A Shawl Pin To Hold it all Together
Shawls and wraps are such popular accessories in the knit and crochet world. But to keep your gorgeous new accessory secure around your shoulders as you work and move a shawl pin is a necessity.
Today, shawl pin is a loose term. They’re also known as scarf pins and brooches, though brooches tend to have a semi-precious stone in front and a safety pin-type fastener on the back. You’re much more likely to see brooches worn on a sweater or cardigan, though they’re much less popular these days.
Searching online, I found shawl pins described as sticks, coils, and buttons. So this humble decorative fastener has many names and faces.
So, let’s unravel this mystery and help you determine which type you might need for your project!
*This post contains affiliate links. By clicking one of the links and making a purchase, a small portion will support the blog. The price you pay does not change. Thank you for your support of the blog.*
With so many options available, I sent Katelyn out to do some research to discover which shawl pin might be just right. Here’s her story
Choosing a Shawl Pin
Finding a shawl pin isn’t too hard. You can pick them up at your local box store, local yarn shop, craft fairs, or online. It wasn’t hard for me to find these beautiful pieces, but once I noticed all the options, I wondered why they were so different.
Rather than choosing the more mass-produced options, I reached out to a few talented artists on Etsy to share with you their unique options.
To test the difference in the pins, I used two shawls, one light and one heavier. Here’s what I found…
Getting Started
When searching for a shawl pin you’ll find them made from a wide variety of sizes, shapes, textures, weights, and materials. Common materials for these decorative closures include leather, brass, bronze, pearl, pewter, rosewood, crystal, and even glass, silver plate, and sterling silver. Some shawl pins have two pieces and others only have one.
When making your selection, consider which project you’ll wear it with. While you don’t need a different pin for every shawl you make, it’s nice to have a few in your collection.
Size Does Matter When Choosing a Shawl Pin
Yarn weight will determine the size of your shawl pin. Just as you would use a different needle size depending on the yarn weight, you will also select a different shawl pin size.
A lighter-weight shawl, like the lace-weight one I used, will need a smaller pin. If you use too large a pin with finer shawls, it can stretch out the stitches and may make holes where you don’t want them. But if your shawl pin is too small for your project, it won’t hold it in place.
In other words, if you have a lace weight or lightweight accessory, you need a shawl pin of about 1-2″ diameter. For bulkier shawls, look for a closure around 3-5″ across.
Choosing Shawl Pin Materials
You might like to select your pin based on the color and texture of your finished piece. In some of my photos, you’ll notice certain pins stand out much more depending on their color and materials and contrast with the shawl.
Lighter-colored woods work great on darker-colored shawls. Metal will stand out when the pattern or yarn doesn’t change much in color. Size is easy to figure out, but materials are a little harder.
When you go to a craft show or local yarn shop, take your finished project (or WIP) with you and hold the pin with the fabric to see what fits best.
Shawl Pin Options
I can’t tell you which pin is exactly right for your project. Ultimately, you will need to see which best fits with the texture and color of your accessory.
I collected some of the unique shawl pins I found on Etsy. This is not an exhaustive list by any means. Browse for yourself by clicking the links to each artist’s store.
Leslie Wind
This option really isn’t a pin at all — it’s a shawl screw. At first glance this looks like a button holding together your project. On the back, you’ll find a screw you can twist around into your project to hold it together. Fascinating!
If you pick up one of these, don’t be surprised if it takes a time or two to get it right. The first time I used this one you could see parts of the screw. Just take it out and try again.
Etsy Shop: Leslie Wind
Rajkovich Designs
Over at Rajkovich Designs, you’ll find another screw-type closure. This pin reminds me of a wine bottle opener and it works in the same way.
This was the hardest one for me. My first attempt missed the second piece of my shawl, but after a few tries, I got it right.
Brenda has a ton of options for you. She works with different metals and has stitch markers, too. All her pieces are freeform, and she doesn’t use a jig to make them. It’s pretty amazing how consistent she is with each of her shapes. If you purchase one of her shawl pins, you get a free stitch marker, too.
Shop: Rajkovich Designs
Just One Skein
Two-part shawl pins are very common. When working with these, you’ll push part of your shawl through the main piece, then use the stick/pin to keep it in place.
This type of shawl pin comes in many different sizes, shapes, and finishes. Visit the Just One Skein shop to see the gorgeous woods she uses and how the stick part of the shawl pin changes with each design.
Etsy Shop: Just One Skein
JUL Designs
You may remember this pin from a previous stocking stuffer post. JUL Designs was part of that round-up, and I wanted to share their shawl pins again.
Over on the JUL Designs website, they have some amazing two-part shawl pins and shawl sticks. Since our stocking stuffer post, she’s also added a new style that is quite interesting.
I really love this shawl pin for lighter-weight pieces. Its combination of wood and metal makes it quite versatile for many different looks.
Shop: JUL Designs
Turtle Workshop
Over on Etsy, I found this amazing Russian artist who makes beautiful hand-carved shawl pins. I was lucky enough to get a few different shapes of these pins.
In the Turtle Workshop store, you’ll find many varieties of shawl pins. This is a great way to show a little of your personality. I saw several reviews of people getting the scissor shawl pin for their hairstylist.
The attention to detail in each of these pieces is amazing – even down to the packaging.
Each shawl pin comes in its own bed of wood shavings!
Turtle Workshop is not currently selling, but you can find other octopus shawl pins on Etsy.
Etsy Shop: Turtle Workshop
Ingo Designs
Ingo Designs has a collection of wonderful metalwork shawl pins. If you’re looking for your initials shawl pin you can find one in her shop!
The shawl pin I chose here is a petite two-piece pin with a pearl bead. I love how perfectly it works with my lace-weight shawl, although I’m not sure if it’s too pretty and distracts from the work I put into my shawl!
When choosing metals, think about the color you like and what will work with the color and style of your finished item.
Etsy Shop: Ingo Designs
Bur Oak Studio
In my shawl pin search, I stumbled across Bur Oak Studio. Jennifer takes old knitting needles and crochet hooks and gives them a new life as jewelry, art, and shawl pins.
I love how her shawl pins allow you to wear the tools you used to create the piece as well as your crafted creation. Here’s my heart-shaped pin. The heart is made from a knitting needle and the stick part of the pin is made from a crochet hook.
She also makes stick pins using only knitting needles. What a great way to repurpose unused or unwanted tools!
Etsy Shop: Bur Oak Studio
Tuatha
This C-shaped shawl pin is a brand-new style for me. At first, I was so confused about how to use it, but once I started trying, it all made sense.
To use this pin, you pierce your project with the pin and then turn the base until the opening allows the pin to pass through. Adjusting the base to be behind the pin, you spin the base again until the pin is away from the opening.
I was amazed at the detail on this shawl pin. It was way better than I expected it to be, and it quickly became one of my favorites.
Etsy Shop: Tuatha
Quirky Sues
Another great shop where you can find a similar C-style shawl pin is Quirky Sues. When I first found this shop, I was looking at a more traditional pin style, but I decided to try this style too.
If you compare this pin to the last one, you’ll notice it’s a little bigger. This is a great option for heavier-weight projects, as it can accommodate the extra heft of the fabric.
I hadn’t seen this style before, but I really love it. After playing around with it, I think it would be better suited for a lighter-weight shawl, though I wore it around with my bulky shawl, and it held together.
Once I took the photos, I noticed it was harder to see on a bulkier project. If you look at the listing, you’ll see the beautiful colors of the beads used with this shawl pin.
Hand-formed to work just like a traditional pin, it’s another great option.
Etsy Shop: Quirky Sues
Crafty Flutterby Creations
Our new friend, Michelle, over at Crafty Flutterby Creations, has a wide selection of shawl pins. On her website, you’ll find two-piece pins and her own version of the screw pins.
Some styles have beads, while others have charms attached to the front. Each pin is worked freehand without a jig. You’ll find large and small pins for any shawl you’re working on.
No matter your style, you’ll find something in this shop.
Shop: Crafty Flutterby Creations
Brittany Needles
Last but not least is the shawl stick from Brittany Needles. We love that Brittany Needles is making every effort to make its products environmentally friendly.
At first glance, this shawl pin could be mistaken for a super short knitting needle! I found these sticks work best with lighter-weight items. If there’s too much fabric they can’t hold it well.
Turn the pin in any direction to attach it to your piece. The wood’s light weight makes it easy to forget you even have a shawl pin in your project.
Isn’t it interesting how many different styles of shawl pins exist? I wonder if there are shawl clasps too. Why don’t you go searching and let us know what you find?
We know you’d love to keep some of these for yourself, but shawl pins can also make great gifts. Why not see if you can find one to give on Mother’s Day?
Here Are More Shawls Perfect For New Shawl Pins!
- Super Simple Shawl
- Shawls For Any Occasion – You HAVE to check these out!!!
- Mangrove Crochet Shawl
Categories: Dibble Dabble Inspiration, Fun Finds and Tools, Product Reviews
I prefer wood. In the past, I’ve received wire based shawl pins as gifts. I have several shawls, none very lightweight. I really appreciate the intent of the giver. However, the pins for my shawls just don’t work. The friend who’s given them to me makes/sells jewelry. The metal she uses is too soft and bends easily thus, I often need adjust the shawl, and consequently the pin bends and shifts. Her designs are very pretty but not very useful for m shawls. Good review Molly!
I really enjoy Crafty Flutterby Creations shawl closures. I have 4 different ones and like matching the designs or stones with my shawls. I have given her pins as gifts. I recommended Crafty Flutterfly Creations to my local yarn shop, She Sells Yarn & More in Daytona Beach, Florida and am pleased to say that the pins are being offered there.
So glad to see this review of the different shawl pins. So far I’ve finished 8 shawls to give as Christmas gifts and I was just getting ready to search for pins to go with them. Now I’ll have to check out all of the places you suggest. Decisions, decisions, decisions. Thanks again!