Pins

Category: Customs and Traditions

Subcategory: Merchandise

One of its oldest Customs and Traditions, in Round Table, pins started as identification badges for members, signifying their club affiliation. Over time, they evolved into collectible symbols of participation, achievements, and camaraderie within the organization. These pins often feature the Round Table logo, club insignias, or unique designs commemorating events, leadership roles, or charitable initiatives. They are commonly used to celebrate anniversaries, raise funds for causes, or as gifts exchanged between members to foster international friendship. Worn with pride, Round Table pins have become an important tradition, representing the shared values and experiences of Round Tablers worldwide.

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Culture

“Being Pinned”

This refers to the moment a prospect becomes a Tabler during an Induction Procedure. This is usually paired with the following words:

Wear this badge at all times and remembers as your wear it that you carry the good repute of the Round Table in all your affairs, for the Movement is judged by those who recognize you as a member.

Pin Exchange

Pin Catalogue

Website: Pin the Pins🔗

In October 2025, Round Table The Netherlands launched pinthepins.com, to document as many of the existing pins as possible. Users can submit pins and their stories—what the pin looks like, when it was created, and the idea or meaning behind it. The aim is a living archive that preserves the design, history, and traditions of Round Table pins. Submissions without a story are welcome too; every pin helps keep this shared heritage alive.

Pin Design

The design of Round Table pins is highly diverse and creative, often reflecting a club’s identity, a special event, or a member’s personal touch. These pins come in various shapes, sizes, and styles, incorporating elements such as the Round Table rondel, national flags, symbols, or humorous graphics. They are typically made from materials like enamel, metal, brass, or acrylic, with some featuring embossed details, soft or hard enamel finishes, glitter, or even glow-in-the-dark effects. Some associations may have rules on how their rondel is used, such as disallowing the rondel from being covered or modified. Whether simple or elaborate, each pin is crafted to be unique and memorable, serving as a lasting representation of fellowship and tradition within the Round Table community.

Types of Pins

• • Association Pins
  • Officer Pins
  • Personal Pins
  • Event Pins
  • Anniversary Pins
  • Other Pins

Tips to design a Pin

Designing a pin is actually quite simple if you break it into clear steps. First, you need an idea. Think about what the pin is for and what it should show. For example, it could represent a club, an event, a social Projekt or just a personal design about what represents you. At this stage, you do not need to be very creative or use complicated design software. A simple sketch on paper or a clear description in words is often enough.

Next, you decide how to turn your idea into a real design. If you have some experience, you can create the full design yourself using a digital tool. If not, you can prepare a basic concept and then work with someone who has more experience. This could be the shopkeeper of your association or the RTI shopkeeper. Another option is to contact a manufacturer directly and work with their in-house designer. You explain your idea, and they help you turn it into a professional design.

Once the basic design is ready, you move on to the details. You choose the material, for example metal with enamel. Then you decide on the colors, the size, and the type of finish. You also need to choose how the pin will be attached, such as a butterfly clutch or another fastening method. These choices affect both the look and the price.

After all decisions are made, the pins go into production. When they are finished, they are usually packed individually or in small groups, often in plastic or paper bags (paper bags are for sure more sustainable). Then they are shipped to you after payment.

As a general rule, the price is often around one euro per pin. If you order a large quantity, for example more than 200 pieces, the price per pin can be lower. On the other hand, if your design is more complex, for example with many colors, a three dimensional shape, different metal finishes, or a larger size, the price can be higher.

Collections

Pin Boards

When you come across a pinboard in someone’s house, you know you’re in the presence of a well-traveled tabler. Despite having hundreds of pins, rest assured that he would be able to tell you stories about the vast majority of them. Pin boards may be made from cork, some timbers, felt, or a combination. More recently, some boards were manufactured from acrylic or steel, having holes ready for pins to be attached to.

Pin Jackets

Jackets, blazers, or waistcoats are often used to accommodate large collections of pins as a personal collection. This is more meaningful when the article of clothing has the Tabler’s name and role. This could be a lifetime collection, or a record of pins collected during a particular year.

Due to their personal nature, these collections are considered to be meaningful. In this spirit, personal collections are often auctioned off for substantial quantities for charitable causes.

Pin Hats

Due to their relatively limited capacity, collections on hats tend to be very specific categories, such as pins of the clubs of one particular association, or a collection of association pins.

Banners or Flags

Visitor Pin Books