I had 1/2" appliqué pins. Less chance of my getting poked.

Tiny little pins......there's not so much of them to catch your thread on. However, when doing needle turned, I hold the piece in place with a swipe of a glue stick in the middle of the piece to be appliqued, and do away with all pins. (never try to turn under all the edge and pin it....won't work..) just turn under about 3 to 4 stitches worth of fabric...sew those down, with your needle tuck under another 3-4 stitches worth of fabric, sew, and so on, all the way around...and as the glue holds it in place, no pins to tangle your thread. For applique use a long, thin needle...called a straw or milliners needle. I also like thin thread....silk is my favorite.

I was trying to use regular quilting pins, but my friends told me to get the 1/2" applique pins. They make all the difference. I even use them with my cathedral window quilt I'm working on. I don't catch them as I often did with regular pins. I was constantly rethreading my needle before, not now.
Carolyn

I have used 1/2" sequin pins, but sometimes the points aren't very sharp--at least with the ones I bought at Joann's. So you might have to cull, pitching any that have burrs.

The 3/4" pins that come in a plastic snap-shut box are labeled as being specifically for applique, and the points are nicer.

I use both types, since I have not developed a definite preference yet.