Clips are designed to hold the edges of projects together. Ideal for quilting, sewing and crafting.It can load 8 clips at a time. The tool replaces the irritating practice of pinning to hold your binding in place while you anchor it on one side using your sewing machine. The clips do have any spring load to push them forward so you may have to point it down to load the clip it should be in front of the push button. Place the fabric in the opening press down and forward on the button and it is clipped.