i used to use the gun that shoots those plastic tags. the tags come in different lengths, and i chose the length that i needed to go in and come up one inch away. since they are flexible and bend with the fabric i had no distortion. and if i left it in for years, there was no rust. when you finish up, you just clip the 'string' and remove the tag ends. i used it until i got my longarm, then i didn't need it anymore.