What’s the Purpose of That Tiny Hole in a Safety Pin?

Modern sewing often depends on gadgets, tools, and high-tech machines, yet some of the most reliable and effective techniques come straight from the past. Many experienced sewists know that traditional tricks, passed down through generations, can solve everyday problems faster and with less effort. These vintage methods were born out of practicality and creativity, proving that the simplest ideas often stand the test of time.

One of the most beloved classics is the use of beeswax on thread. Before synthetic coatings and fancy spools, seamstresses relied on beeswax to strengthen their thread and keep it from tangling. By running the thread gently across a small block of wax, it becomes smoother and slightly stiffened, reducing friction and breakage while sewing. The result is cleaner, stronger seams that glide effortlessly through fabric. Whether you are hand-stitching a delicate hem or repairing denim, this small step can make a big difference in both durability and ease.

Another forgotten gem involves marking fabric with a piece of dry soap. Before tailor’s chalk became popular, people simply used leftover slivers of soap to draw lines for cutting or stitching. It is a brilliant solution because it washes out easily and does not leave stains. Even better, it costs nothing and makes use of what would otherwise be thrown away. Just pick up a bar of light-colored soap, let it dry a little, and use its edge to mark your fabric lines neatly.

The backstitch is another traditional method that deserves more attention. While modern machines often lock stitches automatically, hand-sewn seams need reinforcement. Backstitching—simply sewing backward over the last few stitches—secures the thread and prevents seams from unraveling. This small addition provides remarkable strength, especially in garments or household items that endure frequent wear and washing.

Even something as basic as how you place your pins matters. Pinning fabric diagonally, rather than straight across, helps hold layers together more securely and makes the pins easier to remove while sewing. It also prevents the needle from catching on pins, which can save both time and frustration. Experienced tailors have used this trick for centuries to ensure precision and comfort while working on complex projects.

Another old but invaluable method is the creation of strong, clean knots. Instead of tying bulky or uneven knots, many seamstresses used a simple looping technique—wrapping the thread around the needle a few times and pulling it through to form a neat, tight knot at the end. This not only looks better but also keeps seams flat and professional-looking, even when hand-sewn.

Finally, there is the clever use of a safety pin to guide elastic or ribbon through narrow casings. Threading a waistband or drawstring channel can be frustrating, but fastening one end of the elastic to a safety pin makes it easy to push and pull through the fabric tunnel without twisting. This trick is so effective that even modern sewing guides still recommend it, proving that old wisdom remains relevant.

These simple yet powerful techniques show that sewing has always been about resourcefulness, not just tools. They connect today’s crafters with the generations who came before, who learned to make do with what they had and still achieved beautiful, lasting results. Sometimes the best innovations are rediscoveries of what worked perfectly all along. Try these timeless tricks to make your next sewing session smoother, stronger, and more satisfying.