[Lillyhooch]

I am looking to buy T-Pins to block a large shawl. Have to buy online because I haven't found any retail outlets here in Australia that sell them. I had a look on the internet and was faced with a wide choice. Would greatly appreciate the benefit of your experience to decide: best size for blocking; how many should I buy to block a large shawl; are nickel plated ok; is there a particular brand that is better than others.

 

[lifeline]

They need to be rust-proof. I have two pots of about 25 t-pins, but could probably do with some more. I don't know what size I have but I would think the smallest will do.

 

[Irish knitter]

I was looking yesterday because I have to block my prayer shawls and a website was saying to use toothpicks...I don't know but someone said if the t pins are not coated the will leave rust marks.

Anyone know if toothpicks would work?
I also have a question about the wires. I was reading yesterday that the wires can snag your yarn? Is that true?

 

[lifeline]

I was looking yesterday because I have to block my prayer shawls and a website was saying to use toothpicks...I don't know but someone said if the t pins are not coated the will leave rust marks.

Anyone know if toothpicks would work?
I also have a question about the wires. I was reading yesterday that the wires can snag your yarn? Is that true?

I don't know. I have never thought of using them. I think the ones I get would not be strong enough :|

 

[Carolyn Rose]

I am looking to buy T-Pins to block a large shawl. Have to buy online because I haven't found any retail outlets here in Australia that sell them. I had a look on the internet and was faced with a wide choice. Would greatly appreciate the benefit of your experience to decide: best size for blocking; how many should I buy to block a large shawl; are nickel plated ok; is there a particular brand that is better than others.

If you have a Model Shop in your area you may be able to get there there as the guys that build model planes use them for there building.I have some here that we sell in our shop.They are 1" long & there are 100 in the packet.$8.40 NZ less gst $7.30 + shipping

 

[Hilary4]

Fishpond have them - they ship from the US but the shipping is included in the price. They are about 4cm long and 100 in the box - I have used them successfully.
http://www.fishpond.com.au/q/t-pins?rid=1384367038

 

[Hilary4]

I was looking yesterday because I have to block my prayer shawls and a website was saying to use toothpicks...I don't know but someone said if the t pins are not coated the will leave rust marks.

Anyone know if toothpicks would work?
I also have a question about the wires. I was reading yesterday that the wires can snag your yarn? Is that true?

Nickel-plated pins won't rust.

Wires that are sold as blocking wires have been rounded at the ends and are as safe as your knitting needles. But you don't have to use wires: http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/archives/2005/08/23/walk_around_the_block.html

 

[Joy Marshall]

I have quite a lot of T pins but have run short when blocking a large item. I took a chance and filled in with push pins and lo and behold they worked and did not rust. If anyone wants to try using these, though, I would recommend they test them for rust first. They would only work on something thin as the pin part is very short.

 

[Belle1]

Rather than T-pins I prefer to use long quilter pins with a plastic bead at the top. They are thinner, rust-proof, less expensive and much easier to use if you are blocking a lot of points.

 

[Ozebeaver]

I have just purchased 350 for $9.49US from ebay az yet to receive them. T pins are 5cm x 1.5cm or 2" x 5/8"
ilovebeauty*2008

I have ordered before from this seller and received ok.

 

[kathycam]

I would suggest when in doubt about metal pins to stick them through a little piece of tissue paper first so that the metal doesn't touch the yarn.

 

[mirl56]

I guess toothpicks would work depending on what you are blocking on. The surface under your work would need to be poke-able. It would not work on my blocking mats.

 

[terrachroma]

Nickle plated and get a bunch.
They are not very expensive so if you misplace a box etc.
you will have back up.

 

[terrachroma]

Oh and I would get longer rather than shorter.

 

[Juno]

I see you are in Australia. I got my Tpins from a patchwork/quilting store.

 

[Lillyhooch]

I see you are in Australia. I got my Tpins from a patchwork/quilting store.

I did ask at the quilting store near Miranda in Sydney. She had never heard of them.

 

[Ann745]

I was looking yesterday because I have to block my prayer shawls and a website was saying to use toothpicks...I don't know but someone said if the t pins are not coated the will leave rust marks.

Anyone know if toothpicks would work?
I also have a question about the wires. I was reading yesterday that the wires can snag your yarn? Is that true?

I bought my wires and t-pins from Amazon. Worried about my wires, but have blocked several items and they worked perfect. Not a snag anywhere. Easier to use than I expected too.

 

[Juno]

They have them at Craft Depot Pennant Hills, I just checked. That's where I probably bought them.

Regards

 

[sunnybutterfly]

I am looking to buy T-Pins to block a large shawl. Have to buy online because I haven't found any retail outlets here in Australia that sell them. I had a look on the internet and was faced with a wide choice. Would greatly appreciate the benefit of your experience to decide: best size for blocking; how many should I buy to block a large shawl; are nickel plated ok; is there a particular brand that is better than others.

Try Morris and Son, they have a store in Sydney, I found them in their Melbourne shop.

 

[sunnybutterfly]

Nickel-plated pins won't rust.

Wires that are sold as blocking wires have been rounded at the ends and are as safe as your knitting needles. But you don't have to use wires: http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/archives/2005/08/23/walk_around_the_block.html

No you are correct. I use the fluoro brickies line because it is so strong and when when pull tight is as good as wires.