How to Use Sewing Clips for Quilting and More: A Complete Guide

 

Sewing clips are handy tools that can help you keep your fabric in place while sewing. They are especially useful for quilters, who often work with multiple layers of fabric and need to avoid pins. In this guide, you will learn what sewing clips are, how to use them, and what types of sewing clips are available.

What are sewing clips?

Sewing clips are small plastic or metal clips that you can attach to the edge of your fabric. They are designed to hold the fabric together without piercing it, which makes them ideal for fabrics that are thick, heavy, slippery, or delicate. Sewing clips can also prevent the fabric from shifting or puckering, which can improve the accuracy and quality of your stitches.

How to use sewing clips

Using sewing clips is very easy. You just need to clip them on the edge of your fabric, making sure they align with the seam allowance or the edge of your project. You can use as many clips as you need to secure the fabric, but don't overcrowd them or they may interfere with the sewing machine.

You can also use sewing clips to mark different parts of your project, such as the right side of the fabric, the center of the project, or the corners of the project. This can help you orient your fabric correctly and avoid mistakes.

Sewing clips are not only useful for holding fabric together, but also for holding other elements in place, such as binding, piping, zippers, or elastic. You can clip them on the edge of the fabric and the element you want to attach, and then sew them together.

One thing to remember when using sewing clips is that you need to remove them before the fabric goes under the presser foot of the sewing machine. Otherwise, they may damage the machine or the fabric. You can either remove them one by one as you sew, or remove them all at once before you start sewing.
 

Types of sewing clips

There are different types of sewing clips available, and they vary in size, shape, color, and features. Here are some of the most common types of sewing clips:


- Wonder clips: These are the most popular type of sewing clips. They are small and colorful, and they have a flat back and a curved tip. They also have markings on the base to indicate the seam allowance, which can help you measure and align your fabric. Wonder clips are great for quilting, as they can hold multiple layers of fabric without distorting them.

 - Magic clips: These are similar to wonder clips, but they have a metal base and a plastic tip. They also have a flat back, but they have a hole in the tip to insert a thread or a pin. This can help you secure the clip more firmly and prevent it from sliding off. Magic clips are good for sewing curves, as they can fit around them easily.

 - Jumbo clips: These are larger and stronger than wonder clips, and they have a wider opening and a longer tip. They are ideal for holding thick or bulky fabrics, such as fleece, denim, or leather. Jumbo clips can also handle more tension and pressure, which can prevent the fabric from slipping or stretching.

 - Mini clips: These are smaller and more delicate than wonder clips, and they have a narrower opening and a shorter tip. They are perfect for holding thin or fine fabrics, such as silk, lace, or chiffon. Mini clips can also be used for small or intricate projects, such as applique, embroidery, or doll clothes.

Sewing clips vs pins

Sewing clips and pins are both useful for sewing, but they have their own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the main differences between them:

- Sewing clips are better than pins when working with thick, heavy, or slippery fabrics, as they can hold them more securely and prevent them from shifting or puckering.
- Clips are also safer than pins, as they won’t poke you or damage your fabric or machine.
- However, sewing clips are bulkier than pins, which can weigh down or stretch your fabric as it feeds into the sewing machine.
- The clips must be removed before the fabric goes under the presser foot, whereas pins can feed under the presser foot (or even sew over them, although that’s not recommended).
- Sewing clips are also more expensive than pins, and you may need more of them to cover the same area.

Final Thoughts

Sewing clips are versatile and convenient tools that can make your sewing projects easier and faster. They are especially helpful for quilters, who can use them to hold multiple layers of fabric without using pins. Sewing clips come in different types, sizes, shapes, colors, and features, so you can choose the ones that suit your needs and preferences. Sewing clips can also be used to mark, measure, and attach different elements to your fabric, such as binding, piping, zippers, or elastic. However, sewing clips are not perfect, and they have some drawbacks compared to pins, such as being bulkier, heavier, and more expensive. Therefore, you may want to use sewing clips and pins interchangeably, depending on the type of fabric and project you are working on.

Thank you so much for reading , if you have any comments, or questions feel free to write it , I will be happy to answer. Happy Sewing !

 

 

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