Magnetic pin cushion
 

Reading the thread this morning regarding pin cushion preferences - Comments regarding the magnetic kind being kept away from our computerized machines. Is that really a concern? I have several magnetic and i don't worry about them. Should I be? I don't really pay attention to where they are sitting but i seem to always have one sitting within the throat area so i can toss my pins right on it as i sew along. Should i be concerned / find a new place for it?

I only know that I read about this on the Quilting Board several years ago and it makes sense to me. No reason for me to use magnets near my expensive computerized sewing machine. There are lots of pincushion options.

The electronics in today's machines will not be harmed by any but the most powerful of magnets, and those are definitely not in your pincushion.

Use your pincushion without worry. I have 3 different ones with pins, etc. One sits about 4 inches from the machine corner so pins can be placed easily. The most favored one is the square one that centers the points. It also holds the hoop tool for my embroidery hoops without rolling off.

I don't have computerized machines. I don't use magnetic pin cushions either. I keep a regular pin cushion close to my right hand and stick pins in there.

maybe in the early early days of electronics. I asked at two different machine repair places out of curiosity, and the answer was it would have to be a magnet the size used to lift cars :) Magnets used to goof up credit cards too.

My grands play with the Zirkel magnetic pin cushions. They use the pins like Lincoln Logs. LOL They have constructed some amazing pin art. The Zirkel is the best magnetic one I have found and it's heavy, can't be knocked off the table. I have one next to my needle plate on my computerized machine.

I have magnetic trays like mechanics use for screws and small parts when taking cars apart. As long as you don't put them near the computer board inside your sewing machine you will be fine. Keep in mind, though, that your pins will become magnetized from being in them.

No computerized machines are zip drive based so magnets don't due anything to the I use magnetic hoops and my Zirkle pincushion next to machine as well as my magnetic seam guage

I use magnetic bowls from tool stores. They have never bothered my electronic machines.