8 Unusual Uses for Safety Pins

Safety pins, especially black and colored safety pins, are one of the most versatile easy-to-use products and can be used for things far beyond pinning a hem or securing a strap. Here are a few interesting ways to use a safety pin that you might not have considered.

Interesting Ways to Use a Safety Pins

1. Safety Pin Bracelets:

An easy, fast, fun project that can add a little sparkle to an outfit is a safety pin bracelet. Depending on your wrist size, you will need between 50 and 100 pins. Grab some small colorful beads, and thread them through each pin. You can create patterns, be random– whatever you’d like. When you’re finished, line the pins up. Thread two, 12-inch strings of elastic cord through the pins. Run one string through both the pin’s bottom and its top “eyes.” Then, tie the bracelet around your wrist, cut off the excess elastic, and you’re ready to show off your new bracelet.

2. Sock Organization:

How much time do you take to make sure socks match? Never lose a sock again with this easy tip. Simply safety pin your pair of socks together before placing in the washing machine. Your laundry folding and sock drawer just got a whole lot more organized. You can use different colors for different members of the family so distributing the socks changes a dull chore into a colorful one.

3. Fix a Drawstring:

Use this tip to fix old hoodies and sweatpants. Attach a safety pin to the drawstring, and then push the safety pin through the hole in the fabric. Bunch the fabric up around the pin and push the pin forward, threading the pin through the drawstring’s tunnel. Pull the pin out the other end, and detach it from the drawstring. Knot each end of the drawstring’s length to prevent it from pulling out. This is also a great way to repair worn drawstrings.

4. Keep Loose Buttons Together:

It’s even easier to lose buttons than socks! To keep buttons organized, thread a pin through the button holes. Large work best for this tip and it’s great for when you have extra, distinctive buttons that you need to make sure stay with a garment: just pin it inside a pocket to make sure your buttons and the garment stay together.

6. Decorate Old Throw Pillows:

Give your throw pillow an instant new look with this simple and easy tip. Freshen up your interior decor by “embroidering” the pillow with colored safety pins– and you can even add beads like you did for your new bracelet!

7. T-shirt Makeover:

Using just machine dye and safety pins, you can reincarnate that grungy t-shirt in the bottom of your drawer. First, dye the t-shirt any color you’d like. Then cut slits wherever you’d like, generally on the sleeve’s shoulder seam or down the shirt’s back. Use colored safety pins to “sew” the slit back together, giving your shirt a punk corset look!  This is great for teens, edgy characters, or just a fun, funky look.

What is your favorite use for a Safety Pin?