Sewing Clips vs Pins: Which Is Better?

Sewing is an art that requires precision, patience, and the right tools. Among the most essential tools in any sewist’s kit are sewing clips and pins. These seemingly simple devices play a crucial role in keeping fabric layers aligned, securing hems, and ensuring neat, professional results.

While both serve the same fundamental purpose, holding fabric together temporarily, they do so in very different ways. Choosing the right tool can affect fabric safety, workflow efficiency, and the overall quality of your sewing project.

This article explores the differences, advantages, and limitations of sewing clips and pins, helping you decide which tool works best for different fabrics, project types, and sewing techniques.

Sewing Clips vs Pins

What Are Sewing Clips?

Sewing clips are small clamps, usually made from durable plastic and equipped with a spring mechanism, designed to hold fabric layers together without piercing them. They have become increasingly popular in recent years because they offer a safer, faster, and more versatile alternative to pins.

Key Features of Sewing Clips:

• Non-piercing: Clips hold fabric without making holes, preventing damage to delicate or thick fabrics.
• Variety of sizes: Standard, mini, heavy-duty, and heat-resistant clips exist for different sewing needs.
• Ease of use: Simply squeeze and release, no need to push through multiple fabric layers.

Common Uses:

• Quilting and binding layers of fabric
• Hemming garments or home decor items
• Sewing leather, vinyl, or thick fabrics
• Craft projects like bag-making or applique

What Are Sewing Pins?

Sewing pins are slender rods, often made of steel or glass, with a sharp tip on one end and a head on the other. They have been a staple of sewing for centuries and are especially useful for precision placement in fabric layers.

Key Features of Pins:

• Piercing design: Pins penetrate fabric to secure it temporarily.
• Variety: Straight pins, ball head pins, glass head pins, and safety pins cater to different sewing tasks.
• Precision: Excellent for small details, corners, and tight seams.

Common Uses:

• Garment construction
• Aligning fabric for intricate patterns
• Holding delicate fabrics where clips might leave marks
• Temporary placement for applique or decorative stitching

Key Differences Between Sewing Clips and Pins

Feature	Sewing Clips	Sewing Pins
Fabric Safety	Non-piercing, prevents holes	Pierces fabric; can leave permanent holes
Ease of Use	Quick and easy, no sharp ends	Requires careful handling; risk of pricks
Precision	Slightly less precise for tiny seams	Excellent precision for detailed sewing
Layer Capacity	Handles thick and multiple layers well	Can struggle with multiple thick layers
Machine Use	Mainly for hand sewing or quilting	Can be used with sewing machines if positioned carefully
Durability	Reusable, long-lasting	Can bend, break, or rust over time

Pros and Cons of Sewing Clips

Pros:

• Protect fabrics from puncture marks or holes
• Safer for fingers and hands
• Efficient for handling multiple layers at once
• Reusable, durable, and low-maintenance
• Color-coded options for easy organization

Cons:

• Bulkier than pins for narrow or tight seams
• May not provide the same precision for small, detailed sewing
• Some types may not hold very thin fabrics securely

Pros and Cons of Pins

Pros:

• Excellent precision for corners, pleats, and seams
• Perfect for delicate fabrics like silk or chiffon
• Versatile for almost all types of sewing projects

Cons:

• Can leave permanent holes in fabric
• Risk of pricking fingers or losing pins in fabric or carpet
• Not ideal for thick fabrics or multiple layers

When to Use Sewing Clips vs Pins

• Sewing clips are ideal for:
  • Quilting thick layers
  • Sewing leather, vinyl, or heavy fabrics
  • Bag-making, binding, and craft projects where holes are undesirable
• Pins are ideal for:
  • Garment sewing and fine detail work
  • Delicate fabrics like silk, satin, or organza
  • Aligning intricate patterns or pleats

Pro Tip: Many professional sewists use both clips for thicker sections and pins for precise areas or corners.

Tips for Using Clips and Pins Together

1. Layer strategically: Use clips on bulkier seams and pins for corners or tight edges.
2. Check alignment: Even when using clips, place a few pins for precise positioning.
3. Remove before sewing: Always remove pins before running fabric through a machine to prevent damage.
4. Use color-coded clips: Helps organize and manage multiple layers, especially in quilting.
5. Protect delicate fabrics: Place clips or pins near seams or hems to minimize visible marks.

FAQs About Sewing Clips and Pins

What Are Sewing Clips and Pins Used For?

Sewing clips and pins are tools used to temporarily hold fabric layers together while sewing. Clips are typically made of plastic with a spring mechanism and do not pierce fabric, making them ideal for thick layers or delicate materials. Pins, on the other hand, are sharp and pierce through fabric to hold it in place, offering high precision for detailed work. Both tools help ensure accuracy and neat finishes in sewing, quilting, crafting, and garment construction.

Are Sewing Clips Better Than Pins?

It depends on your project:

• Sewing clips are better for thick fabrics, multiple layers, quilting, and materials that could be damaged by punctures (like vinyl, leather, or laminated fabrics). They are also safer for fingers and easier to handle during long sessions.
• Pins are better for precision tasks, delicate fabrics, corners, and pleats where clips may not fit or align accurately. Many sewists use both, combining the speed of clips with the accuracy of pins.

Can Sewing Clips Be Used on Delicate Fabrics?

Yes, but with care. Mini or standard sewing clips work well on delicate fabrics such as silk, chiffon, or lace. Avoid using jumbo or heavy-duty clips, which can leave imprints or stretch light materials. For extra safety, clip near seams or hems instead of directly on the visible fabric surface.

Do Clips and Pins Work With Sewing Machines?

• Pins: Can be used, but always remove them before the needle reaches them to prevent machine damage or bent needles.
• Sewing clips: Generally not recommended under the sewing machine presser foot because they are bulky. Clips are best for hand sewing, quilting, or positioning layers before stitching.

How Many Sewing Clips or Pins Do I Need for a Project?

• For small projects like garment hems, 10–15 clips or pins may suffice.
• For quilting or bag-making, 15–20 clips per seam or 20–30 pins per layered section are recommended.
• The number depends on fabric thickness, project size, and precision required. Extra clips or pins are always helpful for large or complex projects.

Can Clips Replace Pins Completely?

Not always. While clips can replace pins for many sewing tasks, especially thick fabrics, quilting, and binding, pins are still preferred for:

• Fine fabrics like silk or satin
• Corners, pleats, or small detailed work
• Attaching interfacing or lining in precise spots

Most sewists combine both tools, using clips for bulk areas and pins for detail.

Are Sewing Clips Safer Than Pins?

Yes. Clips reduce the risk of pricked fingers, lost pins on the floor, or accidental injuries. They also prevent fabric holes, making them safer for repeated use on delicate or expensive materials. Pins require careful handling and can pose a risk, especially when working quickly or with children around.

How Do I Choose the Right Clip or Pin?

• Fabric type: Use clips for thick or delicate fabrics; pins for precision on thin fabrics.
• Project size: Larger projects benefit from more clips for speed, while small projects may only need a few pins.
• Skill level: Beginners may prefer clips because they are easy to handle and safer. Experienced sewists may combine both for optimal control.
• Special features: Consider color-coded clips for organization or heat-resistant clips for projects involving ironing.

This FAQ section provides practical guidance for anyone deciding between sewing clips and pins, highlighting safety, efficiency, and fabric compatibility.

Conclusion:

Both sewing clips and pins are indispensable tools for sewing enthusiasts. Clips excel in safety, efficiency, and holding thick or multiple layers, while pins shine in precision, flexibility, and handling delicate fabrics. Choosing the right tool depends on the type of fabric, sewing project, and personal preference. By understanding their strengths and combining them when necessary, sewists can achieve cleaner seams, faster workflow, and professional-quality results.

For more tips on sewing tools, see our guide on the best sewing clips for quilting, or the Best Sewing Pins for Quilting