Pins: horizontal or parallel?
 

I have discovered recently by trial and error that it works better for me to place pins parallel to the edge of fabric (an inch away which prevents the pressure foot from hitting them) when sewing 1/4 inch seams than to place them horizontally. The two fabrics stay in place, don't shift away from each other and I don't have to worry about removing the pins as I sew. Anyone else use this method?

YES this works for me too :)

i've done it both ways, depending on how i have to 'grab' the piece or if it has curves, etc.

I do it both ways depending on what I'm doing. Sue

Uh - oh. Am I supposed to be pinning things? The only time I use pins is matching seams. I place them diagonally catching both seams, pointy end toward the presser foot.

Both ways for me too.

Me too. I find my 1/4" foot with the guide is so helpful.
Annie

I pin horizontally and sew over them. My machine doesn't seem to mind at all except occassionally. By then I figure it's time to change the needle anyhow.

To answer the post above "should I be pinning"
I pin depending on the results I need. Sometimes do and sometimes don't The bottom line is straight seams and seams that match, and what the feed dogs and pressure foot does to the seam. Have you noticed how on some machines the feed dogs tend to pull the fabric to the left when you get to the end, making the seam narrow....

I always pin toward where I want to sew; mainly because when I lie it down and go back later I remember which part I want to sew, very important in piecing. The other thing that I was taught was to put you pins in at an angle; then if you do run over a pin it won't break your needle. I try not to go over pins (especially in piecing) because it can throw the seam off but if I go over putting them in at an angle limits the problems of breaking needles.