I've been using 2" long flower pins for years- they are sharp, flat and with practice I have managed to be much faster loading- I can generally load a king sized quilt top, backing & batting In less than an hour. just takes practice & getting a 'routine'...and nice sharp flat pins...the T pins I have seen are so thick...I can not imagine trying to force them through the canvas leaders- my flower pins are thin & sharp- goes through the canvas easily.