Pins and Needles Day

National Pins and Needles Day is observed in the United States on November 27. It commemorates the opening of Pins and Needles, a musical revue featuring songs by American composer and lyricist Harold Rome. The show was produced by the International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union and performed primarily by garment workers.

History of National Pins and Needles Day

Pins and Needles opened to the public at the Labor Stage Theatre in New York City on November 27, 1937. The cast consisted mainly of cutters, sewing machine operators, and other members of the International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union. Because they still worked in garment factories, the performers initially appeared only on Friday and Saturday nights.

The revue presented a humorous, pro-labor view of working life, politics, and society. Harold Rome wrote its music and lyrics, while several writers contributed sketches to the production. Strong reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations turned the modest union production into an unexpected success.

As demand for tickets grew, the performers received leaves of absence from their factory jobs, and the show expanded to a regular theatrical schedule. It eventually ran for 1,108 performances and became one of the most successful musicals of the 1930s.

Interesting Facts About National Pins and Needles Day

• The original performers rehearsed at night and on weekends while continuing to work in garment factories.
• The revue included songs such as “Sing Me a Song With Social Significance,” “One Big Union for Two,” and “Sunday in the Park.”
• Members of the cast performed selections from the show at the White House in 1938.
• A studio recording released for the show’s 25th anniversary in 1962 featured a young Barbra Streisand.
• A London production directed by Rachel Grunwald opened in 2010.
• New York University staged the musical at the Provincetown Playhouse in 2016 with a cast of students close in age to many of the original performers.

How National Pins and Needles Day Is Observed

• Listen to songs from Pins and Needles or look for a recording of the complete musical.
• Learn about the International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union and the labor movement of the 1930s.
• Read about Harold Rome and his contributions to American musical theater.
• Watch a production of the revue or explore photographs and documents from the original show.
• Share information about the musical and its unusual cast of garment workers.

When Is National Pins and Needles Day in 2026?

National Pins and Needles Day is observed on November 27 each year.

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