You’ve seen it.
Maybe you’ve even held one in your hand without noticing.
That tiny hole at the top of a safety pin — not the big loop where you grip it, but the small second hole, just above the clasp.
It looks like a design detail.
Like something left over from manufacturing.
But here’s the truth:
👉 It’s not decorative.
It’s functional — and it holds a clever sewing secret that generations of tailors, quilters, and seamstresses have used to work faster, smarter, and with less frustration.
Let’s uncover the real purpose of that mysterious little hole — so you’ll never overlook it again.
Because real ingenuity isn’t always flashy.
Sometimes, it’s hidden in plain sight.
🧷 The Real Purpose of the Tiny Hole
The small hole on a safety pin — often called the “threading eye” or “guide hole” — was designed for one brilliant reason:
✅ To thread ribbon, elastic, twine, or drawstrings through tight hems or casings — without needing a safety pin extender or bodkin.
Here’s how it works:
Step-by-Step Hack: Use It as a Mini Bodkin
Open the safety pin (like normal).
Thread a thin cord, ribbon, or elastic through the tiny hole — not the main clasp.
Close the pin — now the cord is securely attached to the pin.
Pull it through the hem or casing — the smooth metal glides easily.
Unhook the pin when done — no knots, no hassle.
💡 Think of it as a built-in threading tool — no extra gadgets needed.
✂️ Why This Trick Is a Game-Changer
✅ No need for a bodkin or safety pin tape
Saves time and tools
✅ Prevents elastic from twisting
Keeps it straight as it moves through fabric
✅ Works with narrow ribbons or shoelaces
Even delicate trims won’t slip off
✅ Great for blind hems, waistbands, sleeves
Perfect for DIY clothing repairs or crafts
📌 Especially helpful for:
Sewing elastic into pajama pants
Threading cording into hoodies
Attaching pull strings to backpacks or pouches
No more fumbling with tape or losing the end inside the fabric!
🪡 A Forgotten Skill Making a Comeback
Before modern sewing machines and pre-threaded kits, people relied on simple tricks like this to make everyday tasks easier.
Other clever uses of the tiny hole include:
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