The Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Clips

How to Choose the Right Clips for CraftsChoosing the right clips for crafts can make the difference between a frustrating project and a smooth, enjoyable creative session. Clips hold pieces together while glue dries, help position elements for sewing or beading, and keep materials organized. This article guides you through types of clips, their strengths and weaknesses, how to match clips to materials and techniques, buying considerations, care and storage, and creative uses beyond holding things together.

Why clips matter in crafting

Clips are simple tools, but they serve several critical functions:

• Provide steady pressure while adhesives set.
• Keep layers aligned during sewing or gluing.
• Protect delicate materials from pinholes or pressure marks.
• Temporarily hold elements in place for dry-fitting before permanent attachment.

Choosing the wrong clip can crush foam, leave rust marks on fabric, or fail to hold slippery materials. Selecting the right clip type ensures better results and less frustration.

Common types of clips and what they’re best for

Below are the most common clips used in crafting, with their typical uses and pros/cons.

• Binder clips

  • Best for: Holding multiple layers of paper, light cardboard, or fabric edges.
  • Pros: Strong grip, inexpensive, come in various sizes.
  • Cons: Can leave creases on thin materials; bulky for delicate work.

• Paper clips

  • Best for: Light paper tasks, temporary organization of patterns or cut pieces.
  • Pros: Cheap, flexible, non-bulky.
  • Cons: Very light grip; can bend out of shape.

• Bulldog clips

  • Best for: Holding thick stacks of paper or fabric, thicker craft boards.
  • Pros: Strong, wide gripping surface.
  • Cons: Heavy; can leave marks on delicate materials.

• Alligator clips / Crocodile clips

  • Best for: Jewelry making, small clamps for gluing tiny pieces, holding ribbon or cord.
  • Pros: Precise small grip, often spring-loaded, available in plated finishes.
  • Cons: Small jaws limit surface area; can scratch if metal.

• Clothespins (wooden or plastic)

  • Best for: Quilting, fabric projects, holding glued items while drying.
  • Pros: Gentle on fabric, easy to handle, available in many sizes.
  • Cons: Wooden pins can absorb glue; spring tension varies.

• Sewing clips (e.g., Wonder Clips)

  • Best for: Holding fabric layers, binding, vinyl, or upholstery where pins would leave holes.
  • Pros: Designed for fabric, flat profile, multiple sizes, won’t damage delicate or thick fabrics.
  • Cons: Can be pricier than generic clips; limited grip strength on very heavy materials.

• Spring clamps

  • Best for: Woodworking, gluing frames, heavy-duty craft tasks.
  • Pros: Strong clamp force, large jaw opening, durable.
  • Cons: Can crush thin materials; heavier and bulkier.

• Magnetic clips

  • Best for: Holding items on a metal surface for display or for hands-free work on magnetic boards.
  • Pros: Clean removal, reusable, won’t pinch delicate material.
  • Cons: Require a magnetic surface; limited hold when bumped.

• Bulldog / chip clips (plastic)

  • Best for: Lightweight home craft uses, snack bag clips doubling as craft holders.
  • Pros: Gentle, inexpensive, colorful.
  • Cons: Not for heavy-duty use.

Matching clips to materials and techniques

Consider these material-specific recommendations:

• Fabric and quilting: Use sewing clips or clothespins to avoid holes. For delicate fabrics, choose clips with padded jaws or wider surfaces to distribute pressure.
• Paper and cardstock: Binder clips or bulldog clips work well; for lightweight paper, paper clips or small bulldogs are fine.
• Wood and carpentry crafts: Use spring clamps or bar clamps for even pressure and large jaw opening.
• Foam and styrofoam: Use wide, low-pressure clips like clothespins or foam-safe clamps to avoid dents.
• Jewelry and small components: Alligator clips, small tweezers, or specialized bead clamps provide precision without crushing.
• Hot-glue or tacky adhesives: Clips that provide consistent pressure (spring clamps, sewing clips) help bonds set evenly.

Size, grip strength, and jaw design

• Size: Match clip size to the workpiece. Small clips for trims and tiny components; large clips for frames and thick stacks.
• Grip strength: Stronger is not always better. For delicate items, pick clips with less tension or padded jaws. For heavy or structural holds, choose higher-tension clamps.
• Jaw design: Flat jaws distribute pressure; serrated jaws increase grip but can mark surfaces. Consider clips with removable pads or rubber tips.

Materials and finishes to avoid (or prefer)

• Avoid rusty metal clips for fabric and paper projects — rust stains are difficult to remove.
• Prefer stainless steel or coated clips for longevity and to avoid staining.
• Plastic clips are lightweight and gentle but may become brittle in sun or cold.
• Wooden clothespins are eco-friendly and inexpensive but can absorb glue and swell.

Buying tips and what to look for

• Buy sets with multiple sizes — versatility is useful.
• Look for clips with protective pads or purchase rubber tips to prevent marking.
• Choose corrosion-resistant finishes if you plan to store projects long-term or work in humid environments.
• For precision work (jewelry, small models), buy a few high-quality small clamps rather than many low-quality ones.
• Consider ergonomic handles for frequent use.

Care, maintenance, and storage

• Wipe metal clips dry after use; store in a dry container to prevent rust.
• Replace or add rubber pads when worn to protect project surfaces.
• Keep small clips organized in divided containers or magnetic trays to prevent loss.
• Clean glue residue promptly with appropriate solvent (follow adhesive instructions).

Creative and alternative uses for clips in crafting

• Use clips as temporary hangers for drying painted pieces or beaded items.
• Clamp sets of pages for bookbinding; use binder clips with cardstock padding to avoid impressions.
• Turn clothespins into decorative holders by painting or adding washi tape.
• Use alligator clips on a stand as a “helping hand” for soldering or detailed painting.

Quick selection checklist (one-sentence rules)

• For fabrics: use sewing clips or padded clothespins.
• For paper: use binder or bulldog clips.
• For heavy gluing/wood: use spring or bar clamps.
• For jewelry/small parts: use alligator clips or precision clamps.
• For delicate surfaces: choose clips with wide, padded jaws.

Final thoughts

Choosing the right clip is about balancing grip strength, jaw design, size, and material with the needs of your project. A small investment in the appropriate clips reduces damage, speeds up work, and improves final results. Build a modest collection covering delicate, medium, and heavy-duty options — it’s one of the best time-savers in a crafter’s toolkit.