Question about pinning fabric

Ok, this is probably a very silly question.  I am very, VERY new to sewing.  I just bought my daughter her first sewing machine for Christmas and we are learning together.  So far I've learned to thread it, put thread on a bobbin and even sew a straight(ish) line.  We even attempted to make a pair of pajamma bottoms - the best I can say about them is that they have two legs and a (sort of) waist band.    My question is regarding pinning fabric.  Is there a right or wrong way to do this?  I really want to start making my very first quilt and was wondering if there are any tricks to pinning.  I'm guessing that you don't sew over them but I am unsure if you pin next to where you are going to sew or pin where you will be sewing and pull them out along the way.  Like I said, silly question.  I really wished I would have let my gramma teach me how to sew when I was a kid...

Thanks for any information you can provide.

Typically you pin perpendicular to where your seam is going to be with the pins right in the seam line. There are differing opinions but I sew right over the top of my pins.  I usually slow down just a bit when I get to the pin but the stitching will (usually ) go right over the pin.  Then you unpin after it is all sewn up.

Some things fit and lay together nicely (for example, 2 squares of quilting cotton) and don't usually need a lot pins to keep them in place.  Things that are gathered or curved usually need more pins to hold them together while you sew. 

Congratulations to you and your daughter.  Just keep at it!  If you can find a class or know someone that sews, that can be really helpful.  But doing it is how you learn and everyone started right where you are so have fun!

Thank you so much for the tips!!     Sometimes its fun to figure out things by yourself even though the methods might not be traditional.  But this pinning thing left me scratching my head.  Thanks again for taking the time to answer me.

I usually do the same thing - pin perpendicular and sew over the pins (even though you aren't supposed to).  If you are sewing a curved area, it is especially important to pin.  Straight lines you can use less pins depending on your fabric.  If it's slippery, you'll need more pins than if it's not.  For quilting cottons, you don't have to pin as much.  And when you get the hang of sewing, you won't need to use near as many pins.  I hardly pin anything anymore, unless it's and armhole/sleeve kind of thing.

Good luck on your sewing journey - it's a great skill to learn!

Paula
http://www.learnhowtosewnow.com