10 Sewing Notions You Need to Know About: Patchwork Pins (Fine)
By Afton Warrick
It’s time for 10 Sewing Notions You Need to Know About! Previously, I introduced you to the Iron Shine Cleaning Pen and the Hot Ruler. Today’s notion is a must-have basic, Clover Patchwork Pins (Fine).
When I started quilting, I fell prey to the deception of generic “quilting pins”. I assumed these pins, given their name, would be the most suitable for my new hobby. I didn’t realize the thick shafts were shifting my fabric as I pinned, the plastic yellow heads would melt if they came into contact with my iron, and their bulky size created a greater likelihood of being hit by my needle and cause my machine to need servicing.
Clover Patchwork Pins (Fine) can be ironed over without damage, due to a melt-proof glass head. The extra fine shaft (.04 mm) passes through fabric without leaving holes or distorting the alignment of the fabric layers. They are the perfect length (36 mm) and come in a closable plastic case. They can be used for piecing or appliqué.
If you were very perceptive when reading my post about making an 18″ doll pillowcase dress, you might have noticed a sneak peek.
More recently, I’ve been working on some Disappearing 9 Patch holiday blocks in batiks fabrics. I wouldn’t call my fabric selections modern, even though batiks are emerging within the aesthetic (Alison Glass Handcrafted and Hoffman Indah Batiks), but I love the festive patterns and saturated hues all the same.
Flip each outer-middle piece 180 degrees so that the same colors do not touch. Sew together in this formation.
Square blocks up to be 12 1/2″ unfinished.
