If you've assembled a collection of unique and interesting lapel pins, the last thing you want to do is hide them out of view! While you might not be able to wear all of your favorites each day, that doesn't mean the others should be dropped in a drawer where they could be lost, damaged, or forgotten about. Instead, why not create a pin display to show them off? Whether you choose a simple enamel pin display board or set up a protective pin display case, your lapel pins can be organized neatly and exhibited to friends and family.

Most of the ideas below can be made yourself, but craft stores and online marketplaces often have options available for purchase. Whether you choose to create a DIY pin display or prefer to exhibit your pins on clothing, you can show off your collection proudly.

Pin Collection Display Options

Display pins on a jacket or bag – Put your pins all over a hat, backpack, jacket, or other piece of durable clothing and hang the item in a viewable location. The weight and structure of a large display like this means the clothing probably won't be usable in a practical way, especially since you might damage or lose some of your pins if they aren't attached tightly. But hanging a sturdy denim jacked covered with pins on the outside of a closet door or creating an enamel pin display on a canvas messenger bag that's hanging on a wall can be a unique, fun way to show off your collection.

Hanging pennant or banner – Similar to using a jacket or bag, a triangular cloth pennant or a rectangular banner can be a great option for displaying your lapel pins. You'll want to use a relatively heavy fabric to provide a solid foundation to hold your pins. If you're creating a DIY banner, add a wooden dowel or similar rod to provide structure to the top of the pin display (you may want a second dowel at the bottom of a rectangular banner). A sturdy cord or twine is attached to either end of the top dowel, allowing you to hang your display. Just attach your pins through the banner material to set up your display. You can create this type of display in nearly any size you want, pick any color fabric you like, and jazz it up by painting on designs or adding fringe.

Embroidery hoop pin displays – You can simplify the process of creating your display by using an embroidery hoop. Traditionally used for needlework, an embroidery hoop is made up of a solid inner ring and an adjustable outer ring. Lay your fabric over the inner ring and slide the outer piece on top, pulling the fabric tight, and then tighten to hold the fabric in place. Fold the edges of the fabric behind the hoop and stitch them in place to hide them, if you want a cleaner look. As with the banner, you'll want a heavier fabric to support the pins attached to it, and you can decorate it however you like! The hoop enamel pin display can be hung directly on the wall or you can place it on an easel picture frame stand displayed on a table or bookshelf.

Cork board or felt letter boards – Although you can make them yourself, cork boards and felt letter boards are available at an affordable price from a wide range of craft stores and discount stores, especially during back-to-school season. These boards come in many different shapes and sizes, and usually already have a frame around the sides. To set up your pin collection display, simply push your pin posts into the cork; if you're using a letter board, it will have very narrow gaps in the felt material into which the pins can be pushed. Letter boards are a great option if you're concerned about keeping your pin display neat and even, but you can also draw a grid pattern on a cork board to keep everything organized.

Pin display case or shadow box – If you are looking for a way to display your pins that offers a more "professional" look and provides more protection for your collection, a pin display case or shadow box with a glass or clear hard acrylic door may be right for you. This type of display is often about 1.75" to 2" deep, allowing space inside for the covered pinnable board (often sturdy foam or felt) and your pins. Shadow boxes that are not specifically designed as pin displays may not include an internal pinnable background material, but it should be easy to add your own. While you can make this type of display yourself, buying one may be the better route if you don't have the skills or tools needed to craft a wooden box and door.

However you choose to display your pins, make sure that the backing material that the pins are attached to is sturdy enough to hold the weight of your display. The pins themselves should be firmly affixed – whether you're using the clutch on the back side of the fabric or pushing them firmly into the backing. An enamel pin display can also be quite heavy, especially if you're displaying a large collection; use the appropriate hanging hardware, such as wall anchors, to support your display.

Now sit back and enjoy your pin collection display!