Pins and irons
 

I have two questions. One, what pins are the best for piecing by machine and two is there an iron that has a really good point for ironing seams open? Eagerly awaiting your answers.

l like the pins with colored heads in the medium length. l find the long ones bent easily, and l like the heads because l can chose a color that shows up ( so l can easily find to remove)...also easier to pick up off my magnetic holder than small metal headed ones. As to the iron...l find most the same ( except those little Clover craft irons)... seamstress aid of a rolled towel under the seam is an old trick...works with any iron.

I use Dritz glass head pins. They are thin enough not to distort the pinned pieces. I also pull the pin out and do not sew over them if avoidable. Since you should only press a seam, not iron, any pointed iron should work. I press 99% of my seams open. The trick is to set the seam first but ironing it, then before trying to open it with the iron tip, flatten the seam with your finger and finger press it. This allows you to press up and down, not iron the seam.

I use a curved cuticle tool to open seams ahead of the iron. Works pretty well. :thumbup: I've never been able to get any of my irons to open those seams dependably.

I love the Clover silk pins. A handy method of ironing seams open is to lift up the fabric a few inches ahead of the iron as if you are ironing "up-hill". Really helps to keep it open. Wiggle slightly back and forth as you go.

Clover glass head or silk pins also a seam stick helps press seams open

I like the Clover glasshead pins & use a Clover II mini iron to press seams.

I have some F & P glass head pins that are wonderful--strong yet thin and sharp so just glide in.

I like the clover glass head pins, nice and thin and sharp and slide through the fabric easily, especially great for batiks.