How To Select A
Pin
by Holly Van Scvier Understanding the "numbers" used to describe pins can be confusing and frustrating. Follow these simple guidelines and your confusion will disappear. Most pins are described by three numbers. Take for example Bohin Pins 26 x .65 x 10. The first number "26" describes the length of the pin in millimeters. A 26 pin is approximately 1" long. The higher this number the longer the pin. The lower this number the shorter the pin. The second number ".65" describes the diameter of the pin (in hundreds of a millimeter). The higher the number the heavier the pin. The lower the number the finer the pin. The third number represents the total weight of pins in the container. The number “10” means 100 grams. The number “50” means 50 grams and so forth. I use the Bohin 26 x .65 as my standard, because it is often the first pin a student will use and come to understand. Comparatively, this is a somewhat short, medium weight pin with a standard head, that is good for Torchon, Brugge Flower Lace or any tape lace using heavier threads. For fine tape laces like Milanese, the German 22 x .65 (a shorter pin with a standard head) is perfect. Now consider a pin that is 30 x .50. This pin is longer and fine, making it an excellent choice for fine straight lace where pins are clustered closely together, for example Bucks Point or the Belgium straight laces. The 38 x .40 (very long and very fine) is the extreme of this situation and is perfect for those straight laces using the finest of threads or for laces that require a support pin where no hole is distinguishable. For fine free laces, such as Honiton, Withof Duchesse and Duchesse, where fine threads are used and the pins pushed completely down into the pillow, the Belgian 17 x .45 is an excellent choice (short and fine with a small head). These short pins are less apt to bend as they are being pushed into the pillow, and the small heads less likely to run into each other. To conclude, the length and diameter of a pin are described by two numbers correspondingly. The higher these numbers the longer and/or heavier the pin. The lower these numbers the shorter and/or finer the pin. Allow the lace type and thread count to dictate the pin selected for use in a given pattern. |
