Taming the (pin back) shrew!
April 2004 Camille Pratt – Taming the (Pin Back) Shrew!
I think the pin back findings we purchase are so much nicer a presentation than the safety-pin method, but the pin backs have a few things we have to keep in mind. I have seen time and time again a superbly made textile pin with a metal pin back sewn on, and in no time at all the pin back has chewed through those bonds – upholstery thread not withstanding. Another thing is the pin back itself…it is no great beauty and truly mars the looks of an otherwise lovely pin.
There are several ways to tame the razor-sharp edges of the pin back we attach to our pin dolls and other textile jewelry, and all of these ways allow for incorporating and camouflaging the finding. The following are just a few that I have conjured up and I hope you find them useful, too.
Method 1: Sandwiching the pin back between the front portion of the pin doll and a back piece. It gives security to the positioning and attachment of the pin back, while allowing for it to remain mostly unseen. This can be achieved by making a matching back template of your pin doll out of thin cardboard (think Nilla Wafer, Ritz Cracker or a cereal box type card board), placing the pin back where you wish, mark the 2 places the pin back will come through, then hole-punch out those places. Attach a layer of contrasting fabric to the back template, bringing fabric over edges and glue (I use Ultimate Glue). Make a small slit in the fabric where the punched holes are and slide pin back through those 2 holes. Glue the front of the pin doll to the back portion and secure until dry. The same effect can be achieved with single layer of Ultrasuede, suede or smooth leather, though often not quite as smooth looking finish.
Method 2: Covering the bar of the pin back with a single layer of cotton batting (such as Warm and Natural) and secure with small amount of glue on inside of batting. Then, wrap pin back with matching fabric and secure end with glue. The pin back can now be sewn (whip or ladder stitch) onto the pin by stitching through the fabric of both the pin and the pin back, bypassing the metal of the bar.
Method 3: Felting the bar of the pin back with a matching or complimentary color and sewing on through the felted portion. This is achieved by wrapping small amounts of roving around pin bar until the length of the back is covered. Moisten felt with warm water and use a low-lather soap (such as a Castile – a 100% olive oils soap) to lather. Felt with hands by gently rubbing with fingertips until felt is secure. Rinse well in warm water, then give it a quick dunk into a 10% vinegar solution to neutralize the wool, rinse with plain water and pat dry. Allow to air dry and then sew to back of pin.
~ Camille Pratt