nygal

I never sew over pins. Why ask for trouble?

QultingaddictUK

IMO there is an art to pinning, and I chose to use a complete lesson, what is to me, the correct way to pin. This is of course just "my" way but it works. When piecing I pin frequently but at about 1/2" or a tad more from the edge, that way the newbies can concentrate on sewing and not worry about the pins as the presser foot will miss them, as they get a bit more practise they do as I do and remove the pins as they come to them or just ignore them As far as bindings or something similar, like appliqué, I use the long flower head pins and put them in at right angles which makes them so easy to remove as you come to them,

A tip when a needle breaks and you can't find all the bits, turn your machine on it's side, unscrew and take off the bottom plate and with a torch explore all the parts underneath the bobbin workings, you will find a pair of tweezers will help get the pesky bit out. It's worth the effort as twice I have found it lodged in one of the gears!!!!!!!!!!!!!

lalaland

I encourage my students to remove the pins, but I saw how frustrating it was for the beginners to remove the pin and have the fabric slip out of place so decided to invest in the sharp, thin silk pins and leave it up to their discretion. As they get better at sewing, I notice they frequently remove the pins. We've only had one broken needle in 5 years. The silk pins bend easily and we end up tossing a lot of them, but it's worth it.

I have to admit, I sew over my pins more often than not, but I use the silk pins as well. I do rely on the thicker pins when sewing on a thicker fabric, then I absolutely do remove my pins.

Tartan

I pin horizontally so if I accidentally sew over a pin, it is usually okay. I do try to remove the pins as I come up to them when sewing. I have bent one before and even managed to sew though the flower top of a pin. Luckily I didn't knock off the timing and I try to be careful. What I really love(not) if when I switch to a fancy stitch and forget to switch to the fancy foot attachment. It sure scares me When the needle hits the solid foot and snaps, Yikes!!!

ragquilter

I broke one of my machines when I accidentally sewed over a pin I didn't remove. I didn't see the pin but I heard it when my needle hit it. The machine had to be repaired, luckily it was still under warranty.

crafty pat

Why risk damage to your machine? I just take them out because I feel it is better to be safe than sorry.

Sewnoma

I used to sew over pins but broke needles that way. Never had anything fly into my eyes, thank goodness!! But it seemed to me that if I'm breaking needles doing it, it's probably the "wrong" way. So now I pull the pin out just before it goes under the foot. And now that y'all have taught me about the wonders of washable glue I see even less reason to ever "need" to sew over a pin! Next time I'm dealing with anything that fussy, I'll just GLUE it!

RedGarnet222

I try to not sew over pins, but, I have done it. I am not a fan of pins unless they are a must in the first place. I have also had one glaze off my glasses and that scared the beegeebers out of me.
I totally agree about the risk of throwing the timing off is not worth it. They think that a service job is worth a small fourtune, so I try and be very careful with them.

RedGarnet222

OMG.. Guilty of this too! I forgot.

YukonViv

I've spent way too much $$$ on my machine to not take care with things that I can control. I can control running over pins, I pin horizontally and as I approach the pin it is nothing to just pull it enough out of the way. It's not an extra step as it's all part of the process of feeding the fabric. For those seams that you need to leave the pin in until the last possible moment to keep the match, I just slow down those last two stitches and pull it out at the last moment.