These small, yet essential notions are designed to temporarily hold together the layers of a quilt the quilt top, batting, and backing during the machine quilting process. Typically made of plastic or metal, they offer a secure grip without piercing the fabric, unlike traditional pins. This allows for smoother fabric movement under the machine’s needle and reduces the risk of puckering or shifting.
Maintaining even tension across all quilt layers is critical for successful machine quilting. These tools provide a superior alternative to basting, offering greater stability and control, especially for larger projects. Historically, quilters relied on time-consuming hand-basting or safety pins, both of which posed challenges for even tension and smooth movement under the machine. The introduction of these specialized clips has significantly streamlined the process, allowing for increased efficiency and precision.
