Sewing, Quilting & Patchwork Pins NZ
Dressmaking · Patchwork · Quilt basting
The right pin for every layer.
Shop sewing, quilting and patchwork pins in New Zealand, from everyday dressmaking packs to fine glass-head pins, long quilting pins and curved basting pins. Compare Clover, Prym, Bohin, SewMate, Birch and The Gypsy Quilter to find the length, thickness and head style your fabric needs.
Choosing pins for sewing, patchwork and quilting
Which sewing pins should I choose?
Match the pin to the fabric, not just the project name. Shorter dressmaking pins are useful for seams, hems and pattern pieces. A finer shaft is worth considering for lightweight cloth, while longer quilting pins give extra reach through layered sections. Check both length and diameter on the listing, and test on an offcut before pinning fabric that marks easily.
Dressmaking pins: everyday packs or workroom tins?
Choose an everyday pack for garments, alterations and general sewing, or a larger tin for frequent use. The range includes SewMate and Birch dressmaking pins, assorted headed pins and BOHIN Couturex workroom tins. BOHIN's Super-Fine and Extra-Fine pins have different diameters; compare the specifications rather than treating the names as interchangeable.
Quilting pins versus patchwork pins
Fine patchwork pins help position small pieces and match seam intersections. Longer quilting pins suit borders and layered fabric where extra reach is useful. Flat flower-head styles give you a low-profile head that is easy to see and handle. Clover, Prym, SewMate and The Gypsy Quilter offer different combinations of length, shaft thickness and head shape—there is no single pin that suits every fabric.
Can I iron over glass-head or flower-head pins?
Heat resistance is product-specific. Glass-head pins and some specially rated plastic or nylon heads tolerate heat, but ordinary plastic heads may melt. Check the manufacturer's instructions and temperature limit for the exact pack; flower-shaped does not automatically mean iron-safe. Avoid resting the iron on pinheads, and remove pins before the machine needle reaches them.
Curved basting pins for quilt layers
Curved safety pins and Clover Wonder Pins are useful for temporarily holding a quilt top, batting and backing together before quilting. Their curved shape helps you scoop through the layers while working on a flat surface. They serve a different job from straight pins used to align patchwork seams. Keep layers smooth, close the pins securely and remove them as you reach each section.
How to avoid snags and pin marks
Use smooth, sharp pins and replace bent, rusty or rough ones. Work within the seam allowance where practical and never force a thick pin through delicate fabric. For leather, coated fabric or materials that retain holes, consider a suitable non-piercing holding method. Keep pins in a closed box or pincushion and account for them before finishing a garment or quilt.
Complete your worktable with pattern weights, hand-sewing needles and cotton sewing and quilting thread.
