to handle than glass head pins, mainly because of the plastic ball at the end of the pin. However, the material of the head is not resistant to heat, so do not use these pins if you intend on using an iron during your craft.

What Are Silk Pins?

Less known than the previous pins, silk pins are still quite important for a variety of crafts. Silk pins are made for the more delicate materials, such as silk fabric.

Silk pins come in a variety of sizes and materials, but the recommended silk pins for more delicate materials are the ones solely made from metal. These pins usually do not have a head made from plastic or glass.

Many crafters are already familiar with these silk pins without even realising it, because these types of pins are commonly used by dressmakers and tailors. When you acquire some silk pins to work with more delicate materials, we do recommend testing the pins on a little bit of fabric to see how your material recovers.

What Are Quilting Pins?

As the name already suggests, quilting pins are made for quilting specifically. Quilting pins are usually a little longer than the average pin