The Sewing Place

Tools of the Trade => The Haberdashery => Topic started by: snoozi soozi on December 04, 2019, 16:48:22 PM

Title: Rough pins
Post by: snoozi soozi on December 04, 2019, 16:48:22 PM
A few of my pins have 'gone rough' - they don't slide into fabric very well. What causes this?
Title: Re: Rough pins
Post by: Ploshkin on December 04, 2019, 17:19:57 PM
They shouldn't have rust on them.  Have you used them on anything involving adhesive? They could be sticky.
As soon as I have a pin that is defective in any way I throw it away - I have a sharps box on the window sill.
Title: Re: Rough pins
Post by: Deafoldbat on December 04, 2019, 19:40:00 PM
Have you been sewing over them? They get roughed up that way too.
Title: Re: Rough pins
Post by: snoozi soozi on December 04, 2019, 19:40:45 PM
I don't think they're rusty but now you mention it, I may have pinned a pattern piece that has been sellotaped together. I'll give them a wipe  ;)
Title: Re: Rough pins
Post by: snoozi soozi on December 04, 2019, 19:43:42 PM
@Deafoldbat yes, I do sew over pins, doesn't everyone? Should I sit on the norty step?  ><
Title: Re: Rough pins
Post by: Acorn on December 04, 2019, 20:33:31 PM
I'll shuffle along and make space for you @snoozi soozi...  ;)
Title: Re: Rough pins
Post by: Ohsewsimple on December 04, 2019, 21:42:01 PM
No, it’s very dangerous to sew over pins.  At best you might put the timing out on your machine....expensive mistake.  At worst, the pin or needle could break and fly up towards your eyes.   :o
Title: Re: Rough pins
Post by: Lilian on December 04, 2019, 22:35:20 PM
I only sew slowly over pins and not all the time  :o  ;)
Title: Re: Rough pins
Post by: Holly Berry on December 04, 2019, 23:43:38 PM
I made myself a wrist pin cushion, with velvet covering a foam rubber dome. I stopped using it as I found it blunted pins.
Title: Re: Rough pins
Post by: Missie on December 05, 2019, 10:42:36 AM
I made myself a wrist pin cushion, with velvet covering a foam rubber dome. I stopped using it as I found it blunted pins.

You need to fill it with sand instead as sand apparently keeps pins sharp!
Title: Re: Rough pins
Post by: b15erk on December 05, 2019, 10:48:33 AM
I've had batches of cheap pins which are rough, and they can really pluck, and damage fabric.

Some I bought in the cheap Chinese shop in Tenerife - they were very prettily displayed.  Others came as gifts, and you don't realise until you try using them how terrible they are. 

Like Plosh, I keep an old vitamin containers for dud sharps - reduces accidents.

Jessie
Title: Re: Rough pins
Post by: Flobear on December 05, 2019, 11:41:45 AM
Sorry, every time I see this fred I can't stop myself thinking, "Rough pins do shake the darling buds of May". Apols. to Shakespeare, W.

I'll get me coat  :ninja:

Title: Re: Rough pins
Post by: HenriettaMaria on December 05, 2019, 12:42:00 PM
I sew over pins that are perpendicular to the fabric but only if absolutely necessary - I'd rather remove them before they or the needle break!
Title: Re: Rough pins
Post by: Kwaaked on December 05, 2019, 13:14:23 PM
New pins can also be rough.  I buy the 5000 Iris bucket and still have rough and unsharpened pins throughout.  And pins do get dull from use.

I don't generally sew over them, not that I an a purist on this count but because of college/type of machine.

Title: Re: Rough pins
Post by: Holly Berry on December 05, 2019, 18:16:08 PM
You need to fill it with sand instead as sand apparently keeps pins sharp!

My mouse pin cushion has emery sand in the base and it does keep the pins sharp. As it was for wearing on my wrist I wanted something lighter, but it didn’t work.
Title: Re: Rough pins
Post by: Esme866 on December 05, 2019, 18:57:05 PM
Pins and needles do rust/corrode over time and the damage is not visible to the naked eye.

Ran over a pin once when I was quite young and my mom dug the tip of the machine needle out of the corner of my eye....I NEVER intentionally sew over a needle! (I'm slightly OCD regarding safety.)

I pick up a new box of decent quality pins every few years and try to keep them separate from older ones, just so I can use for silks, etc.
Title: Re: Rough pins
Post by: Tamnymore on December 05, 2019, 20:18:09 PM
Yes I'm naughty too - I sew over pins. I bought a big box of cheap pins recently (Hemline, since you ask) knowing that they would be a bit rubbish and guess what? They are. Most are OK but a number are a bit bent, others don't seem to have points and a few have those rough points that some of you have mentioned. I've learned my lesson!  :S
Title: Re: Rough pins
Post by: snoozi soozi on December 07, 2019, 17:01:23 PM
@Esme866 wow you were lucky there. I find if you take your time and slow down as you approach a pin you can sew 'over' it, if you get my meaning  >< A lot of the time I hand-turn the needle so can pre-empt any strikes