Pins Without Punctures: A Genuinely Different Tool
The concept behind SewTites is simple and brilliant: a strong magnet positioned on top of a fabric layer holds to a ferrous (iron-containing) surface below, gripping the fabric between them with enough force to prevent shifting during sewing -- without any needle penetrating the fabric. For certain quilting and sewing applications, this changes the experience entirely. No pricked fingers, no snagged thread on a bobbing pin head, no holes left in delicate fabric, and faster placement and removal than any traditional pin. SewTites Magnum is the larger, stronger version in the SewTites line -- designed for heavier quilting applications where standard SewTites' holding power is insufficient.
How SewTites Work
SewTites consist of a magnetic puck that sits on top of the fabric and a ferrous receptor that sits below. The magnetic field pulls the two together through the fabric layers, creating a non-penetrating hold. For this to work, you need a ferrous surface below the fabric -- a metal sewing machine bed, a steel cutting table surface, or the included receptor pieces. On a standard metal sewing machine table or the metal bed of most longarm machines, SewTites grip directly without a separate receptor.
Why Magnum?
The Magnum designation indicates the larger, stronger version of the SewTites system. The increased magnetic force provides reliable holding on heavier fabric layers, thicker batting sandwiches, and applications where standard SewTites might shift under the demands of quilting. For most longarm and domestic machine quilting applications, Magnum's stronger hold is the appropriate choice.
Top 10 Uses for SewTites Magnum
- Holding Quilt Layers Flat at the Sewing Machine -- Position Magnums across a quilt sandwich on a metal machine table to hold layers flat during edge-to-edge stitching without traditional basting pins.
- Securing Quilt Binding for Stitching -- Hold binding in position while machine-stitching without pins that snag thread or interrupt stitching rhythm.
- Holding Applique in Position -- Non-piercing hold keeps applique pieces in place while hand or machine stitching without leaving holes in the applique fabric.
- Securing Borders and Sashing -- Hold long border strips flat against a quilt top for accurate attachment without distorting the fabric with pins.
- Foundation Piecing Holder -- Keep foundation paper in position on the machine bed during paper piecing without clips that interfere with the presser foot area.
- Holding Fabric Flat for Photography -- Magnetic hold keeps quilt pieces and blocks flat for flat-lay photography without visible pins.
- Positioning Templates and Rulers -- Some quilters use SewTites to anchor templates and rulers on a ferrous cutting surface for repeated cuts.
- Fabric Display and Teaching Aids -- Hold fabric samples and demonstration pieces on a ferrous display surface or whiteboard in a classroom setting.
- Securing Needle Minders on Machines -- The magnetic puck serves as an accessible needle holder at the machine.
- Any Application Where Traditional Pins Are Inconvenient -- Any flat-surface holding task where the non-piercing, fast-placement character of SewTites is an advantage over traditional pins.
Limitations to Know
SewTites require a ferrous surface to function. They do not work on wood cutting tables, most acrylic surfaces, or non-ferrous metal. Test your work surface before purchasing if you are unsure. They also cannot replace traditional pins in all contexts -- pinning into a seam allowance for precise matching still requires conventional pins. SewTites are a supplement to, not a complete replacement for, your pin kit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will SewTites affect my sewing machine's electronics or computerized systems?
SewTites are designed for use around standard sewing and quilting machines. The magnets are small and localized. However, keep them away from the machine's digital displays and computerized components as a general precaution. Standard quilting machine use on the metal bed is generally fine.
How strong is the Magnum compared to standard SewTites?
Magnum provides approximately double the holding force of standard SewTites, making it appropriate for heavier fabrics, multiple fabric layers, and batting-inclusive sandwiches where standard hold would be insufficient.
Can SewTites be used on a longarm machine frame?
The steel components of most longarm frames are ferrous and SewTites will adhere to them, but the primary quilting applications at the frame are better served by traditional leaders and clamps. SewTites are most practical at the domestic machine and cutting table.
Are SewTites washable or will they rust?
Keep SewTites dry and store away from moisture. They are not intended to be washed. Remove before washing any project they were holding during construction.
Shop SewTites Magnum
Magnetic hold, no punctures, instant placement. The non-piercing pin that solves problems traditional pins create.
