I had some pins that went into the fabric smoothly but caught on the fiber when pulling them out. They also went in the garbage!! Brand name pins usually don't have those kinds of issues.

FYI - Clover's flower pins say "Head is not heat resistant. Do not apply iron directly." Considering that I generally keep my iron at a hot setting (cotton/linen), I wouldn't want to use any plastic headed pin.

Here is a link to Clover's line of glass head pins. My preferred pins are the Clover patchwork extra fine (40 mm). If I use the longer ones ("quilting" pins), I stick myself too much. http://www.clover-usa.com/search?q=g...y=0&t=products (first page only)

Thanks for the information. I've never melted a pin. DH is a mechanic & he hates spending $$ on pricey tools, but he does not like to spend his $$ twice on cheap tools.

I purchased a box of 300 pins about a month ago, made by a known company. When I tried to use them they wouldn't go through the fabric. I e-mailed the company, thinking that maybe it was a bad batch. They sent replacements and I couldn't believe they were the same way. I gave up. Now I have 600 flower top pins that won't go through butter. Will not purchase this brand again, needless to say.

Most pins - Clover's flower head ones included - come in different thicknesses to address different jobs. A thick pin, meant for heavy fabrics, wouldn't work well on lighter fabrics. The flower head ones are supposed to go through the machine easier, but aren't we all taught that we really shouldn't be sewing over them anyhow? Whatever, lol. For those who like them, just be sure to get the finer ones. But also remember, there are lots of manufacturers of the flower head ones, too.

Another brand I've seen recommended is Iris. I didn't like those at all. Like many things, we've all got our preferences.

Pins really can make a difference. I like the fine glass head pins...I buy Clover brand...usually buy the "silk pins."

I love the Clover pins. They are expensive but they are sharp with glass heads.

I get the flower and button pins from Nancy's notions. They have never melted, but they are thicker than the silk pins.

Flowers and Butterfly's do make me smile though!

Me too! I thought I was the only one. But remember the old diaper pin trick? Stick them in a bar of Ivory soap!

These are my favorite as well!
I had used some flower head pins a few weeks ago and forgot they weren't my glass head ones. Needless to say, I ironed over the top on one. The flower part melted and came off on the bottom of my iron. Ya, those have been 'put away'.