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

So THAT’S what that tiny hole in a safety pin is for, why didn’t I know this sooner?!

Sewing has quietly evolved over hundreds of years, beginning with simple hand needles and coarse thread and growing into the advanced machines and tools we rely on today. Yet along that long journey, countless practical techniques were developed by necessity, passed from one generation to the next, and eventually forgotten as technology took center stage. Many of those old methods were not just charming traditions. They were incredibly efficient solutions to everyday problems that modern sewists still face.

Imagine discovering a simple habit that makes your stitches stronger, your thread smoother, and your sewing experience noticeably faster. No complicated equipment, no expensive accessories, just a small shift in how you prepare before you begin. That is the beauty of the techniques being rediscovered today.

One of the most powerful of these methods is the use of beeswax.

Before threading your needle, gently pull the thread across a block of beeswax. This coats the fibers with a light protective layer that reduces friction, prevents tangling, and keeps the thread from fraying. As you stitch, the thread glides through fabric more easily and holds together more firmly. The result is cleaner seams, fewer knots, and far less frustration. It is a tiny step that delivers an enormous payoff in quality and speed.

But beeswax is only the beginning.

Here are several old school sewing tips that deserve a permanent place in every sewing routine.

Use Dry Soap to Mark Fabric

When tailor’s chalk or specialty marking pens are nowhere to be found, reach for a simple bar of dry soap. It creates clear visible lines on most fabrics and disappears completely after washing. It does not bleed, stain, or leave residue. It is practical, reliable, and incredibly cost effective.