Sewing has come a long way over the centuries, evolving from basic hand-stitching with simple needles and thread to today’s high-tech sewing machines and digital patterns. Yet despite all these advancements, there are still some old-school techniques that continue to prove their value—even if they’ve been forgotten or overlooked by many modern crafters. One of those clever little tricks involves something you’ve probably seen a hundred times but never really thought about: the tiny hole at the end of a safety pin.

While most people assume that hole is just part of the pin’s design or manufacturing process, it actually serves a practical purpose that can make certain sewing tasks a whole lot easier. Whether you’re threading elastic through a waistband or pulling a ribbon through a fabric channel, this tiny hole can become your best friend. By looping a piece of string or narrow ribbon through the hole in the safety pin, you create a tool that’s easier to grip and control.

This helps guide the pin through narrow casings without the frustrating issue of it slipping inside the fabric or losing your place. It’s a tiny detail with a big impact, and once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it. But that’s not the only piece of sewing wisdom from the past that deserves a revival. Many of our grandmothers and great-grandmothers had brilliant tips for sewing smarter—not harder.

For example, beeswax is another classic tool that used to be a staple in any sewing box. Before threading a needle, they would run the thread across a block of beeswax. This simple step helped prevent fraying, reduced tangling, and made the thread glide more easily through fabric, ultimately leading to stronger, neater stitches. It’s a small action that makes a big difference in the final result. Another useful vintage trick is using a sliver of dry soap to mark fabric. When you don’t have tailor’s chalk or a washable fabric pen, a piece of dry soap works just as well.

It creates a visible mark that washes right out and doesn’t damage your material. It’s a cost-effective, eco-friendly solution that’s always good to have in your back pocket. Backstitching is another time-tested method worth remembering. This technique involves sewing backward over the final few stitches of a seam to lock everything in place and prevent unraveling. It’s a simple way to add durability to your projects and is especially useful for clothing or any item that will get regular use. While pinning fabric, try positioning your pins at a diagonal angle rather than straight across. This tip makes the pins hold the fabric more securely and also allows for easier removal as you guide your material through the machine. It may seem minor, but small changes like this can have a big effect on how smoothly your sewing session goes. Another old-school technique for securing thread is wrapping it around the needle several times before pulling it through to make a knot. This creates a tight, tidy knot that holds up well in the wash and gives your work a clean, professional-looking finish. All of these techniques may seem simple, but they’re incredibly effective, and they highlight just how much thought went into traditional sewing practices. Incorporating these hacks into your routine can help make your projects not only faster but also more precise and enjoyable. Whether you’re new to sewing or have been doing it for years, sometimes looking back is the best way to move forward. These forgotten tricks from the past remind us that the smartest solutions don’t always come from modern tools—they often come from experience passed down through generations. So the next time you reach for a safety pin or thread your needle, take a moment to consider the clever details hidden in the tools you already have. With a few of these classic tips in your toolbox, you just might find that sewing becomes easier, smoother, and more satisfying than ever.