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Text, photos and video by Tom Hintz
Posted – 4-26-2018
As I gain experience in the use of sewing machines and related equipment my projects are turning out better and I am spending less time fixing mistakes I had been making way too often. Those who are more skilled and have more experience than I already know that preparation of the components prior to sewing is as important as anything else in the process. A common task is securing pieces together in the proper position to be sewn more accurately. Traditionally, project parts were held together with simple stick pins. To be sure, stick pins work for people who sew way better than I do or likely ever will. Try as I may, using stick pins effectively just isn’t in my skill set.
My problem with stick pins was constantly sticking myself which was particularly bad while I was on blood thinners following surgery and an onslaught of blood clots. The other problem came when inserting pins into and then back out of the fabric pieces to secure them. That also produced lumps that could change the overall dimension of the finished project enough to be noticed. Whether this is a typical problem or my unconscious affirmation of the “runs with scissors” warnings voiced by authority figures throughout my life.
Then, while searching Amazon for a better “pin design” (I’m a guy, the problem had to be in the design of the pins….) I stumbled upon across another “holding” tool that while appearing technically more complicated looked to be easier to use. Magik Clips. I couldn’t recall seeing Magik Clips used in any of the sewing-related videos I had viewed but I thought they could help me, so I ordered 100 of them. Yes, they cost more than most pins but at $7.99 (4-25-2018) per 100, I thought they were the bargain of the year in terms of products that work in my situation as advertised – or better.
One of the first features of the Magik Clips I noticed was the flat bottomed lower jaw. That lets the clip hold the fabric without jacking it up and making the lumps in the fabric like those I was getting with pins. That bottom jaw design also helped keep the fabric moving over the needle plate without catching. Also, the Magik Clips didn’t draw blood when I inadvertently applied one to myself.
Somewhere between the aftermath of my cancer surgery and my on-going battle against aging, my hand strength has declined noticeably. While they grip the fabric surprisingly well, the Magik Clips can be applied easily. I probably use more Magik Clips than I normally did pins but the speed with which I can apply and remove them means my work is not slowing down at all. If anything, prepping my pieces for sewing is faster and more accurate overall.
I know this flies in the face of today’s marketplace, but the Magik Clips are a real value for me and I suspect many of you. They are made of plastic with a metal spring but in the sewing world the Magik Clips are all but bullet proof. I have been using them continuously for months now and have yet to have a failure. My biggest problem has been knocking the bowl in which I keep the Magik Clips off the table and having to pick up 200 little clips. My bad.
It is more fun doing reviews on sewing machines and other higher-dollar products but if we value usefulness, there are few things that equal the Magik Clips. I find myself using them all the time. The plastic tub in which I keep the Magik Clips (and knock off the table) is never far from me.
I still have my pin cushion and straight pins and even know where they are sometimes. I think I did use a few of them in recent months to hold something but for the rest of my “hold it” needs I use the Magik Clips. They just make way more sense, work better, faster and secure fabric without puckering or creating a ripple that I will undoubtedly sew into an unwanted pleat.
It’s not impossible to make a mistake with Magik Clips but you do have to try harder than with pins. I also like that my total expenditure for what seems to be a lifetime supply of Magik Clips is a tick under $16. If you sew things together there is a better than average chance that Magik Clips will be as useful for you as are for me.
Magik Clips 100 Pack - Sewing Clips for Quilting and Crafts - Multicolored Clips - Click Here
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