You’ve probably used a safety pin countless times, but have you ever wondered about that little hole near the clasp? It’s not a random design quirk - this tiny detail actually makes sewing, threading, and everyday fixes much easier than you think.

Why That Little Hole Exists

That small hole on the clasp end of a safety pin might look insignificant, but it’s a clever design element with a real function. Its main purpose is to serve as an anchor point when you’re threading items like elastic bands, ribbons, or drawstrings through fabric tunnels such as waistbands, hoodies, or pillow covers.

Here’s how it works step by step:

1. Thread a piece of yarn, ribbon, or string through the hole.
2. Secure it with a knot so it won’t slip out.
3. Insert the safety pin into the fabric casing and guide it through.
4. If the pin gets stuck or hard to push, the string gives you leverage to pull it back out and try again.

This small feature saves time, prevents frustration, and makes the whole process smoother. Without it, you risk losing the pin inside the fabric and struggling to get it back out.

In short:

• It’s an anchor for better grip and control.
• It prevents losing the pin inside tight fabric tunnels.
• It speeds up tricky threading tasks.

Once you start using this hole the way it was intended, you’ll realize how practical and ingenious such a tiny detail can be.

Timeless Sewing Tricks Worth Reviving

Even though modern tools exist, some old-school sewing hacks are so clever that they’re still worth using today. Here are a few that can make your projects easier, cleaner, and more professional-looking:

1. Use Dry Soap as a Fabric Marker
   No tailor’s chalk on hand? A leftover sliver of dry soap makes an excellent fabric marker. It creates a clear line, washes out easily, and won’t harm delicate material - an inexpensive, eco-friendly solution every sewer should know.
2. Reinforce Seams with Backstitching
   To make sure seams don’t unravel, finish by sewing backward for a few centimeters. This simple method locks the stitch securely and strengthens the seam for long-lasting durability, even after multiple washes.
3. Pin Diagonally for Better Grip
   Instead of pinning at a straight angle, position your pins diagonally along the seam line. This trick gives stronger hold, helps keep fabric aligned, and allows you to remove the pins smoothly while sewing.
4. Make Strong Knots with a Simple Wrap
   Professional-looking stitches depend on secure knots. Try wrapping the thread around your needle several times before pulling it through. The result is a small, neat knot that won’t loosen with wear or washing.
5. Strengthen Thread with Beeswax
   Rubbing thread across a block of beeswax before sewing is a classic hack that reduces tangles, strengthens the fibers, and helps the thread glide smoothly through fabric. This little trick ensures cleaner finishes and makes sewing much less frustrating.

The Bottom Line

That tiny hole in a safety pin isn’t just decoration - it’s proof that even the simplest everyday tools can hide smart design secrets. Combine it with timeless sewing tricks, and you’ll make your stitching projects easier, stronger, and more polished than ever.

Next time you pick up a safety pin, remember - you’re holding more than just a piece of metal. You’re holding a centuries-old tool packed with clever design and hidden possibilities.