Kilt Pin or Not

[Mark Keeney]

Kilt pins (or any pin) don't need to damage the fabric when pinned in place. Be sure the point is sharp and smooth so it doesn't snag the threads when it goes in.

When pinning be sure to pin so the threads are not split and that the threads are moved aside to allow the pin to go through. If the pin is sharp and smooth if it does split the thread it won't tear the fibers when going through.

I sharpen my pins with my pin cushion. It looks like a tomato with a strawberry attached. The strawberry sharpens the pins when you poke it several times.

Mark

[Macman]

I sharpen my pins with my pin cushion. It looks like a tomato with a strawberry attached. The strawberry sharpens the pins when you poke it several times.

Mark

So that's what the strawberry is for! I never knew that. Thanks for the info, Mark .

[Mumbles]

Glad for this thread, as I had the same question myself.

[Panache]

I have a kilt pin for every kilt (except my Utilikilt). Each one is pinned through a thick rubberband on the backside to save the pin if it comes loose. I never really had a problem with them pulling out (but then I'm pretty carefully about such things).

I really think the kilt pin adds to the whole kilt look.

Cheers

Jamie

[Splash_4]

What a time to bring this up! Actually, I have a couple of kilt pins that I have fashioned to use the rare earth magnet idea. In this particular case, I was using the pin variety because I had not, yet, made one with the family crest. (working on that as we speak). In the future, I will no longer be wearing pins through the fabric, but using the magnet ones I will continue to fashion.

[turpin]

I kept a silver sword kilt pin on my SWK saffron for a long time. When I removed I I found a small degree of oxidation had transferred to the kilt, leaving four small dark smudges. I guess this is a reason to remove a pin, if only to give it a wipe occasionally.

[gangreenfootball]

I wear a Clan crest pin, never remove it except for cleaning and never had a problem with tearing. Even though it's ornamental I still like the look.

[Dirka Skene]

If you go to your local fabric store, you can find very small plastic and rubber washers made specifically for pins and broaches and things. Poke the kilt pin through the washer and then through the kilt and through another washer on the other side. It has the same affect as a protective grommet on a button hole. It keeps the fabric from tearing and helps keep you from losing your kilt pin. A thick rubberband will do the trick too.

[Splash_4]

If you go to your local fabric store, you can find very small plastic and rubber washers made specifically for pins and broaches and things. Poke the kilt pin through the washer and then through the kilt and through another washer on the other side. It has the same affect as a protective grommet on a button hole. It keeps the fabric from tearing and helps keep you from losing your kilt pin. A thick rubberband will do the trick too.

Strangely enough, that is what I was using at the time. The force on the pin was somewhat extreme!

[cessna152towser]

I wear a kilt pin on all my kilts except three non-trad style kilts, the Indi Denim Union Kilt; the Freedom Cargo Kilt and the box pleat camo. Once I have attached a kilt pin to a kilt I usually secure the pin mechanism with a blob of super glue, taking care not to spill any on the kilt. Failure to secure the pin can cause it to fall off unnoticed during the day and get lost, or to fall down the toilet pan when you lift the kilt to attend the call of nature.