Learn about diaper pins, including common sizes, locking styles, and uses for cloth diapers, sewing, quilting, laundry bags, fabric storage, and craft projects.
Diaper pins are large safety-style pins traditionally used for fastening cloth diapers and now also used for sewing, laundry, quilting, and craft projects.
Diaper Pins
Diaper pins are large safety-style pins originally designed for fastening cloth diapers. They usually have a sturdy metal shaft and a protective cap or locking head to help keep the pin securely closed.
Although disposable diapers made them less common in everyday use, diaper pins are still used by families who prefer cloth diapers. They are also useful for sewing rooms, laundry bags, quilting, fabric storage, and craft projects that require a larger, stronger pin.
Approximate Length
Common Uses
2 1/4 inches
Infant cloth diapers, lightweight fabric
2 1/2 inches
Standard cloth diapers, sewing uses
2 3/4 inches
Heavier fabric, laundry bags, quilting
3 inches
Large diapers, heavy fabric, craft applications
Diaper pins are often thicker than ordinary safety pins, so they are better suited for sturdy fabrics than delicate materials. When used with fabric, insert carefully to avoid snagging or stretching the weave.