Thread: Argument over sewing over pins!

I NEVER EVER sew over pins, and impress upon my pupils to do the same then I had a visit yesterday from my gentleman volunteer for Project Linus quilts, and we started discussing needle breakages, I had just broken 5 in one evening, don't ask, and he said he rarely breaks needles just on the odd occasion when he sewed over a pin and hit it!

I was horrified, his wife agreed with me, but his reply was, what is the difference in hitting a pin and hitting a foot or the sewing plate, you know when you have the wrong one in!

I didn't have an answer, do you?

All the needles I have are the right ones for all 3 of my machines. I used to sew over pins, but the damage to the machine isn't worth it. One problem with sewing over pins is sometimes the needle isn't broken just bent. That could upset the timing on your machine. I have had the needle and the pin break and go into the hole in the sole plate. Lucky not to have any damage but a terrible time getting the pieces out. Not worth it, IMHO.
Sue

Originally Posted by susie-susie-susie

All the needles I have are the right ones for all 3 of my machines. I used to sew over pins, but the damage to the machine isn't worth it. One problem with sewing over pins is sometimes the needle isn't broken just bent. That could upset the timing on your machine. I have had the needle and the pin break and go into the hole in the sole plate. Lucky not to have any damage but a terrible time getting the pieces out. Not worth it, IMHO.
Sue

Yes I agree. well said.

Well, when you hit the foot or plate you know something is not right. You've got the wrong part in, have it in wrong, something's not lined up properly. When you hit the pin you've deliberately left something in the way. I occassionally leave a pin in and usually don't have a problem. But, honestly, it's usually because I'm being lazy. If I really want to leave the pin in to make sure I get the stitch in the correct place I sew really slowly and take the pin out immediately before the needle goes in the fabric. Many years ago I sewed over a pin and it broke the needle and thread. I tiny part of the needle flew up and into my eye. It stayed down in the pink part of my eye-where you pull the skin down under the eye (if that make sense). I wore contact lenses and was used to putting my fingers in my eyes so I was fortunately able to get it out without too much trouble. I still prefer to wear my glasses when I sew, just in case!

I have always sewed.over pins. But I use a very thin pin and not so much anymore now that I am quilting instead of dressmaking. Never had a problem. Maybe it depends on ones machine.

My Mom would shutter if she knew how many times I have sewn over pins. Its my single worst habit. But I do at least slow down when approaching a pin.
In my defense , there are times when matching up a really tough area.. its just seems like the best method to keep it all exactly in place till its stitched.