The modern design we know today dates back to an 1853 patent for a clothespin filed by David M. Smith of Vermont.
According to his patent, dated October 25, 1853, the updated clothespins « are hinged together » by a wire « in such a way that the two longest legs can be brought together and at the same time spread apart the shortest legs.
Not your typical “Clothespin” Skin 4, a sculpture on Umeå Arts Campus by Turkish artist Mehmet Ali Uysit, is commonly…The two pieces of wood are shaped to form a pincer when pressed together . This allows the clothespin to hold securely on clothes without damaging them. The spring mechanism ensures that the clothespin remains closed when in use, providing a reliable grip on laundry, even in windy conditions.
Smith states in the patent: “Another advantage, also very important, [that] my improved clothespin has over the ordinary clothespin, is that it cannot be detached from clothes by the wind, as is the case with the ordinary pin, which is a serious inconvenience for washerwomen.”
Evolving Pins
As industrialization progressed in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the process of making wooden clothespins became mechanized. Wooden clothespin manufacturing factories appeared, producing large quantities of standardized clothespins at a faster rate and at lower cost. Wooden clothespins thus became more accessible to more households, which contributed to their widespread use as a laundry tool.
Throughout the 20th century, wooden clothespins remained an essential item in homes around the world, despite the introduction of alternative materials such as plastic. Their simplicity, durability, and affordability have made them a preferred choice for hanging laundry, especially for those without access to modern drying technologies. Today, wooden clothespins continue to be popular. ‘be produced and used in homes around the world, whether for crafts or drying laundry, and are valued for their nostalgic appeal and eco-friendly properties.
While plastic clothespins have become more common in some regions due to their low cost and mass production, wooden clothespins remain a symbol of traditional laundry practices and sustainable living.
Which is worse, losing your socks in the wind or in a dryer? Let us know what you think about this story and share it with your friends so we can hear what others have to say!
