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The Safety Pin

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Safety Pins

A version of the humble safety pin has been around since the 13th century and used by the Mycenaeans in much the same manner as we use safety pins today.

The modern safety pin was reinvented by Walter Hunt who patented his invention in April, 1849.

Safety pins can be used in many imaginative ways from fastening cloth to creative jewellery.

Walter Hunt and his Dress Pin

Walter Hunt didn't make much money from his inventions. His Dress Pin as it was originally called, was thought up when didn't have the money to pay a $15 debt to a friend. After creating the pin, he sold the patent for $400 and then paid his friend back with the money he made from the sale.

Walter Hunt didn't see any money from his multi-million dollar invention.

Types of Safety Pins

coiless safety pins
Coiless Safety Pins, such as the ones to the right, don't have the end coil which can sometimes catch on bits of fabric. They are also great for crafts.


Kilt or Skirt pins are made expecially for Kilts. They are much bigger than regular safety pins and the fastener will not catch the fabric. Kilt pins are also great to use for safety pin broches.


Curved Safety Pins are great for quilting projects, the curved angle makes it much easier to penetrate the quilt layers.

The patent number for the safety pin is 6,281

Mini Safety Pins

mini safety pins
Safety Pins come in all shapes and sizes, make sure you buy the right one for the right project.

Making Safety Pin Jewellery

Here are some great pages that give you step by step instructions on how to make safety pin jewellery
How to Make a Winter Safety Pin Charm Bracelet | eHow.com
How to Make a Winter Safety Pin Charm Bracelet. Safety pin jewelry is always fun, but it becomes even more interesting when you add your own twist to a design. One way to make this innovative accessory even more interesting is to add charms....
How to Make an American Flag Pin From Safety Pins | eHow.com
This link is great however I add another row of blue when I make my safety pin U.S. flag. I think it looks better with 25 blue beads.

How to Make an American Flag Pin From Safety Pins. Make your very own American flag pin to show your patriotic side. Making your own flag pin is not too difficult and can be rewarding. You can even show your finished product to your family and...
How to Make a Holiday Safety Pin Bracelet | eHow.com
How to Make a Holiday Safety Pin Bracelet. Safety pin bracelets are fun to make any time of the year, but adding a special holiday sparkle to your safety pin crafts turns a fun bracelet into a special seasonal gift. You can make these...

How do you use safety pins?

  • JaguarJulie Sep 14, 2010 @ 5:57 am | delete
    OMG, what in the world did we do before safety pins? With the really big ones? I use it to hold keys!
  • Twmarsh May 13, 2010 @ 12:21 pm | delete
    I like the topic, they are indeed handy. Five stars!
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