But what if some of those forgotten methods could actually improve your sewing today? What if a small, overlooked detail could make your stitching stronger, your process smoother, and your results more polished? One such overlooked trick lies in something as basic as a safety pin—specifically, that tiny little hole at the end. Most people never give it a second thought, assuming it’s just part of the pin’s manufacturing design, but it actually serves a useful purpose.
That tiny hole can be used to guide a piece of string, elastic, or ribbon through tight fabric casings, like a waistband or drawstring tunnel. All you need to do is thread a narrow cord through the hole, and the pin becomes easier to control and less likely to get lost inside the fabric. It’s a simple trick that saves time and frustration, especially when working with small openings or slippery materials. This kind of clever sewing shortcut is just one example of the practical wisdom that earlier generations relied on.
Our grandmothers and great-grandmothers didn’t have the benefit of digital patterns or computerized embroidery machines, but they had plenty of brilliant techniques passed down through experience. One of the most useful old-school methods worth reviving involves beeswax. Before threading a needle, many sewers used to run their thread across a block of beeswax. This coated the thread, making it stronger, more durable, and less likely to knot or fray. It also helped the thread glide more smoothly through fabric, which meant fewer tangles and faster stitching overall. That one simple step could save time and effort while improving the quality of the final product. Another timeless sewing tip is using a piece of dry soap to mark fabric. If you don’t have tailor’s chalk or a washable pen, a sliver of dry soap works just as well. It leaves a clear mark on most fabrics, it’s easy to wash out, and it won’t stain your material—plus, it’s practically free. This kind of resourcefulness was common in the past and is still just as valuable today.
Reinforcing seams with backstitching is another technique that should never go out of style. At the end of every seam, simply reverse your stitches and go back over the last inch or so. This adds strength and prevents the seam from coming undone after multiple washes or regular wear. It’s a quick and easy way to make your sewing last longer. Proper pinning also makes a difference. Instead of pinning perpendicular to the seam, try placing your pins diagonally. This helps grip the fabric more securely, reduces slippage, and makes it easier to remove the pins as you sew—especially helpful when using a sewing machine. For tying knots that stay put, wrap the thread around the needle two or three times before pulling it through to form a small, tight knot. This creates a neat, secure finish that won’t come undone and gives your project a polished look. When you bring these time-tested sewing hacks into your regular routine, you’ll likely find that they not only improve your technique but also make the process more enjoyable. Whether you’re just learning to sew or have been at it for years, these traditional methods offer useful shortcuts and smart solutions that modern tools sometimes overlook. By repurposing the tiny hole in a safety pin, adding beeswax to your prep routine, using soap for marking, reinforcing seams with backstitching, angling your pins for better hold, and tying strong knots with ease, you’re tapping into the wisdom of generations. These simple tricks can save you time, prevent mistakes, and leave you with better, stronger results. So next time you sit down to sew, consider adding a few of these classic tips to your toolkit. They might be old, but they still work like a charm.
