Display Cat Enamel Pins on a Bag or Jacket

Start with a Clear Layout

Before you attach any pins, lay out your cat enamel pin collection on a flat surface. Arrange them in different patterns — diagonal, clustered, or in a row — to see what looks best on your bag or jacket. This step saves you from poking unnecessary holes and lets you adjust spacing easily.

For a balanced look, consider mixing pin sizes. The Sourpuss Cat Enamel Pin measures approximately 17mm x 27mm, while the One More Page Book Cat Enamel Pin is larger at approximately 25 x 32mm. Placing the larger pin as a focal point with smaller ones around it creates visual interest.

Two Cat Pins That Work Well Together

• Sourpuss Cat Enamel Pin: Sourpuss Cat Enamel Pin by Gemma Correll. Soft enamel with black metal finish. One back post with butterfly clasp. Measures approximately 17mm x 27mm. Its smaller size and black metal finish make it a versatile accent piece that pairs well with larger or brighter pins.

  

• One More Page Book Cat Enamel Pin: One More Page Book Cat Enamel Pin by Allison Cole Illustration. Hard enamel with satin gold metal finish. One back post with butterfly clasp. Measures approximately 25 x 32mm. The satin gold finish and larger surface area give it a more prominent look, ideal as a centerpiece or statement pin in your collection.

  

Attach Pins Securely to Fabric

Both the Sourpuss Cat and One More Page Book Cat pins come with one back post and a butterfly clasp. This standard backing works well on denim jackets, canvas tote bags, and thick backpack straps. Push the post through the fabric from the front, then slide the butterfly clasp onto the post from the back and press it closed.

For extra security on bags you carry daily, you can add a small piece of felt or a rubber pin backing inside the bag to prevent the post from sliding out. Avoid attaching pins to very thin or loose-weave fabrics, as the post may create a visible hole or snag the threads.

Step-by-Step Pin Arrangement

1. Choose your base: Select a jacket, bag, or hat with a flat, sturdy fabric area. Denim, canvas, and thick cotton work best.
2. Plan the layout: Arrange pins on a table first. Try a diagonal line, a small cluster, or a single statement pin off-center.
3. Mark the positions: Use a piece of chalk or a removable fabric marker to lightly dot where each pin will go.
4. Attach one pin at a time: Push the post through the fabric from the front, then secure the butterfly clasp on the back. Ensure the clasp is fully closed.
5. Check alignment: Stand back and look at the arrangement. Adjust spacing if needed before adding more pins.

Keeping Your Collection Secure Over Time

Butterfly clasps are reliable but can loosen with movement. Check your pins every few weeks and tighten the clasp if it feels loose. If you carry your bag daily or wear your jacket in rain, consider using a locking pin backing or a small dab of clear nail polish on the clasp to prevent it from sliding off.

Both the Sourpuss Cat and One More Page Book Cat pins are designed for occasional wear. Avoid washing or submerging the fabric with pins attached. When storing your bag or jacket, remove the pins or place the item flat so the posts don't bend.

Mix and Match for a Personal Collection

Cat enamel pins are easy to collect and swap. You can build a theme around a single artist — Gemma Correll's Sourpuss Cat has a playful, minimalist style — or combine different illustrators like Allison Cole's bookish cat for variety. The different enamel finishes (soft enamel with black metal vs. hard enamel with satin gold) add texture and contrast.

Because both pins share the same butterfly clasp and single-post design, you can rearrange them anytime without special tools. Start with two or three pins and add more as your collection grows.