You’ve had it in front of you forever, but perhaps you’ve never paid attention to it. What could that tiny hole at the end of a safety pin be for? Is it just decoration? A manufacturing defect? Think again! Behind this seemingly innocuous detail lies a clever yet forgotten grandmother’s trick that could save you precious time on your sewing projects. And that’s just the beginning…
The magic of an ancestral gesture
Before the latest machines and high-tech gadgets, there were… hands. And simple, yet particularly effective tips, passed down from generation to generation. Among them, the use of beeswax to strengthen thread. A small, common-sense gesture: rub the thread against a piece of wax, and presto! It becomes stronger, smoother, and above all, much less prone to knots. Very practical when you want to avoid threads that get tangled at the slightest movement.
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Marking fabric without getting it dirty? Easy!
No need for special chalk or expensive pens: a simple dry soap does the job perfectly for marking your marks on the fabric. It leaves a clear trace, without damaging the material, and is easily erased in the wash . As a bonus, we recycle an old bar of soap: economical and clever!
Reinforce seams in a snap
Are you tired of seams that come undone at the first pull? Backstitching is your best friend. Simply make a few backstitching stitches at the beginning and end of each row: this locks your thread and gives remarkable strength to your creations. It’s simple, quick, and it makes all the difference!
The diagonal pin trick
A small habit that makes a big difference: position your pins at an angle rather than at a right angle. This helps the fabric stay in place better, especially when it’s fluid or slippery. And when it’s time to sew, they’re easier to remove without moving the fabric a millimeter. The result: clean seams, without wrinkles or surprises.
Knots that (really) hold
Tying a strong knot isn’t just a matter of technique; it’s also a matter of dexterity. The trick? Wrap the thread around the needle several times before pulling. This simple action creates a tight, small knot that won’t easily move , even after several washes. A clean, neat, and above all, durable finish.
The little secret of the pin
And what about that famous hole? It’s there to help you easily insert an elastic or ribbon into a drawstring (like the waistband of pants or a skirt). Simply thread a thread or cord through it, attach the elastic, and guide it all through the fabric. Thanks to this ingenious system, no more elastics getting stuck or disappearing inside! A little something that can make all the difference , especially when you’re in a hurry.
These tips from another era have lost none of their effectiveness. Simple, practical, and full of common sense, they restore the nobility of home sewing. So, why not make a little room for them in your creative toolbox?
It’s your turn, and may sewing become a real daily pleasure again!
