I do a lot of paper piecing and then use only 1 or 2 pins before stitching the seam. But when I'm chain piecing, I don't use pins. When I'm sewing long strips together to form the quilt top, then I'll pin at each seam to match up them up. Also do not sew over a pin. I've found I really like flat head pins. The wire for the pin is thinner, so very easy to insert in fabric and if you happen to sew over one, it's less likely your needle will hit it.