I like length wise. But I always pen outside the seam allowance. So I don't have to take the pens out. 😆 I didn't even think of possibly leaving holes in the fabric.
I often use the cross if and when I pin, but I try to sew without pins, but I need more help sewing without pins. Sewing without pins is so much faster. Read my request below regarding sewing without pins.
Thanks again for the options - I took classes at 13 but not this level of detail and can always improve. Learning a 3 dimensional skill is so useful in thinking outside the box in life 😊. Wish I had known about fashion college then now I do it for pleasure ❤❤❤❤❤
Okay, so I’m a 56 year old Dad of two young ladies from Los Angeles. I decided I wanted to learn sewing to make a sports related shirt for myself. I googled “how to pin for sewing” and found your channel. It’s brilliant. Such good info and explanations. Bonus: you might be the smiliest person I’ve ever seen. Keep up the good work and wish me luck. 🙂
Wow😲 I totally admit I didn't realize pinning was an issue for so many people. How to do it just made sense from the start. On the other hand, I still have huge difficulty with math, or even filling out a form, so we all have our struggles.
"One advantage of length-wise pins is that it gives you a sewing line." hahahaha! My pins are _all_ over the place! I'm watching this to see why it's so hard for me to pin my pattern to my cloth! I'm sewing my very very first shirt (at age 52). This video helped a lot; thanks! I just wanted to share how I laughed when I imagined sewing along my pin line: \_/\__/\/\
@Silana. Congratulations on making your first shirt. Hoping it turned out the way you pictured it to be. The pins? We’ve all been there especially trying to keep them in the “train” line. Sometimes you get that one pin that decides to move 1cm to the left and the rest just have to follow. 🤦🏻♀️ I’m 57 y/o and am finally making the jump into fashion sewing. (Coming from the world of hand sewing repairs.) This is very challenging, but such an adventure. My first project is a pair of lounging pants for my hubby. (via McCALL’S Easy stitch ‘n Save #M9238)
All the skilled sewers will roll their eyes, but one of my biggest pin lessons has been to find quality ones! I bought a bunch that were too dull to poke through the fabric without tearing. I just assumed "new" would equal "sharp." I've used both styles of pinning. I am usually altering clothes, not sewing with a pattern, so I stick in the pins whichever way they will hold the area together. I appreciate learning these basics from those who've sewn for a while. Also . . .congrats on 25,000 subscribers! Wow!
Aww thankyou so much lovley!!! I've had many new people join us here in a very short time!! And your absolutely right about the sharpness!! I've had blunt ones too, they are rubbish!!!
@@Evelyn__Wood I so agree with the pins being blunt, I have wasted money on pins and to be honest the ones I got now are not good. Could you recommend any and what size is best as they come in many sizes. I have now started to use clips mostly now but having said I don't make much clothing just everything else 😀
When I sewed in the 1970s, two types of pins were available. One type for non-stretch fabrics and another type for stretch fabrics which were called stretch pins. I stored them separately. Same principle as for sewing machine needles.
I really like the pins with the large pearl heads. At first I thought this was a little over indulgent but honestly, the larger head makes them easier to work with and, really, I love how pretty they are and I’ve decided that matters :)
I'm one of those people who struggle with pinning, so thank you so much for this clear explanation and demonstration! I will definitely try this out - I feel empowered already!
I have always pinned perpendicular to the seams. I think pin holes would only show in certain specialty fabrics like silk or vinyl, which I rarely use. If I were using a fabric prone to showing holes, I'd most likely switch to clips to hold things together. Something I do that's a little special is that I sew by hand quite often. As in, constructing whole garments without using a machine at all. Nobody taught me but I eventually found out that an old useful technique nearly forgotten today is basting. I think of basting now as "advanced flexi-pins". In hand sewing I pin only to hold things together while I quickly baste, then I remove the pins and allow the basting to hold the fabric while I sew. This makes projects much more portable (which is one of the main advantages of hand sewing) and less likely to poke me. When I baste I sew with a contrasting thread so the stitches are easy to remove later, and I sew with only about 2-4 stitches per inch. In seam sewing I generally sew 8-12 stitches per inch. Hand sewing is obviously much slower than machine work, but can be so relaxing as a hobby if you're less focused on production of many garments quickly and more focused on simply enjoying the time with your hands busy. If you consider it in the same vein as people who embroider or knit, you may understand why I find it attractive.
I love this!! How wonderful to make a whole garment my hand! I find hand sewing very relaxing also! Your method is what I think I would do too if I were to sew seams by hand! Pins alone would not be sufficient to hold everything in place while sewing by hand! xx
Hi. I am a hand quilter and would like to start making clothes. Are there any tips/tricks you could give me? You are the first person to say that they have made a garment by hand. I want to do that too and make something that will last beyond the first wash. Lol Thank you for the inspiration and any guidance you can send my way. Vicki. 🙋☺
I baste a lot! especially form sensitive things like dress bodices and so on. The garment can easily be tried on and very quickly altered because the provisoric stitches are so fast to open and redo, and from the first fitting directly under the sewing machine, everything stays in place! love it! it also gives beautiful control whily attaching collars and such. I mostly sew hems by hand or finishing touches, but I baste a lot, it really helps me :)
OMG I wish I watch this video before cutting out all my pattern pieces. Your pinning technique is so effective and resulted in a much more accurate cut. Thank you so much for this
In my childhood, pins with glass ball points were cheap items, and my grandma and my grandpa’s sisters had theirs forever. I only began sewing myself about a year ago. And nowadays there are so many cute pins available. Which break or bend at the first attempt to put them through some simple woven quilting cotton fabric. Or they might stay in the fabric, and the cute flower- or button shaped pinhead might stay in your hand. I had a set of 50 cute pins, and only 4 survived the making of a queen size quilttop. Recently, we went to the sewing store, to get something fixed on my sewing machine. And picked up a box of pins. And when we were leaving the shop, my unspouse asked, if they were nuts at the shop, to charge nearly 20 EUR for a box of pins, and if I was even more nuts to buy them. Coming home, I introduced him to the various pins I had purchased within 14 months, or rather, their remains. And made him pin some scraps. (Worst I ever had were some so called „quality pins“ with salmon pink pearl heads, which poked gianormous holes into the fabric, and started rusting after two days. Leaving rusty traces on the fabric to point out the giant holes... And no, I don’t live by the sea. I live in southwestern Germany. But even if I did, I would expect quality pins to resist salty air for more than two days.) To cut it short: The differences in quality for pins a HUGE, nowadays. And those expensive pins I finally found are worth every penny, because they do not only save time, but a lot of nerves, which I appreciate, at my age. I‘m very happy to have found your channel, you encourage me a lot to give garment sewing a try. So far, I‘ve only made some for my dogs. Regards to you and your assistant at the end of the video.
As a long time quilter, I prefer the cross-wise direction. I pull all my pins as I go, but the benefit to the cross-wise pin is you can get it right up to the needle as you sew, before removing, and what you’ve pinned will stay in place. As a new garment sexist (I know, I’m doing it backwards😃), I will likely use the lengthwise to start to remind me of the correct seam width (as it’s much different than quilting).
Hi Evelyn, I loved your tutorial. I bought a ton of pins and of course they are dull dull dull. Any Ideas. Also liked your furry sewing buddy. One day my thread kept breaking. I was taking my machine apart,changing my needle and rethreading several times altho I knew my cat was sitting Behind my machine. Well you guessed it. She was trying to stop my thread spool from spinning around WITH BOTH PAWS. I never looked up there because I was watching every stitch by then. I couldn't beleive it. Well that was an easy fix. I put a chair for her to sit on next to me. And so thankful my machine and sanity were back to normal!
Evelyn, perhaps you could do another episode about different types of pins, and pincushions! I find I use several different choices of pin size and length depending on the fabric and what I'm constructing, as well as having preferences for certain types of pin head for visibility, grab-ability, and whether they can be ironed. And for cushions of course there are choices of wrist vs. magnetic, cotton stuffed vs. emery, beanbags, and what makes a good travel container.
Mariella I thought about this! I will make a tutorial for my wrist pin cushion soon! And different types of pins is perhaps a good idea for another video!
Agree! I just started sewing my own underwear and was surprised to learn there are pins specifically for stretch fabrics! In hindsight it makes sense as there are needles for stretch fabric but it never occurred to me...
Lengthwise pinning drives me crazy, possibly because I have never had lovely nails as you do. Taking the pins out as I sew seems to take much longer. I’ve found crosswise pins speed my sewing. I buy my pins in bulk (!), usually a 5 pound box. Same for sewing machine needles. I hurry to say that I’m now a professional! You can break needles with the cross pinning, but I feel the smooth flow of the sewing is worth it!
I am fairly new to sewing clothes. I have had lots of bundles but I just love our channel and I support even the stuff others will roll their eyes at! This is important stuff!
I've been sewing for years, and I never gave one single thought to how I pin my fabric! Now that you've enlightened me, I realize that I pin lengthwise on patterns and crosswise on everything else. I've never noticed pinholes, probably because I normally sew on cotton, which is pretty forgiving. I'm totally hooked on your channel. It's a treat to learn from you!
When I was learning sewing in Sydney (45 years ago!), our teacher used lace pins, pinned crosswise. They were very soft metal and tiny, and if the needle grazed them, they bent but the needle didn’t break. (I’m an Aussie but have lived in the US for decades, and hoping to get back to sewing once I retire!) So happy to have found your UA-cam channel..
Great tips! I also use the longwise method, but am going to use the crossed one in cases where you recommended it - thanks! What I found a useful tip when I was a beginner: Buying pins with glass heads instead of plastic ones because you can iron over them without damage.
Thank you. I have previously not pinned - I am maturing as a sewist and now I pin. I use the same method you prefer. Your video assured me that it was the best and the cross was new to me. Thank you.
Please could you do a episode of pin and needle maintenance. I sharpen and polish my needles every time I change projects and try to sharpen my pins through a 'SandBerry' to sharpen my sewing pins between a project or two... to keep everything moving smoothly.
@@hummerklein2567 Yes. When You buy those tomatos (for pins) with a little strawberry attached you get a sharpener. The little strawberry is filled with sand to sharpen the pins. I also use a needle and pin sharpener from Clover products that have (I believe) steel wool inside and the soft 'felt on the outside of the disc polishes the pins and needles. I also have a large 3" sand filled strawberry I bought from the quilting section. I use superfine steel wool from the dollarstore to sharpen my machine needles between projects or with heavier fabrics. I was sewing a mesh fabric that was a 'polyester' or fiberglass filament. I used the steel wool on the needle all the time to polish and deburr the needle. I hope this helps. I'm too cheap too buy new ones unless they are too far gone.
YOU MADE MY DAY AS A SEWER COMING BACK TO THE CRAFT AFTER 20 PLUS YEARS. i DON'T FEEL AS IF I'M PINNING WRONG. I ALSO KNOW THAT AS I GET BACK TO BEING MORE PROFICIENT I WILL BE USING LESS PINS AND I KNOW THAT PINNING ACROSS THE EDGE IS A MATTER OF PREFERENCE AND I LOVE YOUR SUGGESTION OF CROSS PINNING ON THE SEAMS. THANK YOU
Way back on the 70s I was taught cross wise. Being a rebellious brat, I did sew over a few pins in my youth🙄🧵🤦 Thank you for the great tutorial and explanations ☺️👍
Thank you for this video !! I'm a cross-wise pinner 'cause I think it's easier for me to remoove pins while I'm sewing. And to avoid having pins holes I always be careful not exceed my seam allowance .... It takes a little time, but as I don't pin much (except in curves ...)
Thank you for this. People who grew up with parents/grandparents who sew sort of inherit some wise knowledge and habits, but my mom instills anxiety and fear in any craft, and so I learn everything without a mentor. Your detailed, close-up explanations help a lot.
Sewing a jumpsuit for a cosplay, my first time sewing really, and the tension thing was so helpful. Also you made me realize I had misunderstood my pattern in terms of seam allowance, I thought that was something I had to add myself, but then seeing you put the pins on the pattern within the seam allowance, I double checked and the pattern mentioned a 1/2 inch allowance was included! I cut out a couple ugly shapes when I didn't have to! Very useful vid.
I like the vertical pinning. Because it does help keep you sewing in a straight line. Plus that is what I always saw my mommy doing when I was growing up and 49 years later why change it now! Lol
This is fantastic information for a novice sewer. I just bought a new sewing machine this year mainly for papercrafting, but will also use it for those sewing projects that I have put off for years. Keep sharing lots of tips and tricks for this new sewer. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much for all your answers to sewing questions I didn't know I needed to ask. I taught myself to sew through trial and error in my 20's to make clothes for my children. It all petered out but in my late 50's I've started up again. I want to do it right and I've found your videos so practical and helpful. I'm working my way through all of them!
I have been pinning lengthwise, along my intended seam line. It happens to be the way my mother showed me, and I was somewhat confused when I first saw all the crosspins in the sewing tutorials I watch. Thank you for the explanation of pros and cons for both methods! The other thing I like about my lengthwise pins is that it reminds me which direction I intended to sew the particular seam in, and therefore which piece of fabric is on top and where there are more points that I need to pay attention to matching up.
So thrilled to have found your channel. I'm self taught and after all these years I'm learning such great things from all your videos! I use both but mostly it's willy nilly 🤣
Hi Evelyn, came across your video for the first time here on YT. Thank you for all the information. We can clearly see that you love what you do. Cheers from New Zealand
I've been sewing for quite a long time I learned as a girl to pin cross-wise. I'm also left handed so the ball of the pin I noticed is pointing the opposite direction that yours were. I like this way because as I'm sewing they are easily removable or if I'm in a tight spot or somewhere that needs to be aligned I can leave them in. I've tried a couple of times the way you do your pins. It just never stuck. Either way is good! As Johanna Kerns stated though GOOD pins make All the difference. I can really tell the difference, either A, they just won't pierce the fabric or B, they'll pierce the fabric and bend or the ball will fall off. Cheap pins from China is a no go!!
Thanks for including the double pin method for matching seams, I’m making a Tshirt and the armpit seam will be like that! Merging the arm and side seam into one
Thank you for being such a reliable source of information and support. Pins have been my bane, I've been forging on, waiting for you (and technology) to tell me how to do it! This wasn't really covered well in my 2 sewing classes during my school years (after the dinosaurs died, but just when everyone else had a color TV). Thank you! 😀😀
I just found your channel. I've been struggling to find inspiration in my sewing and you've just restored me! Thank you so much for all of these wonderful videos! You are a treasure!
I'm very much a newbie so love these kind of tips. Thank you. I pin both ways at the moment as I have not decided which I prefer. However, I also find wonder clips to be very useful and don't then have to worry about making any holes in my fabric. Whether it's pins or clips, I use a lot!
Ha ha As I said, use as many as you think you need! I've seen the clips, they could be very usrful. I'm not a big fan as they don't hold right at the stitch line like pins, and pins work for me!
Thank you Evelyn. Your tutorials are easy to follow, down to earth, very simplistic and your voice is easy on the ears. I am learning so much more than I did a long long time ago in sewing class. Appreciated so very much. 🤗🙃 happy little Vegemite.
What a great video! By far the best one I've found. Wonderful tips. Thank you so much for taking the time to make it. You have a beautiful personality. God Bless, Jul
Excellently described and demonstrated right down to every detail. Thank you so much. I purchased a Singer 4211 as a beginner on a 50 deal and have not yet used it :) Watching lots of videos to get me more comfy first thanks so much.
I as well use both methods; cross for seams, lengthwise for an allowance guide and ease of removal. Thank you for the justifications on pinning options. Watching in Alaska, Jana
Used to pin long ways but was told that was wrong- I can use both ways now and Thanks for the tip on the waistband seams. Mine never match up so I'm definitely going to try this 😊
Im sure that you were told it was wrong because that is the way they prefered to do it! We all have our ways that work for us, now you can experiment and find yours!
Very clear video, I feel no matter what stage you at there is something to learn even in the basics, your videos are so enjoyable to listen and watch. I so enjoy vintage It just gives a great all encompassing warm feeling. Thank you for sharing your videos 😀
I’ve been sewing for decades after learning the basics in home Ec class. But I never assume I know it all. I’m always eager to learn new and better ways of doing things.
I've always used the cross hatch method of pinning, but I can certainly see the benefits of straight pinning ... and will probably return to that method, but I 'think' that I've finally reached the stage where I don't need all the number of pins that I used to use. I think that sewing drapes for my home has finally helped me to learn to sew straight now, along with a magnet 'thingy' (very technical term I know) ... so it has really helped me heaps to keep to the correct seam width. Love learning all of the tips and tricks .... thank you!
I have been sewing large heavyweight bags to carry books. I have been cross-pinning, and it takes forever! Watching this was enlightening, So sorry I waited until the ends on the second bag! I just did the binding tape with your vertical method, WOW much faster!!! I have a wrist pin holder made of a piece of velcro through a slice into a kitchen sponge, the kind with a rough side on the bottom, about 2 1/2 by 3 3/4 inches, with 1 3/4 inches in height. You just wrap the velcro around your wrist and it is cheap and lasts a long time. I even sort the pins by which side I push them into.
I use either, depending on the task. One point people ignore, though. You MUST throw out blunt or bent pins. Blunt pins can pull treads in your fabric and bent ones won't hold the fabric in place properly. Also get the best quality ones you can afford. These last longer and have less dramas.
I absolutely love your tutorials. I usually place pins perpendicular to the seam, picking up the layers of fabric just on the seamline so that little 'pick-up' guides my stitching. When I supervise beginners I encourage pinning about 4" apart on a straight edge and a little closer on curves, with pin head toward the cut edge, for easy removal if thread basting wasn't used
Hi Evelyn, a great series of videos. I'm a very experienced dressmaker and patternmaker too, but always interested in seeing what other successful people do. I pin lengthwise when stitching a straight line but crosswise when easing, gathering or stitching curves LOL I only use glass headed pins or on delicate fabrics I use the long fine quilting pins with the flat plastic heads. Beware ironing with plastic headed pins in your fabric though, lest you melt them into your fabric. In my experience good quality pins are an investment, cheap pins have blunt points (or none at all sometimes) and cause more harm than good. Cheers
Thank you for this - I've been struggling with tensioning while pinning, and have been using cross wise since I seem to tension better that way. I'm looking forward to the lengthwise in the future.
Miss Evelyn, I adore you and your beautiful personality! Thanks for sharing so many basic tips and tricks. With your videos, I’m slowly building the confidence I need to jump and start making clothes for myself!
I found the tip about cross pinning on places where you need to match seams or prints a great one! ♥️I’ll be trying it next time. Thank you for thorough video, Evelyn!
These are really great tips for beginner like me. I always see my mom & my aunt pinning the fabric without any difficulties. But when I do pinning, it is really hard to get the pin through the fabric & the pattern paper. I will definitely try this method on my next sewing project. Thanks Evelyn..💕💕
Im happy it's given you some help!! I find in sewing I use all my hands, and every finger, and even hold things tight with my body or elbows.... all sorts!!
Evelyn, really enjoying your sewing tutorials. It's good to have a refresher on the basics. I'm a 'cross hatch' pinner, but I place the pin head to the left. I'm a crafter and quilter and haven't noticed a pin hole issue so far. Cotton fabrics seem to be quite forgiving. I also use quilting pins, which have a very large head. Love the exchange of sewing tips in the comments section. Hello to Esme. TFS.
Esme says 'hello!'! Yes cotton is very forgiving and I don't usually have any issues with it either! Putting them to the left is a great idea! Especially for lefties!!
Up to now, if I didnt take care, I wasn't sure to always use the right side of the fabric. And sometimes I decided that the right side would be the one I preferred ( not necessarilly the most coloured or the most brilliant one). And my pinning was far from perfect perfect. Your video is very interesting, as usual). Thank you again Evelyn.
Would prefer pinning over basting? I use vertical pins, but I've been taught to hand baste anything before sewing I usually resort to that, even if it can become tedious at times, because you have an extra step. I don't really have the confidence to sew with pins haha It's also true that it's useful to try things on before committing to anything and it's easier to unpick it if you need to make any change.
Ms. Stella, I'm so glad you shared this. I'm new to sewing and it dawned on me to hand baste in long stitches so I didn't have to continuously stop to remove pins. I'm going to try basting next sewing project.
My problem with hand basting is that if your stitching line crosses your hand basting, the basting thread can be difficult to completely remove after construction and, being a contrasting colour, really shows! I don’t do it any more. I use a larger quantity of pins instead.
You explained this well. I'm mostly just scared of poking myself with them so I struggle to pin things. But I like the idea of having the ball side facing me. I was cheating and using clips instead but those are only good in certain situations.
I like the cross pins because I didn't know about the other way. Thanks for the tip! I'm good enough to where I don't have to use 1,000 pins, just 900. It's going mighty slow.
This video is great I'm so glad I'm not the only one who struggled with pining. Really loving the way you explain the reasons behind the two methods and also how you brought up your experiences as a beginner to talk a newbie, like me ,through it .You are an incredible teacher and while sometimes trying to learn to sew makes me feel like a toddler taking an AP Calculus class at no point did I feel overwhelmed or lost. Thank you so much for the help
Hi Evelyn, I am a 65 yrs old French lady living in the UK, during this pandemic I decided to sew scrubs & masks for the NHS but I am a beginner really as the only sewing I do is mending and very simple jobs. I started to follow you as I came across your videos last week and as we share the same name! So far I’ve already learnt a lot from you so thank you for posting. I would like to know how you made your wrist pin cushion please, that would help me to stop putting pins in my mouth! Bad habit! Thank you 😊
What direction of pinner are you???
And please leave any other tips you have others! Xx
I always use the Horizontal, and like you do the cross when I have seems to line up.... 🌹❤️🌹❤️ nice video for new sowers...
Aww perfect!! You do the mix too!
I like length wise. But I always pen outside the seam allowance. So I don't have to take the pens out. 😆 I didn't even think of possibly leaving holes in the fabric.
I often use the cross if and when I pin, but I try to sew without pins, but I need more help sewing without pins. Sewing without pins is so much faster.
Read my request below regarding sewing without pins.
Usually crosswise and I never even thought about it leaving holes :)
I love how you answer the questions experienced sewers assume beginners just know.
Thank you so much for watching!
Wow thank you so much i need to do sewing in school i already know everything but i dont use pinning so idk how to do it
Thanks again for the options - I took classes at 13 but not this level of detail and can always improve. Learning a 3 dimensional skill is so useful in thinking outside the box in life 😊. Wish I had known about fashion college then now I do it for pleasure ❤❤❤❤❤
Okay, so I’m a 56 year old Dad of two young ladies from Los Angeles. I decided I wanted to learn sewing to make a sports related shirt for myself. I googled “how to pin for sewing” and found your channel. It’s brilliant. Such good info and explanations. Bonus: you might be the smiliest person I’ve ever seen. Keep up the good work and wish me luck. 🙂
Wow😲
I totally admit I didn't realize pinning was an issue for so many people.
How to do it just made sense from the start.
On the other hand, I still have huge difficulty with math, or even filling out a form, so we all have our struggles.
As a beginner seamstress I appreciate the little details like this. Thank you 🙏🏻
Your welcome!! I think these are the things no one thinks to teach, but are so important at the start!! Xx
"One advantage of length-wise pins is that it gives you a sewing line." hahahaha! My pins are _all_ over the place! I'm watching this to see why it's so hard for me to pin my pattern to my cloth! I'm sewing my very very first shirt (at age 52). This video helped a lot; thanks! I just wanted to share how I laughed when I imagined sewing along my pin line: \_/\__/\/\
L0l
@Silana. Congratulations on making your first shirt. Hoping it turned out the way you pictured it to be. The pins? We’ve all been there especially trying to keep them in the “train” line. Sometimes you get that one pin that decides to move 1cm to the left and the rest just have to follow. 🤦🏻♀️ I’m 57 y/o and am finally making the jump into fashion sewing. (Coming from the world of hand sewing repairs.) This is very challenging, but such an adventure. My first project is a pair of lounging pants for my hubby. (via McCALL’S Easy stitch ‘n Save #M9238)
Thanks for posting this. I am just starting out as well. Haven't sewn anything as yet but your post has encouraged me. :-)
Me to but I’m 57 I joined her vintage sewing school and I can’t believe how much better I’m sewing already
😄 I'm just starting my first pattern sew... I have only ever done alterations by feel. Your pinning stitch looks like my work🤣
All the skilled sewers will roll their eyes, but one of my biggest pin lessons has been to find quality ones! I bought a bunch that were too dull to poke through the fabric without tearing. I just assumed "new" would equal "sharp." I've used both styles of pinning. I am usually altering clothes, not sewing with a pattern, so I stick in the pins whichever way they will hold the area together. I appreciate learning these basics from those who've sewn for a while. Also . . .congrats on 25,000 subscribers! Wow!
Aww thankyou so much lovley!!! I've had many new people join us here in a very short time!! And your absolutely right about the sharpness!! I've had blunt ones too, they are rubbish!!!
@@Evelyn__Wood I so agree with the pins being blunt, I have wasted money on pins and to be honest the ones I got now are not good. Could you recommend any and what size is best as they come in many sizes. I have now started to use clips mostly now but having said I don't make much clothing just everything else 😀
When I sewed in the 1970s, two types of pins were available. One type for non-stretch fabrics and another type for stretch fabrics which were called stretch pins. I stored them separately. Same principle as for sewing machine needles.
Johanna Kerns crafting pins are dull and thick. I made the same mistake. If you have a pin cushion there’s usually a little pin sharpener attached.
With pins you get what you pay for. I have cheap ones and expensive ones. Bohin and Sajou are great in my experience.
A beginner to sewing and deeply grateful for these works of art you've given to the world. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!❤
I really like the pins with the large pearl heads. At first I thought this was a little over indulgent but honestly, the larger head makes them easier to work with and, really, I love how pretty they are and I’ve decided that matters :)
I am also in love with my magnetic pin “cushion”- it makes everything so much easier/faster!
I love them, too. Sometimes I put one colour pin on one end and another colour at the other end so that I know which end I’m looking at.
I'm one of those people who struggle with pinning, so thank you so much for this clear explanation and demonstration! I will definitely try this out - I feel empowered already!
I have always pinned perpendicular to the seams. I think pin holes would only show in certain specialty fabrics like silk or vinyl, which I rarely use. If I were using a fabric prone to showing holes, I'd most likely switch to clips to hold things together.
Something I do that's a little special is that I sew by hand quite often. As in, constructing whole garments without using a machine at all. Nobody taught me but I eventually found out that an old useful technique nearly forgotten today is basting. I think of basting now as "advanced flexi-pins". In hand sewing I pin only to hold things together while I quickly baste, then I remove the pins and allow the basting to hold the fabric while I sew. This makes projects much more portable (which is one of the main advantages of hand sewing) and less likely to poke me. When I baste I sew with a contrasting thread so the stitches are easy to remove later, and I sew with only about 2-4 stitches per inch. In seam sewing I generally sew 8-12 stitches per inch.
Hand sewing is obviously much slower than machine work, but can be so relaxing as a hobby if you're less focused on production of many garments quickly and more focused on simply enjoying the time with your hands busy. If you consider it in the same vein as people who embroider or knit, you may understand why I find it attractive.
I love this!! How wonderful to make a whole garment my hand! I find hand sewing very relaxing also! Your method is what I think I would do too if I were to sew seams by hand! Pins alone would not be sufficient to hold everything in place while sewing by hand! xx
Hi. I am a hand quilter and would like to start making clothes. Are there any tips/tricks you could give me? You are the first person to say that they have made a garment by hand. I want to do that too and make something that will last beyond the first wash. Lol Thank you for the inspiration and any guidance you can send my way. Vicki. 🙋☺
I hand stitch my zippers because I find that easier and have certainly considered sewing some tops by hand. Think I'll give it a go on my next one :)
oooh! What do you make? I imagine if it were a dress it wouldn't be so portable.
I baste a lot! especially form sensitive things like dress bodices and so on. The garment can easily be tried on and very quickly altered because the provisoric stitches are so fast to open and redo, and from the first fitting directly under the sewing machine, everything stays in place! love it!
it also gives beautiful control whily attaching collars and such.
I mostly sew hems by hand or finishing touches, but I baste a lot, it really helps me :)
That sailor-tied dress in the background is sweet!! Thanks Ms. Wood!
OMG I wish I watch this video before cutting out all my pattern pieces. Your pinning technique is so effective and resulted in a much more accurate cut. Thank you so much for this
In my childhood, pins with glass ball points were cheap items, and my grandma and my grandpa’s sisters had theirs forever.
I only began sewing myself about a year ago. And nowadays there are so many cute pins available. Which break or bend at the first attempt to put them through some simple woven quilting cotton fabric. Or they might stay in the fabric, and the cute flower- or button shaped pinhead might stay in your hand. I had a set of 50 cute pins, and only 4 survived the making of a queen size quilttop.
Recently, we went to the sewing store, to get something fixed on my sewing machine. And picked up a box of pins. And when we were leaving the shop, my unspouse asked, if they were nuts at the shop, to charge nearly 20 EUR for a box of pins, and if I was even more nuts to buy them.
Coming home, I introduced him to the various pins I had purchased within 14 months, or rather, their remains. And made him pin some scraps.
(Worst I ever had were some so called „quality pins“ with salmon pink pearl heads, which poked gianormous holes into the fabric, and started rusting after two days. Leaving rusty traces on the fabric to point out the giant holes... And no, I don’t live by the sea. I live in southwestern Germany. But even if I did, I would expect quality pins to resist salty air for more than two days.)
To cut it short: The differences in quality for pins a HUGE, nowadays.
And those expensive pins I finally found are worth every penny, because they do not only save time, but a lot of nerves, which I appreciate, at my age.
I‘m very happy to have found your channel, you encourage me a lot to give garment sewing a try. So far, I‘ve only made some for my dogs.
Regards to you and your assistant at the end of the video.
As a long time quilter, I prefer the cross-wise direction. I pull all my pins as I go, but the benefit to the cross-wise pin is you can get it right up to the needle as you sew, before removing, and what you’ve pinned will stay in place. As a new garment sexist (I know, I’m doing it backwards😃), I will likely use the lengthwise to start to remind me of the correct seam width (as it’s much different than quilting).
Garment sexist might be the funniest autocorrect ever 😂🤭
I agree!
Hi Evelyn, I loved your tutorial. I bought a ton of pins and of course they are dull dull dull. Any Ideas. Also liked your furry sewing buddy. One day my thread kept breaking. I was taking my machine apart,changing my needle and rethreading several times altho I knew my cat was sitting
Behind my machine. Well you guessed it. She was trying to stop my thread spool from spinning around WITH BOTH PAWS. I never looked up there because I was watching every stitch by then. I couldn't beleive it. Well that was an easy fix. I put a chair for her to sit on next to me. And so thankful my machine and sanity were back to normal!
Evelyn, perhaps you could do another episode about different types of pins, and pincushions! I find I use several different choices of pin size and length depending on the fabric and what I'm constructing, as well as having preferences for certain types of pin head for visibility, grab-ability, and whether they can be ironed. And for cushions of course there are choices of wrist vs. magnetic, cotton stuffed vs. emery, beanbags, and what makes a good travel container.
Mariella I thought about this! I will make a tutorial for my wrist pin cushion soon! And different types of pins is perhaps a good idea for another video!
Agree! I just started sewing my own underwear and was surprised to learn there are pins specifically for stretch fabrics! In hindsight it makes sense as there are needles for stretch fabric but it never occurred to me...
Lengthwise pinning drives me crazy, possibly because I have never had lovely nails as you do. Taking the pins out as I sew seems to take much longer. I’ve found crosswise pins speed my sewing. I buy my pins in bulk (!), usually a 5 pound box. Same for sewing machine needles. I hurry to say that I’m now a professional! You can break needles with the cross pinning, but I feel the smooth flow of the sewing is worth it!
I am fairly new to sewing clothes. I have had lots of bundles but I just love our channel and I support even the stuff others will roll their eyes at! This is important stuff!
I've been sewing for years, and I never gave one single thought to how I pin my fabric! Now that you've enlightened me, I realize that I pin lengthwise on patterns and crosswise on everything else. I've never noticed pinholes, probably because I normally sew on cotton, which is pretty forgiving. I'm totally hooked on your channel. It's a treat to learn from you!
I'm sorry but I was completely distracted by that gorgeous grey dress in the background! So beautiful!
Me too!
Me also
I was looking at it too. Look at the shape of it. Sooo sexy. I love it.
Really 🤩
What a breath taking, vivacious, captivating vision of talent and beauty you are.
When I was learning sewing in Sydney (45 years ago!), our teacher used lace pins, pinned crosswise. They were very soft metal and tiny, and if the needle grazed them, they bent but the needle didn’t break. (I’m an Aussie but have lived in the US for decades, and hoping to get back to sewing once I retire!) So happy to have found your UA-cam channel..
Great tips! I also use the longwise method, but am going to use the crossed one in cases where you recommended it - thanks! What I found a useful tip when I was a beginner: Buying pins with glass heads instead of plastic ones because you can iron over them without damage.
Migh you post a liink to a brand of pins with glass heads?
don't sew over pins, your machine timing with get ruined not to mention risk of pin residue going into the machine and causing more damage.
Thank you. I have previously not pinned - I am maturing as a sewist and now I pin. I use the same method you prefer. Your video assured me that it was the best and the cross was new to me. Thank you.
Please could you do a episode of pin and needle maintenance. I sharpen and polish my needles every time I change projects and try to sharpen my pins through a 'SandBerry' to sharpen my sewing pins between a project or two... to keep everything moving smoothly.
Never heard of sharpening pins ,needle to ?
@@hummerklein2567 Yes. When You buy those tomatos (for pins) with a little strawberry attached you get a sharpener. The little strawberry is filled with sand to sharpen the pins. I also use a needle and pin sharpener from Clover products that have (I believe) steel wool inside and the soft 'felt on the outside of the disc polishes the pins and needles.
I also have a large 3" sand filled strawberry I bought from the quilting section. I use superfine steel wool from the dollarstore to sharpen my machine needles between projects or with heavier fabrics. I was sewing a mesh fabric that was a 'polyester' or fiberglass filament. I used the steel wool on the needle all the time to polish and deburr the needle.
I hope this helps. I'm too cheap too buy new ones unless they are too far gone.
I never knew you could sharpen pins!
Cross stitch but this tutorial was really informative. I never thought of pin holes.
Alot of fabrics won't leave pinholes, but on the ones that do.... it's awful!!
I will definitely try length-wise pinning. Your tips are real pearls.
You are an excellent teacher, Evelyn!
YOU MADE MY DAY AS A SEWER COMING BACK TO THE CRAFT AFTER 20 PLUS YEARS. i DON'T FEEL AS IF I'M PINNING WRONG. I ALSO KNOW THAT AS I GET BACK TO BEING MORE PROFICIENT I WILL BE USING LESS PINS AND I KNOW THAT PINNING ACROSS THE EDGE IS A MATTER OF PREFERENCE AND I LOVE YOUR SUGGESTION OF CROSS PINNING ON THE SEAMS. THANK YOU
I love the cross-wise way...love your video's and bubbly personality.
Thank you, Ma'am For today's class. You really teaches so nicely.
I love you style of fashion and your style of teaching! Thanks from a beginner.
Thankyou for watching!!!
Way back on the 70s I was taught cross wise. Being a rebellious brat, I did sew over a few pins in my youth🙄🧵🤦
Thank you for the great tutorial and explanations ☺️👍
Hi there! That's exactly how i do! And i keep one magnetic on the machine, so i can sew faster, while i take out all the pins.
Thank you for this, I'm a beginner sewer so I have no " side" yet, thank you for teaching us newbies all these great tricks!!.
I love this tutorial. I have seen so many of them but no one explains it like you do
For cutting fabric out I pin using the vertical method but for sewing I use the horizontal or "crosshair" method or no pins at all for sewing.
Thank you for this video !! I'm a cross-wise pinner 'cause I think it's easier for me to remoove pins while I'm sewing. And to avoid having pins holes I always be careful not exceed my seam allowance .... It takes a little time, but as I don't pin much (except in curves ...)
Thank you for this. People who grew up with parents/grandparents who sew sort of inherit some wise knowledge and habits, but my mom instills anxiety and fear in any craft, and so I learn everything without a mentor. Your detailed, close-up explanations help a lot.
Thank you for the pinning tips. I have only sewn intermittently over the years, but I pin both directions when necessary.
Sewing a jumpsuit for a cosplay, my first time sewing really, and the tension thing was so helpful. Also you made me realize I had misunderstood my pattern in terms of seam allowance, I thought that was something I had to add myself, but then seeing you put the pins on the pattern within the seam allowance, I double checked and the pattern mentioned a 1/2 inch allowance was included! I cut out a couple ugly shapes when I didn't have to!
Very useful vid.
I like the vertical pinning. Because it does help keep you sewing in a straight line. Plus that is what I always saw my mommy doing when I was growing up and 49 years later why change it now! Lol
This is fantastic information for a novice sewer. I just bought a new sewing machine this year mainly for papercrafting, but will also use it for those sewing projects that I have put off for years. Keep sharing lots of tips and tricks for this new sewer. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much for all your answers to sewing questions I didn't know I needed to ask. I taught myself to sew through trial and error in my 20's to make clothes for my children. It all petered out but in my late 50's I've started up again. I want to do it right and I've found your videos so practical and helpful. I'm working my way through all of them!
Dear Miss Wood, always a pleasure watching your most informative tutorials. Have a lovely day.
Thanks Nessa! 😘
You are a fabulous instructor and explain things really well!
Thank you! 😃
Awesome video! Using pins saved so much time over pre-seeing the seams by hand
I have been pinning lengthwise, along my intended seam line. It happens to be the way my mother showed me, and I was somewhat confused when I first saw all the crosspins in the sewing tutorials I watch. Thank you for the explanation of pros and cons for both methods! The other thing I like about my lengthwise pins is that it reminds me which direction I intended to sew the particular seam in, and therefore which piece of fabric is on top and where there are more points that I need to pay attention to matching up.
So thrilled to have found your channel. I'm self taught and after all these years I'm learning such great things from all your videos!
I use both but mostly it's willy nilly 🤣
Thank you Evelyn wood great tips and clarity on the pin issues.
Hi Evelyn, came across your video for the first time here on YT. Thank you for all the information. We can clearly see that you love what you do. Cheers from New Zealand
Evelyn, all year every time I pin something, I hear you in my head the whole time: The way you pin is the way it will sew.
Thank you! 📍❤️
I've been sewing for quite a long time I learned as a girl to pin cross-wise. I'm also left handed so the ball of the pin I noticed is pointing the opposite direction that yours were. I like this way because as I'm sewing they are easily removable or if I'm in a tight spot or somewhere that needs to be aligned I can leave them in. I've tried a couple of times the way you do your pins. It just never stuck. Either way is good! As Johanna Kerns stated though GOOD pins make All the difference. I can really tell the difference, either A, they just won't pierce the fabric or B, they'll pierce the fabric and bend or the ball will fall off. Cheap pins from China is a no go!!
Thanks for including the double pin method for matching seams, I’m making a Tshirt and the armpit seam will be like that! Merging the arm and side seam into one
Both ways depending. I do the crossways on seam but great idea to intersect with the straight pin too. I will do this now too.
I think you'll find it useful! It helps me match up those seams ect!
Thank you for being such a reliable source of information and support.
Pins have been my bane, I've been forging on, waiting for you (and technology) to tell me how to do it! This wasn't really covered well in my 2 sewing classes during my school years (after the dinosaurs died, but just when everyone else had a color TV).
Thank you! 😀😀
I just found your channel. I've been struggling to find inspiration in my sewing and you've just restored me! Thank you so much for all of these wonderful videos! You are a treasure!
thankyou for watching!! X
I'm very much a newbie so love these kind of tips. Thank you. I pin both ways at the moment as I have not decided which I prefer. However, I also find wonder clips to be very useful and don't then have to worry about making any holes in my fabric. Whether it's pins or clips, I use a lot!
Ha ha As I said, use as many as you think you need! I've seen the clips, they could be very usrful. I'm not a big fan as they don't hold right at the stitch line like pins, and pins work for me!
I found this very helpful. Never thought about the pins extending pass the seam allowance.
Thank you Evelyn. Your tutorials are easy to follow, down to earth, very simplistic and your voice is easy on the ears. I am learning so much more than I did a long long time ago in sewing class. Appreciated so very much. 🤗🙃 happy little Vegemite.
Thank You Evelyn..it is a joy to watch your enthusiastic style of teaching. Love all of your videos!
What a great video! By far the best one I've found. Wonderful tips. Thank you so much for taking the time to make it. You have a beautiful personality. God Bless, Jul
Excellently described and demonstrated right down to every detail. Thank you so much. I purchased a Singer 4211 as a beginner on a 50 deal and have not yet used it :) Watching lots of videos to get me more comfy first thanks so much.
Wonderful! I'm so glad it helped!!
I as well use both methods; cross for seams, lengthwise for an allowance guide and ease of removal. Thank you for the justifications on pinning options. Watching in Alaska, Jana
Used to pin long ways but was told that was wrong- I can use both ways now and Thanks for the tip on the waistband seams. Mine never match up so I'm definitely going to try this 😊
Im sure that you were told it was wrong because that is the way they prefered to do it! We all have our ways that work for us, now you can experiment and find yours!
Very clear video, I feel no matter what stage you at there is something to learn even in the basics, your videos are so enjoyable to listen and watch. I so enjoy vintage It just gives a great all encompassing warm feeling. Thank you for sharing your videos 😀
I’ve been sewing for decades after learning the basics in home Ec class. But I never assume I know it all. I’m always eager to learn new and better ways of doing things.
I've always used the cross hatch method of pinning, but I can certainly see the benefits of straight pinning ... and will probably return to that method, but I 'think' that I've finally reached the stage where I don't need all the number of pins that I used to use. I think that sewing drapes for my home has finally helped me to learn to sew straight now, along with a magnet 'thingy' (very technical term I know) ... so it has really helped me heaps to keep to the correct seam width. Love learning all of the tips and tricks .... thank you!
I absolutely love your videos they are very explanatory and easy to understand😀
I have been sewing large heavyweight bags to carry books. I have been cross-pinning, and it takes forever! Watching this was enlightening, So sorry I waited until the ends on the second bag! I just did the binding tape with your vertical method, WOW much faster!!!
I have a wrist pin holder made of a piece of velcro through a slice into a kitchen sponge, the kind with a rough side on the bottom, about 2 1/2 by 3 3/4 inches, with 1 3/4 inches in height. You just wrap the velcro around your wrist and it is cheap and lasts a long time. I even sort the pins by which side I push them into.
Loving your videos! Dug out my mom's 1970 Viking Husqvarna and learning how to sew via youtube:) Your fun style and clear instructions are wonderful!
It really does depend! I use all methods - when needed I will use more pins but it is quicker not to use more than one or two. Thank you
you're videos are FANTASTIC
oops your *
Thankyou so much for watching!
Thank you so much !! Your videos are very helpful for beginners like myself !! And you’re very beautiful. ❤️❤️❤️
I use either, depending on the task. One point people ignore, though. You MUST throw out blunt or bent pins. Blunt pins can pull treads in your fabric and bent ones won't hold the fabric in place properly. Also get the best quality ones you can afford. These last longer and have less dramas.
I absolutely love your tutorials.
I usually place pins perpendicular to the seam, picking up the layers of fabric just on the seamline so that little 'pick-up' guides my stitching. When I supervise beginners I encourage pinning about 4" apart on a straight edge and a little closer on curves, with pin head toward the cut edge, for easy removal if thread basting wasn't used
Hi Evelyn, a great series of videos. I'm a very experienced dressmaker and patternmaker too, but always interested in seeing what other successful people do. I pin lengthwise when stitching a straight line but crosswise when easing, gathering or stitching curves LOL I only use glass headed pins or on delicate fabrics I use the long fine quilting pins with the flat plastic heads. Beware ironing with plastic headed pins in your fabric though, lest you melt them into your fabric. In my experience good quality pins are an investment, cheap pins have blunt points (or none at all sometimes) and cause more harm than good. Cheers
I agree! Glass head pins are an investment for your sewing!
Thank you for this - I've been struggling with tensioning while pinning, and have been using cross wise since I seem to tension better that way. I'm looking forward to the lengthwise in the future.
Miss Evelyn, I adore you and your beautiful personality! Thanks for sharing so many basic tips and tricks. With your videos, I’m slowly building the confidence I need to jump and start making clothes for myself!
I use both methods, great video thanks for sharing.
Ooh you too!! Depends on the situation right!!
I found the tip about cross pinning on places where you need to match seams or prints a great one! ♥️I’ll be trying it next time. Thank you for thorough video, Evelyn!
These are really great tips for beginner like me. I always see my mom & my aunt pinning the fabric without any difficulties. But when I do pinning, it is really hard to get the pin through the fabric & the pattern paper. I will definitely try this method on my next sewing project. Thanks Evelyn..💕💕
Im happy it's given you some help!! I find in sewing I use all my hands, and every finger, and even hold things tight with my body or elbows.... all sorts!!
@@Evelyn__Wood you should make a video on how to use body part to hold things tight...it may be very helpful for beginner like me. 😍
Evelyn, really enjoying your sewing tutorials. It's good to have a refresher on the basics. I'm a 'cross hatch' pinner, but I place the pin head to the left. I'm a crafter and quilter and haven't noticed a pin hole issue so far. Cotton fabrics seem to be quite forgiving. I also use quilting pins, which have a very large head. Love the exchange of sewing tips in the comments section. Hello to Esme. TFS.
Esme says 'hello!'! Yes cotton is very forgiving and I don't usually have any issues with it either! Putting them to the left is a great idea! Especially for lefties!!
Up to now, if I didnt take care, I wasn't sure to always use the right side of the fabric. And sometimes I decided that the right side would be the one I preferred ( not necessarilly the most coloured or the most brilliant one). And my pinning was far from perfect perfect. Your video is very interesting, as usual). Thank you again Evelyn.
😗 I'm so glad your able to look at and enjoy your work in new light!
Would prefer pinning over basting?
I use vertical pins, but I've been taught to hand baste anything before sewing I usually resort to that, even if it can become tedious at times, because you have an extra step. I don't really have the confidence to sew with pins haha
It's also true that it's useful to try things on before committing to anything and it's easier to unpick it if you need to make any change.
Ms. Stella, I'm so glad you shared this. I'm new to sewing and it dawned on me to hand baste in long stitches so I didn't have to continuously stop to remove pins. I'm going to try basting next sewing project.
My problem with hand basting is that if your stitching line crosses your hand basting, the basting thread can be difficult to completely remove after construction and, being a contrasting colour, really shows! I don’t do it any more. I use a larger quantity of pins instead.
You explained this well. I'm mostly just scared of poking myself with them so I struggle to pin things. But I like the idea of having the ball side facing me. I was cheating and using clips instead but those are only good in certain situations.
Hi Evelyn! I love that cross pin tip! I swear, genius. I plan to share it with others as well. Thanks & happy sewing!
"The weight of the fabric on your left". Life changing. Thank you.
You've answered questions I didn't even know I had.
I love the crosshair pin Method I’m very excited to try it
I like the cross pins because I didn't know about the other way. Thanks for the tip! I'm good enough to where I don't have to use 1,000 pins, just 900. It's going mighty slow.
This video is great I'm so glad I'm not the only one who struggled with pining.
Really loving the way you explain the reasons behind the two methods and also how you brought up your experiences as a beginner to talk a newbie, like me ,through it .You are an incredible teacher and while sometimes trying to learn to sew makes me feel like a toddler taking an AP Calculus class at no point did I feel overwhelmed or lost. Thank you so much for the help
Yey your uploads always makes me so happy and these videos halped me improved a lot. Thank you!
Aww thankyou for watching! Now you've made me so happy knowing my videos have helped you! Xx
Popping back in to say that I used your technique to pin some stretch lace and it worked beautifully! Game changer ! Thank you so much!
Im so glad to hear it!! x
I use both and you explain the advantages of both. Great job!
This video is very helpful and useful, I like both ways. Thanks for sharing
Hi Evelyn, I am a 65 yrs old French lady living in the UK, during this pandemic I decided to sew scrubs & masks for the NHS but I am a beginner really as the only sewing I do is mending and very simple jobs. I started to follow you as I came across your videos last week and as we share the same name! So far I’ve already learnt a lot from you so thank you for posting. I would like to know how you made your wrist pin cushion please, that would help me to stop putting pins in my mouth! Bad habit! Thank you 😊
I like the vertical. I learned somethig new about this vidio. The waist Cross over . CLEVER.