I use a small crochet hook to close my pins.

Me, too....or I thread baste if not too large and/or hand quilting. Really don't like safety pins .

If you don't have the quick clip to close the pins, use your key chain. Hold the bulk of your keys in your palm like a handle and use a key to close the pin.

Also, I gave up pin basting. I spray baste. Much easier and everything stays together and flat while quilting on my domestic sewing machine.

geneva

Hi Barbara! I use the #2s, and they work great for me. Having a "Quick Clip" to open & close them for you is a great tool to have, also! The #2s don't get caught too bad behind the Walking Foot, too!!

I mostly use the smaller ones, but have some of the larger size, too. Highly recommend using safety pin grip covers:
www.joann.com/quilter-s-delight-safety-pin-grip-covers/8690331.html
and there is a tool that helps bring the pin up through the cloth and close it, can't remember the name of it. Some people use a spoon for this.

Kathy

i want to buy some curved pins on line but don't know what size to choose. Size 1 or 2 or? I will use to hold my layers together to free arm quilt on my small machine.