A tiny hole near the clasp of a safety pin may look like an unnecessary detail, but it can be surprisingly useful when sewing or working with fabric. The opening can serve as an anchor point for attaching elastic, ribbon, drawstrings, or cord, giving you better control when threading material through a narrow fabric casing.

To use it, simply thread a piece of string, yarn, or cord through the hole and secure it so it cannot slip out. You can then insert the safety pin into a waistband, sleeve, or other fabric tunnel and guide it through. The attached cord provides extra control and can make it easier to retrieve the pin if it becomes difficult to move through the fabric.

This simple technique can be especially helpful when working with tight or complicated casings. Instead of struggling to grip the safety pin or worrying about losing it inside the fabric, the attached string gives you something additional to hold onto. It is a small trick that can make threading jobs considerably easier.

There are also plenty of old-fashioned sewing techniques that remain useful today. For example, when you need to mark fabric but do not have tailor’s chalk available, a small piece of dry soap can sometimes work as a temporary marking tool. It creates a visible line that can usually be removed when the fabric is washed.

Another useful technique is backstitching. At the beginning or end of a seam, sewing backward over a short section helps secure the stitches and prevents the seam from unraveling. It is a simple step that can significantly improve the durability of a handmade garment or sewing project.

The way you position pins can also make a difference. Rather than always placing them straight across the seam, try positioning them diagonally. This can help hold layers of fabric together more securely while making the pins easier to remove as you approach them with the sewing machine or needle.

Creating a secure thread knot is another basic skill worth knowing. Wrapping the thread around the needle several times before pulling it through can create a compact knot that stays in place. Combined with other simple techniques, it can give handmade projects a cleaner and more reliable finish.

Finally, beeswax has long been used by sewers to improve the handling of thread. Running thread lightly across beeswax can help reduce tangling and fraying while making the thread easier to work with. These small, traditional tricks demonstrate that sewing does not always require complicated equipment—sometimes the simplest techniques are the most useful.

Modern sewing is full of gadgets, but some old-school techniques are making a comeback—for good reason.

The secret weapon? Beeswax.
Running thread through beeswax prevents tangles and strengthens seams, making stitching smoother and sturdier.

More timeless tips:

Mark fabric with dry soap – It’s cheap, washable, and won’t stain.

Backstitch to secure seams – Go over the last few stitches to prevent unraveling.

Pin diagonally – Keeps fabric in place and makes pins easier to remove.

Easy, strong knots – Wrap thread around the needle for a tight, clean finish.

Use a safety pin hole – Thread string through it to guide elastic or ribbon with ease.

Sometimes, the best tricks are the oldest. Try these vintage hacks to make sewing faster, cleaner, and more fun!