I have a long arm and I use flat flower pins. You can get thin ones that just slide through the quilt and leader. I bought my machine in 2004 and the pins at the same time. I have replaced some of them, but I am still using most of the original ones. I have tried the t pins and gave them away, and also the hat pins but they do not lay flat and let the quilt lay smooth on the rail. Good luck I hope you find what is best for you.