![]() Later in 1843, with the help of some of his employees, Howe developed a machine that could not only crimp the paper card but it could also insert the pins directly into the card, eliminating the human step and making the process of manufacturing so much quicker.Īlthough Howe’s process of making pins was a good one, the nickel coating on the outside of the wired pins was not perfect and the pins would rust as electroplating was not yet invented. However, the packaging step was a slower one as his workers had to manually insert each and every pin into the paper cards in order to sell them. His manufacturing plant was soon manufacturing 70,000 pins daily. In December of 1835, Howe formed the Howe Manufacturing Company. After the machine was exhibited at the American Institute Fair in New York City, he was awarded a silver medal for his contribution to manufacturing. Howe obtained a patent for his machine in June of 1832. Howe sought out the help of a printer press designer named Robert Hoe to help him invent the machine that would soon become one of the first to make straight pins out of a single piece of wire. ![]() John Howe was a physician by profession and after watching the inmate/patients at the New York Alm’s House laboriously make pins by hand-cutting and sharpening wire, he began to explore ideas for a pin-making machine. One of the most famous is John Ireland Howe. ![]() The straight pin is a notion that most sewists can not live without!Īlthough for centuries many people have invented ways to secure fabric together, the history of the manufacturing of straight pins in America tends to lead us to a few men who applied for patents and started pin making companies. You can listen to the full episode, called “It Takes A Hive” here: They cost a little bit more but they will definitely be worth it in the long run.***Note: The following short summary about straight pins is taken from the “I’ve Got a Notion” segment of Stitched, our quilting podcast. That’s where lace pins come in, as they are made using stainless steel. This could cause problems when working with vintage fabrics or lace, so it is important to make sure the pin is completely clean. The problem is that they will often be made using nickel plated steel, which leaves the pins susceptible to rust over time. Silk Pins, Source: The Textile Space Lace PinsĪs delicate as silk pins are, even they can cause issues when working with bridal fabrics, such as lace. They take a little getting used to, especially if you have yet to build the proper dexterity on your hands, but they are an essential part of your sewing kit. Beginners are also able to find silk pins that have a coloured head that can be easier to spot than the traditional silk pin. However, that design has a purpose, as it allows for the pin to quickly pierce a fabric while only leaving the smallest of holes in it. The pins themselves are very sharp and thin, which means you will need to be careful when using them as it is very easy to prick your skin. These are used almost exclusively by those who work with more delicate garments and items of clothing. They also feature a rather large head, which makes them much easier to spot when you are working through multiple layers. They are generally a little longer than your average straight pin, to account for the fact that you may end up sewing through a lot of layers when creating your quilt. ![]() T-pins, Source: Parachute Cord and Accessories Quilting PinsĪs the name implies, a quilting pin is ideal for people working on quilts. They are also great if you like to get up close and personal with your home’s upholstery for repair and maintenance work. Canvas, leather and vinyl can all be held together with this pin, so it is a good idea to invest in some if you have a habit of getting crafty. These are some of the strongest pins that are currently available on the market, which means that they are ideal for those working with heavier fabrics, such as those used in craft projects. Different projects call for different pins, and it is no use having a heavy duty pin when working with a light fabric, like silk or satin, and vice-versa. The first thing you are going to have to consider when heading out to grab some pins is the project that you have in mind. It can be a little bit intimidating for the sewing newbie, so here we will be giving you a brief breakdown of the different types of straight pins that you are likely to run into. In fact, they are right up there with your needle and thread in terms of things that you need to ensure you get the accuracy and quality that you are looking for from your sewing. However, there are also a whole bunch of different pins available, with all of them serving their own purposes. As any experienced sewer will be able to tell you, a god set of straight pins is absolutely essential if you are going to get the job done right. ![]()
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