What Are Sewing Clips? Advantages, Disadvantages & Uses (2024)

This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.

Sewing has been around for generations, and the tools of the trade have changed over time.

To understand why so many sewers today choose clips instead of pins, let’s explore what makes them different from each other.

First off, sewing clips provide an advantage that you won’t get with traditional pins: they remain flat against your fabric while you work on projects like quilting or bag making.

On top of this convenience factor alone (no more pin pricks!), sewing clips can also make positioning patterns along seam allowances easier than ever before.

Advantages of Sewing Clips

Easily attachable and great for holding thick fabrics or delicate materials, sewing clips offer precision and versatility in your sewing techniques. Unlike pins, they won’t damage your work, granting you a sense of liberation and mastery over your creations.

These clips are a game-changer when dealing with sergers or jersey edges, ensuring safer stitching. With their quick attachment feature, they swiftly secure layers without leaving holes.

The advantages of fabric holding with these clips are multifaceted. They prevent shifts in curves and corners, as well as flatten fabric edges. Embrace the power of sewing clips – they empower you to navigate the challenges of various materials effortlessly, enhance your sewing prowess, and master the art of impeccable stitching.

Disadvantages of Sewing Clips

Moving on from the advantages of sewing clips, it’s important to acknowledge their limitations. While they offer numerous benefits, sewing clips do come with a few disadvantages that need consideration.

These include the possibility of fabric shift during attachment, particularly when dealing with curves or corners. The bulkiness of clips might weigh down or slightly stretch fabrics, impacting the precision of your work.

Additionally, their flat base, while aiding in feeding through the presser foot, can at times interfere with the sewing process.

It’s crucial to be cautious when sewing delicate fabrics, as the clip’s grip might not be as gentle as desired. Despite these drawbacks, sewing clips remain a handy tool that can significantly enhance your sewing experience, especially when handling multiple layers or challenging materials.

Alternatives to Sewing Clips

Rather than sewing clips, you could try utilizing binder clips or pegged laundry clips to hold fabrics securely.

• Binder clips are great alternatives that provide a strong, easy-to-use grip on layers. Look for large binder clips rated for thicker stacks of paper to handle fabric bulk.
• Rubber-tipped wooden clothespins make handy fabric fasteners in a pinch. Their tight grip keeps seams aligned through stitching.
• Plastic pegs from hair clips or chipped manicure sets are perfect for impromptu sewing sessions.
• Bulky paper clips can substitute for wonder clips when creatively bent into makeshift fabric clamps.

With a bit of creativity, many everyday household items can become DIY alternatives for securing layers during sewing projects.

What Are Sewing Clips?

You’re at the start of your creative adventure when they show up, bringing color and convenience to your crafting like a starburst in a midnight sky. Sewing clips, those innovative craft tools, are the secret companions that elevate your sewing experience.

With a myriad of applications, these versatile gems redefine how you work with fabrics. Imagine the ease of holding together multiple layers effortlessly, whether you’re working on a delicate dress or a rugged bag.

These clips, often adorned with pattern markings, keep your project aligned and secure without the risk of snagging or damaging your materials.

As you sew, the comparison between clips and pins becomes apparent – no more poking or bending, just seamless stitching. These sewing accessories are your ticket to liberation, power, and mastery over your craft.

What Are Sewing Clips Used For?

You’ll fasten multiple layers securely during construction when using these handy tools. Sewing clips grip fabrics firmly without poking holes or distorting delicate materials. Their non-slip jaws effortlessly wrangle slippery satins, light chiffons, chunky wools, and heavy canvas into submission.

These fabric-friendly clamps open wide to grab thick seams or multiple loose pieces for perfect alignment. Unlike pins, clips hold shapemaking pieces in place as you sew sharp curves and corners.

Bag straps and complex seams easily feed under the presser foot thanks to their flat bottom design. Replace painful pins with sewing clips and breeze through crafts and garment construction safely. You’ll wonder how you managed without these versatile fabric fasteners holding your projects together neatly.

Are Sewing Clips Better Than Pins?

There are times when the right tools make all the difference. When it comes to pins versus clips for sewing projects, both offer practical benefits depending on your needs.

Clips excel for thicker fabrics, holding multiple layers in place without poking holes. Their flat bases prevent fabric shifting too. Pins allow more precision for delicate tasks like attaching narrow bindings.

However, they can distort fabrics, require removal before sewing, and present injury risks.

Analyze your project’s requirements, fabrics used, and necessary accuracy. For most sewing involving medium to heavy materials, clips facilitate efficiency. Their ease of use and reduced fabric damage make projects smoother. Still, keep pins on hand for detailed alignments.

Choosing the right fastening method boosts quality and enjoyment. With knowledge of their comparative strengths, your toolkit expands to conquer any sewing challenge.

Sewing Clips: Advantages and Disadvantages

Enjoy smooth sailing when crafting as these handy helpers effortlessly glide fabrics underfoot sans snags. Sewing clips keep layers in place minus pricks, providing a sturdy grip sans slippage over traditional pins’ pokey peril.

Clips’ easy slide-on/quick-snap motion permits precision positioning, especially for thick or slippery substances where pins can bend.

Flat-back guides ensure accurate seam allowances. Clips’ security allows stress-free sewing, no need to constantly re-pin. Yet they lack pins’ precision for narrow tasks. Still, clips’ damage-free hold allows serger work or vinyl/leather projects where pins tear.

While both have roles, clips excel for general ease, speed, safety, and flexibility, enhancing overall sewing satisfaction.

How to Use Sewing Clips

Let’s attach layers together unharmed using colorful alternatives to pins. When using sewing clips:

1. Open the clip wide and slide it onto the fabric near the seam line.
2. Position the clip so that its teeth grip the fabric, then press to close.
3. Place the clips at 1-2 inch intervals along the seam.
4. Check that the clips align the fabric edges properly.
5. Remove the clips as the presser foot reaches them during sewing.

Keep an eye on the clips to ensure they hold the layers in place during sewing. Their flat base allows the presser foot to glide smoothly over them. Position the clips within the seam allowances so that the stitches don’t catch them.

And voila, your project layers are perfectly aligned, avoiding any damage from pins.

When to Use Sewing Clips Vs Pins

Previously, we covered how to use sewing clips. Now let’s explore when to use sewing clips versus pins.

Sewing clips and pins both serve important roles in sewing projects. Understanding when each is most effective allows you to maximize quality and efficiency.

	Clips	Pins
Fabrics	Opt for clips on thick, slippery, and hole-sensitive materials like leather or vinyl.	Use pins on delicate fabrics like chiffon or lace.
Tasks	Clips are ideal for general construction, binding, and flat seams.	Pins provide more control over placement and are useful for precise tasks like attaching elastic, zippers, or bands.
Benefits	Clips are quick, easy to use, hold fabric well, and are safer.	Pins offer more control over placement and are particularly useful for detailed alignment.

In short, choose clips when working with thick or delicate materials where precision isn’t critical. Use pins when you need total control over positioning. Keep both handy to suit each project’s unique needs.

Where to Buy Sewing Clips

Venture online or head to your local fabric store to acquire these handy tools. Amazon offers a wide selection of sewing clips from top brands like Clover and Dritz, with prices ranging from $5 to $15 for packs of varying quantities.

Joanns, Michael’s, and other craft stores also stock sewing clips in the notion section, although the selection is often more limited. For the best prices, shop online at e-retailers like Wawak and Clotilde. They offer bulk packs of 100+ clips for under $10.

Wherever you decide to buy, make sure to look for nickel-plated clips that won’t snag delicate fabrics. With the help of sewing clips sourced from a retailer of your choice, your projects will come together with ease.

Top 3 Sewing Clips of 2022

Looking to add some convenience and flair to your sewing projects? Consider investing in sewing clips. The Mini Wonder Clips Multicolor Set offers precision gripping and a flat back guide scale. Or opt for the splash of color and sturdy storage provided by the Colorful Sewing Clips 100-Pack.

Mini Wonder Clips Multicolour Set

Forego the hassle of traditional pins and embrace the Mini Wonder Clips Multicolour Set for your next sewing project. Their superior holding power and flat back guide scale let you focus on creating, without puncturing your fabrics.

• Offer precision clipping to handle delicate fabrics with care.
• Provide a flat back guide scale for accurate measurements.
• Feature a compact and versatile 1.0 length, perfect for crafting.

Experience the joy of efficient and creative fabric solutions with the Mini Wonder Clips Multicolour Set.

Colorful Sewing Clips 100-Pack

Peek inside that vibrant tin and you’ll find a rainbow of handy clips to tackle your next project with ease. Each colorful clip offers a versatile hold for fabric, paper, photos – anything needing a secure grip.

Let your creativity run wild exploring their many uses while benefiting from organized storage. With so many lively hues, you’re sure to find the perfect clips to infuse cheer into your crafting.