Here’s how it works:
When you’re sewing by hand — especially in a pinch — you don’t always have a knot ready, or the fabric is too thick to pull the thread through easily.
So what do you do?
You thread the needle, then hook the end of the thread through the hole before pushing the pin through the fabric.
The hole holds the thread in place, so:
You don’t lose the end
You don’t have to knot it
You can pull the pin through like a tiny, metal needle driver
It’s like a built-in thread guide — perfect for:
Emergency repairs
Sewing in tight spaces
Hemming pants on the go
Crafting with thick or slippery thread
And yes — this was intentional.
🛠️ How to Use the Hole Like a Pro
Step 1: Thread Your Needle
Pass thread through the eye of the needle
Leave a tail (no knot needed)
Step 2: Hook the Tail Through the Hole
Slide the loose end of the thread through the hole in the coil
This secures it
Step 3: Push the Pin Through the Fabric
Use the safety pin like a needle — push it through the material
The thread follows behind, held taut by the hole
Step 4: Pull and Stitch
Once through, pull the thread free from the hole
Continue stitching as normal
Bonus: Great for threading elastic through waistbands or ribbons through hems.
A Little History: Who Invented This?
The modern safety pin was patented in 1849 by Walter Hunt, a New York inventor.
He didn’t just create it to pin things.
He designed it to be safe, reliable, and functional.
The coiled spring?
To keep it closed.
The clasp?
To cover the sharp end.
The hole in the coil?
To make it useful beyond pinning — especially for sewing and mending.
Hunt sold the patent for $400.
He never got rich.
But his tiny invention changed everyday life.
Other Clever Uses for the Hole
Even if you’re not sewing, that hole is still useful:
Discover more
snack
Snack
pie
pecan
Chocolate
Pie
Fudge
Garlic
Pecan
Sugar
Tie a ribbon or string
Use it to hang the pin or mark a spot
Attach a tag
Loop a label through the hole
Hold a second pin
Clip another pin through the hole for storage
Make a quick keychain
Thread a cord through and use it as a temporary keyring
Organize cords
Use it to bundle charging cables or earbuds
It’s not just a pin.
It’s a multi-tool.
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