At first glance, a safety pin seems like one of the simplest tools ever created—just a bent piece of metal with a clasp. But tucked into its design is a small detail most people miss: the tiny hole at the end of the pin. This opening isn’t decorative or accidental. It serves a functional purpose rooted in traditional sewing techniques, and once you understand it, you may find new ways to use a tool you’ve known for years.

For generations, sewists relied on safety pins for far more than temporarily joining fabric. The small hole at the end was designed to help guide elastic, ribbon, or drawstrings through narrow fabric channels. Threading a thin cord or string through the hole gives you more control while pulling the pin through waistbands, sleeves, or casings. This prevents the pin from twisting sideways, slipping into the fabric, or getting stuck—issues that can turn a quick fix into an unexpectedly tedious task.

The feature highlights a broader truth about many traditional sewing tools: their designs often include clever, multipurpose details. Before modern gadgets were available, people relied on simple tools that solved common challenges with efficiency. The safety pin’s tiny hole works alongside other classic methods, such as reinforcing seams by hand or waxing thread to minimize tangles. These subtle techniques made everyday sewing smoother and more reliable.

Bringing these traditional insights into modern sewing doesn’t mean avoiding new tools—it simply means understanding how to get the most from what you have. Whether you’re replacing a drawstring, adjusting elastic, or repairing clothing, recognizing the thought behind familiar tools can make the job easier. The tiny hole in a safety pin is a small reminder that even the most ordinary objects can contain a touch of ingenuity.