After paying for cheer uniforms, shoes, bows, and competition fees, you might think you’re finally off the hook, but then it’s time for the cheer pins. Cheer pins are decorated clothespins that cheerleaders trade or attach to another athlete’s bag or pin ribbon. From cheer pin trading etiquette to ideas for designing them, here’s everything you need to know.
What are Cheer Pins?
Most cheer pins start as simple wooden clothespins that cheerleaders surprise other athletes with by “pinning” them onto their bags at competitions, clinics, camps, and other cheerleading events. They are decorated to fit a cheerleading theme or with positive messaging or trendy terms on them. Some of these pins are simple, with a word or two written on them, maybe some glitter or gems, while other people go all out with crazy additions that set their pins over the top.
@___amberlynn In the cheerleading world, “pin me” refers to the tradition of teams decorating clothespins with encouraging messages and secretly attaching them to other athletes’ backpacks or belongings, wishing them luck at competitions and spreading positivity. Kayleigh is comp ready 📣🥳 #pinme #cheerleader #allstarcheer #athlete #cheerpins #cheerleading #spirit #cheerup #posh
Why do Cheerleaders Trade Pins?
Trading cheer pins helps spread positivity and build community among athletes, and having an activity to focus on can help ease pre-performance nerves. Teammates trade with one another and with other teams, connecting with as many other cheerleaders as possible. Cheer pins offer a keepsake and memory, and they’re a small but friendly token of encouragement, congratulations, and cheerleading spirit.
Cheer Pin Trading Etiquette
Pinning typically happens before and after performances, while teams are waiting, warming up, or walking through the venue. Some cheerleaders may have a specific pin ribbon hanging from their cheer bag, and this is where you’d “pin” them. For those without a ribbon, you can just clip it anywhere on their bag, but make sure not to pin it on their uniform, bow, hair, or anywhere else that could lead to a safety issue or penalty while performing.
Some cheerleaders prefer to trade pins instead of simply giving them out to make sure they get just as many in return. It’s okay to ask someone to trade if you see that they have some to pass out, as well.
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Are Cheer Pins Required?
Cheer pins aren’t required, so don’t worry if you didn’t get a chance to make or buy any ahead of time. Even if you don’t take any pins to an event, your cheerleader will likely still get at least a few attached to her bag before the end of the event. She can even trade what she receives or pin others with those, or she can keep them as a memory.
Cheer Pin Ideas
All cheer pins are different, so there’s no right or wrong way to create them. Cheer pins are pretty simple, and you don’t have to be amazing at crafts to make your own. You can find tons of ideas on Pinterest, TikTok, and other social media sites. If you’d rather come up with your own ideas, that’s great, too!
You’ll start with plain clothespins (unless you specifically buy something else), and then prep them by painting, coloring, or adding glitter as a base, and then you add on from there. For many cheer families, making these pins with their teens becomes a competition prep tradition.
@kmehendricks.21 Cheer Pins🎀✨ #allstarcheer #competition #cheer #cheerleading #cheerpins #pinning #diy #goodluck
Popular Sayings or Words for Cheer Pins
You can put words from your favorite cheer chants on your pins, or you can use some of these ideas.
- Hit Zero
- In My Cheer Era
- Stunt Queen
- Slay
- Good Luck
- You Ate
- 5, 6, 7, 8
- 5, 6, 7, ATE
- Sparkle
- 4+4= ATE
- Baddie
- XOXO
- Stick It
- Nailed It
- Fearless
Cheer Pin Examples
All you need to make these pins is glitter, glue, letter beads, tiny bows, and tiny ducks. It’s a simple but stand-out pin that cheerleaders will love.
A pink pin, some glitter, small gems, charms, and positive messages written with a marker are easy ways to make a bunch of pins for your next competition.
Don’t forget to think of things that are exciting to preteens and teens right now, either, like the 6-7 trend. Bringing things that are trendy in their daily life into the cheer world is so fun for them, and they’ll love clipping other cheerleaders with those pins.
Tiny ducks are super popular in the cheerleading community, so you can’t go wrong adding them to your pins.
Not all cheer pins have to have words. Some can be full of glitter, gems, hearts, stars, or whatever trinkets or charms you have on hand.
Many cheerleaders (or parents) find small charms unrelated to cheer and use those on the pins, too! Then, they can add cheer messaging or something that fits the theme of their small trinket, like in this one where they have a pin that says, “Aloha” to go along with the tropical flower. Not everything has to be cheer-inspired to go on a pin as long as it’s fun and positive.
You can’t forget your seasonal pins to mark special times of year. If you’re attending a competition around Christmas time, make pins to acknowledge the holiday. Do the same with other holidays like Halloween or Valentine’s Day.
Googly eyes on a pin that says, “okk… I see u,” is an adorable way to let a cheerleader know she looks competition-ready. Or, like other pins in this image, hone in on the pins specifically and write “pinned ya,” or “pin ur it,” to honor the pinning tradition.
Conclusion
Cheer pins might seem like just another glittery extra, but they are a fun way to boost excitement and community at cheerleading events, bringing teams together as they swap their creations. The pins often become items that the athletes keep forever as a reminder of specific competitions, events, friendships, or seasons. They’re not required, but they are a small way to help teens express themselves and connect with other cheerleaders.
Don’t forget to make the creation of the pins a bonding moment for you and your cheerleader! It’s so much fun creating them, coming up with new ideas, and helping each other make pins you love.