Are you in an area where there is no needle available? In such a case, you might be wondering, can I sew without a needle?
The answer is yes, you can sew without a needle. In this article, we will show you all the methods you can follow to sew clothes without a needle.
Is it possible to sew without a needle?
Yes, it is possible to sew fabrics without a needle.
If you do not have a needle at the moment, do not worry. There are many ways you continue sewing even if you do not have a needle. For example, here is a complete guide on how to make sweatshirts smaller without sewing.
You can make a sewing needle at home or use other alternatives to a needle such as a safety pin, fishing hook, paper clip, and bobby pin. Moreover, you can use fabric tape, glue, spray, and adhesives to sew without a needle.
What to use instead of a needle to sew?
Here is a complete list of every single thing that you can use instead of a needle to sew the clothes:
1. Use safety pins
A safety pin is always available in the house or you can get it from the nearest shop. It is the best thing you can use in place of a needle.
However, you will need to put some effort to make it work.
Take a pair of pliers and remove the head of a safety pin. Now insert your thread in the small circle where both ends of the safety pin meet.
After that, use the pliers to squeeze that circle so it is close to shutting down but only has a small space for the thread to pass through. This is necessary because the circle is big and it won’t pass through the fabric without making a big hole.
Now you can use the sharp end of a safety pin for sewing and tie the thread on the other end that you just squeezed with the help of pliers.
2. Use a fishing hook
A fishing hook is a good alternative to sewing needles. However, we do not recommend using it on blankets, shirts, or jeans because it can be damaging.
Only use it on rough fabrics. For example, if you are camping in the mountains and want to sew a hole in your tent, you can use a fishing hook and fishing line to sew it immediately.
Want to know if you can sew with a fishing line? Here is the expert opinion on how you can sew with a fishing line.
3. Use a paper clip
First of all, you need to bend the paper clip and convert it into a straight line.
After that, you have to tie the thread and slightly bend that end of the paper clip to ensure that the thread does not come off easily. Then you can use a paper clip for sewing.
However, keep in mind that a paper clip will make bigger holes as compared to a needle. So, make sure to use the thread accordingly. Also, avoid using it on your precious clothes.
4. Use fabric glue
If you do not have a needle, you can use fabric glue to fix the ripped seams on the clothes without sewing.
Get fabric glue, read its instructions carefully, and apply it accordingly to the fabrics.
A lot of people doubt the strength of sewing glue. You can read our complete guide to find out how strong is sewing glue.
5. Use small nails
Small and thin nails can be used in place of a needle as well. You can tie a thread on the back side of the nail and use the sharp end for sewing fabrics.
Do not use big nails because they will tear the clothes and destroy everything.
6. Use a fabric tape
Fabric tapes can bond two fabrics together.
You can apply fabric tape on the inner side of the clothes and this way you will get the same result as sewing but this time without using any needle.
7. Use Velcro sticky back
Velcro sticky back strips can help you sew the clothes without a needle or thread.
It works like tape and is good at joining two ends of the fabric together.
If you are confused about whether Velcro will stick to your clothes or not, here you can read what fabric does Velcro stick to?
8. Use a staple
Although staple is not a good long-term solution, you can still use it in emergencies and on rough clothes.
Can you sew buttons without a needle?
Yes, you can easily sew buttons without using a needle. Here is how to do it:
1. Use twist ties
You can find twist ties on a bread packet or other similar items.
So, take a twist tie, insert it through the holes of the button and then insert it through the holes of the fabric.
After that, tie a strong knot and the button will be attached without needing any needle or thread.
Don’t know how to tie a knot? Learn it here right now.
2. Use a tape
You can hold a button in its place using tape. This method works well when you need an urgent solution to save yourself from embarrassment.
3. Use a button fastener
Button fasteners are small devices that allow you to attach buttons to your clothes without sewing.
You connect the device with the button and then its prongs are pressed together exactly like a stapler.
This way the button is firmly attached to your clothes.
4. Use a paper clip
A paper clip can work exactly like twist ties. First, you need to twist the paper clip and get it in the right shape. After that, you can thread it through the button holes and then fabric holes to join the button.
How to make a sewing needle at home?
If you want to sew but do not have a needle, you can make one at home. Here are some ways to create a needle at home:
Create a homemade needle with safety pins
- Take a safety pin and remove its head with the help of pliers.
- After that, put your thread in the small circle on the other side of the safety pin and tie a strong knot.
- Now use the pliers to squeeze the circle of the safety pin but leave a small space for the thread to pass through. This will make sure that the safety pin does not create very big holes in the fabric.
Congrats! Now you have your needle ready.
If you are traveling on a plane and want to know if you can carry your sewing needles along, read our special guide on it.
How to use a safety pin as a needle?
You can use the sharp end of the safety pin for sewing and tie the thread on the other end.
Make sure to remove the head of the safety pin and also squeeze the hole on its rear end with the help of pliers as mentioned in the instructions above. This will save your fabric from big holes.
If your needle keeps unthreading, follow these tips to stop it from happening.
