Thread: Pinning to the quilt frame - hat pins vs T pins vs ...?

So, I've been able to play with my frame and machine a little. The thing I'm finding is that loading a quilt (so far charity quilts, so they're small) takes longer for me than the quilting does. The first one took 2 hours + to load, and an hour to quilt!

One of the things taking the time is pinning through the ticking on the leaders. Now, in fairness, the pins that came with the frame are terrible. I'd swear they were dull if they weren't brand new.

They're T Pins (http://www.dritz.com/brands/showcase...p?ITEM_NUM=101) , and I also find the presser foot of the machine hooks on them and yanks them out (when I baste to be able to remove the pins) and I'm afraid that one will get in the way of the needle and cause a real mess. I also find that because they're dull, or whatever, I'm losing 3/8" pieces of skin at a time when I skewer myself while pinning and they suddenly go through the ticking and fabric. (yes, I suppose my technique can use some work too)

I've got some detachable zippers on order, and will be changing to that sort of set up (http://dragonpoodle.blogspot.ca/2012...-quilting.html) when they arrive, but for now, I'd just like to stop bleeding on the quilts and speed things up a little.

So I figured, what better place to ask than here.... what do you all prefer for pinning to the leaders?

I've been looking at hat/corsage pins. I figured out my flower headed pins are too thin and bend, so they're out. Are there other suggestions?

Sorry about your bleeding - - -

I don't have a long-arm - so really can't help you - but I have heard some mention of 'leaders' - I think they just clip on - maybe something called 'red snappers'?

I'm sure that the people that KNOW something about this will be helping you out soon - - -

Originally Posted by bearisgray

Sorry about your bleeding - - -

I don't have a long-arm - so really can't help you - but I have heard some mention of 'leaders' - I think they just clip on - maybe something called 'red snappers'?

I'm sure that the people that KNOW something about this will be helping you out soon - - -

I've seen those. I didn't know how well they worked (as in people like them or not). I've considered them, but have a concern about keeping the top and backing straight. I need all the help I can get there. Perhaps someone will see this and weigh in about them...? Another concern too is how much they would cost to ship to Canada, if I can even find someone who will. Which is the main reason I think I'm fabricating stuff.

Originally Posted by nanna-up-north

I don't have a long-arm either. But would safety pins work? That's what I use when I'm quilting at my sewing machine.

I have a sneaking suspicion that safety pins may have the same problem as the T Pins, as far as sharpness goes. That ticking is terribly hard to push through. I will try it though and see what I can come up with.

Great info CarolynMT. Thank you!

Originally Posted by cindi

There are quilting pins you can buy. I use ones with a flower head. They're long and the head is flat, so they don't cause a lump when you roll the quilt (not that that's a real bother). I took a class at one of the quilt shows with Linda Taylor, and she used what looked like corsage pins. They worked really well, too. Just make sure you get LONG pins, not short pins, or you'll be pinning for days!

Ditto on above mentioned flat flower pins....can take two bites w one pin....and pin head to toe across the canvas. Have been doing this for over ten yrs!