littlehud

If I'm matching points, yes. Otherwise, no.

athenagwis

I agree - I exclusively use pins to match seams or points, I pin before and after the seam. I never had a problem with fabric lining up even with longer pieces. Actually I think i would pin for borders too, but that would be the only exception.

But do what is comfortable for you!! When I started I pinned everything until I got comfortable placing stuff together, oh and got comfortable with nothing really lining up since the perfect quarter inch will always be an elusive thing for me. :) :) Once I got past those, the pins were gone from my daily use.

Cheers!
Rachel

katiebear1

I can attest to the addicting part. It is just SOOO much fun.

shaverg

After 25+ years I still pin a lot, I have tried the other way, but occasionally I would line it up and then as I would start to sew it would slip a thread or two where I could see the underneath fabric peak out. So I still pin, pin, pin. It takes a little bit longer, but I seem to have to take more out when I don't pin, so for me it saves time in the long run.

katiebear1

I usually pin, excet when working with flannel. It sticks together, so you don't have to pin. I love flannel for cudely quilts

b.zang

Sometimes I pin; sometimes I don't.

One thing I have learned about not pinning, though. When sewing two pieces together, make sure they are both straight on to the needle going through. This is important to pay attention to when sewing a smaller piece to a larger (like borders) because if the larger piece starts to drop off the front or back, it will pull against the needle and the pieces won't match anymore.

maryb119

I am a "pinner".

raptureready

Only if I have to get points to match up or when sewing curves. Don't worry too much about perfection, just sew straight. A little more will make the block a little smaller, a little less will make it larger. I usually use a "scant" 1/4"---about a thread width or two smaller than 1/4". After some practice, you won't need to pin but if it helps, do it.

aardvarq

There are no Rules!

So, rule number one (for me): if it is over six inches, pin it to keep it where it belongs (sometimes :-) ).

Easing in fullness: pin the ends then pin the rest as you think you need to.

Borders are always pinned (for me).

Matching points: I can't get a point to match reliably if I don't pin (always).

Well, those are the rules that aren't rules :shock:

quilterguy27

I rarely pin anything. I've never had a class. I've learned everything by watching TV (Eleanor Burns & Alex Anderson). I just nest the seams together. Basically the only thing I pin is the binding. Good luck! Doug