Barb in Louisiana

Thanks everyone for the suggestions.

juliasb

I have used navel jelly in the past to get rusted pins out of a UFO. Who would have thought a pin would rust into a quilt???
The navel jelly worked well and with a bit of hydrogen peroxide The small amount of residue broke down. I think cutting them out may be your best bet. I wish I had though of that when I had that problem.

quiltingshorttimer

wire cutter, needle-nose pliers and tweezers--then treat the rust spots. But if the fabric is old and the pin has formed a hole in it for long enough for it the pin to get stuck with rust, then you may be stuck with a hole regardless.

Barb in Louisiana

Thanks Julia. quiltingshorttimer...the project is only about 5 years old. Hoping there is no holes.

maviskw

Cutting up the pin would not get the fabric to separate from the metal. Someone suggested rust remover. I think that should work, but I haven't heard of the results from such an opperation yet.

My husband's mother, Alice, started an art-deco piece when they were popular. She died in 1986. It was almost complete; just needed to finish some of the background stitches. Now I want to give it to her great-granddaughter, Alice. The needle has been stuck in it for the last 30-40 years. I don't see any rust, but the needle will not come out. I just think that adds to the charm of the piece. It is mounted onto a frame, so it can be hung. Her Great Granddaughter will be getting it soon. She is about to have her first baby.