The safety pin, also known as a safety pin , is one of those small objects we all have at home, but few stop to look at closely. It’s used to hold up clothes, fix torn garments, or improvise last-minute solutions. However, there’s one detail most people overlook: that tiny hole in the spring portion .
Although it seems like a simple aesthetic design, it actually serves a key function that few people know about. And if you’ve ever wondered why it’s there, you’ll be surprised to discover its purpose and some of the sewing tricks our grandmothers used with these modest but ingenious objects.
Grandma’s Sewing Tricks
Grandmothers were true masters of sewing, capable of mending any garment with ingenuity and patience. Their methods, though simple, were highly effective, and many are still used today:
- Threading the Elastic with a Safety Pin
This classic trick never fails. To change or adjust elastic, simply hook one end of the elastic to the safety pin and slide it through the garment’s channel. It makes work easier and prevents the elastic from twisting or getting lost inside the fabric. - Prevent Thread Tangling:
Before you begin sewing, moisten the thread with a little wax or lip balm. This prevents tangling and allows for smoother, neater sewing. - Reinforcing Loose Buttons
To make your buttons last longer, thread the thread through the holes several times, and when you’re done, wrap the thread around the button stem. This small reinforcement prevents it from loosening with use. - Temporary No-Sew Hems
If you need to quickly adjust a pair of pants or skirt, use double-sided tape or a little fabric glue. It’s a quick trick that keeps the hem in place until you can sew it properly. - Mark the center of a garment precisely.
Fold the fabric in half and iron it gently. The mark will be clearly visible and will serve as a guide for sewing or cutting symmetrically.
What is the safety pin hole used for?
That small hole at the end of the safety pin’s coil isn’t there by chance. Its main function is to maintain the spring tension , distributing the force as the pin opens and closes. Thanks to this design, the metal doesn’t warp, and the safety pin can be used hundreds of times without losing its shape or closing strength.