Counting Pins

[Kythe]

I'm not sure where I read this, but somewhere I read that someone used something called counting pins as an alternative to gridding. I've come to realize that for me gridding has been a necessary evil. It doesn't necessarily prevent me from making mistakes, but it helps me spot my mistakes quicker so I can fix them before they get out of hand. Though as much as I know I need the grid lines, I really hate doing it. It's just so tedious. Have any of you ever used counting pins before, and how did you like them?

BTW in case you don't know what I'm talking about counting pins are pins used to mark your place in the fabric. They tend to have some decorative beads on the top, and "stoppers" on the bottom so they won't fall out of the fabric.

I've done a search for counting pins, and I found a couple of sites that have them, but they seemed rather costly and none of the designs really appealed to me. Does anyone know of some good sites to get these at a reasonable price, or know where to find directions to make your own?

[kimkat_tkl]

I have never used counting pins before, I use a washable marker for my grids, and normal pearl head pins (the ones with the balls on the end) when counting out my grid to mark. Just an idea for diy - what about using normal pins (which I'm sure are cheap to get) and to cover the point maybe use the small polystyrene balls that are often used to fill bean bags?

[Kythe]

Hmm well I'd need to make sure the pins were small enough to use on 28 count fabric without stretching out the holes. I'm not sure if "normal" pins would be small enough. I guess I'd have to look at them and compare them to my cross stitch needles.

[kirstyc]

Have a look for applique pins they are tiny but they do have a ball or a stopper at the end . Might be able to substute with them and I don't think they will be to big for the fabric

[Mabel Figworthy]

I have seen very decorative ones, which come as a set, two to stick in the fabric and one to count on (or possibly oneof each). I've always secretly rather fancied them though I doubt I'd use them much on my small projects!

[Serinde]

Same here, Mabel. I'm forever losing my place counting out in tens, and some of these pins look good enough to go into a Christmas stocking...

[Granny]

Another pin that is more slender than the regular pin is the flower head pin. The little bean bag pellets sound like a good thing to use for the sharp end.

[Kythe]

Hmm well I'm not sure where I'd get bean bag pellets, but maybe those earring backs for fish hook earrings might work.

I was thinking about possibly using headpins(preferably the kind with a ball head), but my sister said that those kind of pins get bent really easily so I don't think I'd use those. Perhaps I will look into the applique type of pins.

[Branlaadee]

My Big Toe makes what they call "thread hoppers" which are great for smaller bits of counting and would be super simple to make yourself. I use mine quite often. It's 2 needles tied together with some floss and a bead. When I have to count over long distances, it's great to just leap frog the needles over eachother. Not exactly the same as what you are talking about, but still very handy and maybe you can apply the needles, which wouldnt stretch your material much, to be what you want.

[Kythe]

My Big Toe makes what they call "thread hoppers" which are great for smaller bits of counting and would be super simple to make yourself. I use mine quite often. It's 2 needles tied together with some floss and a bead. When I have to count over long distances, it's great to just leap frog the needles over eachother. Not exactly the same as what you are talking about, but still very handy and maybe you can apply the needles, which wouldnt stretch your material much, to be what you want.

Well those thread hoppers really aren't what I'm looking for. However, I'm pretty sure what are labeled as "marking pins" are the same thing as the counting pins I was talking about, except that I don't think the ones on this site have a stopper on the bottom, but it's hard to tell from the picture. Unfortunately, I really can't tell from just looking at pictures exactly how one would put them together.

[SherryCarl]

I have never used counting pins. I fold the aida cloth in half both ways, find the middle then I count up and out depending on size of pattern. That's where I start my project.

[coffee_freak]

i've been eyeing up this etsy seller's pins

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=67 ... id=5980252" target="_blank

they are pretty and look lovely! but if you can make your own..gives you an idea by looking at them how you may go about making them..

[coffee_freak]

oh and you could use long sewing pins and them buy earring nuts or stoppers

like these:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?li ... c&includes" target="_blank[]=tags&includes[]=title

to make your own..I may try and post a tutorial....