Crochet scarves, wraps and draping cardigans all look great with a pin or clip to hold them into place. The trend towards delicately unstructured garments means that rather than being tightly buttoned, they are left flowing and draping. This can look elegant and stylish, but can also be desperately impractical as a flowing garment drapes itself onto the floor for the umpteenth time.

Clips, pins and brooches are all effective ways of holding a draping crochet garment into place. These can range from highly ornate items, that brighten up a neutral colored garment, or can be more subtle, blending in and complimenting the fabric. One benefit of using brooches and pins to fasten garments, is that unlike buttons, they can be mixed and matched at will. A sparkling crystal encrusted pin will bring an elegant night time touch to a shawl, whereas a more subtle classic pin will give a totally different effect.

To Make a Shawl Pin or Brooch.

There are numerous pins and clips available to purchase. They are however really easy to make. With little more than a few large safety pins or kilt pins required, plus odds and ends of yarn and some imagination to make some great and unusual pins, brooches and pins. Large safety pins or kilt pins are readily available from haberdashery stores and craft shops.

The decorations should be attached to the closed side of the pin, allowing the opening side to remain clear to fasten into clothes.

Decorations can be stitched onto the pin, or even crocheted on. Crochet flowers, bobbles, beads and ribbons all make lovely clips. A crochet rose can look very effective with a leaf or two, or perhaps just crocheting some spirals to hang off the pin. Try a tiny crochet granny square to hang off the pin, this can provide an interesting compliment to any crocheted garment, and would also make a great present for someone keen on granny squares. Adornments worked in fine silks can make a delicate brooch, thicker wools can be felted before using. Making these brooches is a great way to use up those odds and ends of yarn, while making a useful accessory and some lovely gifts.

In addition to safety pins or kilt pins, it is possible to buy brooch backs and other findings from jewelry suppliers. Crocheted adornments can be attached to these with great effect. Again, these can be stitched on or even glued.

Any of these BellaOnline projects would adapt really well for use on a clip or pin.

Crochet Flower
Crochet Earrings
Crochet Heart

Experiment with different ideas and have fun!