Work In Progress–Pincushion Tutorial

February 27, 2013

Today, I’d like to share a little tutorial on making a pin cushion. This is not your average tomato pin cushion—it is my idea of the perfect (not so little) pin pillow.

I like large, flat pincushions that can hold several threaded needles without tangling—

I usually make pin cushions that are between 5 and 7 inches –square or rectangle…

If you have any small “orphan” blocks–this is a perfect way to use them! In this case, I had a 7 inch stripped piece of hand dyes-that I cut into 1 -1/4 inch slices. Any decorative fabric would look great here…all you need is two slices —

CUTTING:

1. Decorative fabric -cut two—1-1/4 by 7 inches

2. Solid fabric ( I used linen) cut one— 1-1/4 inch by 7 inches

cut two— 2 inches by 7 inches

3. Backing fabric—cut one—7 inches by 7 inches

4. Thin batting—cut two—7-1/2 inches by 7-1/2 inches

Top Assembly: Stitch the linen and decorative fabrics together as shown below:

Press well. Place the pin cushion top and the pin cushion backing over the thin batting pieces.

On the pincushion front- stitch next to your seam lines and through the batting layer–

For the pincushion backing-stitch any free motion quilting pattern you like…

Place the top and back–RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER–you should see the batting on both sides…and stitch around your pillow–leave a two inch opening for stuffing…

Trim around the edges, especially the corners where there is a lot of bulk.

Next, turn the pillow right side out and pull out the corners as needed.

Now stuff the pillow…I use leftover batting, ground walnut shells, and a little pinch of lavender…(You either love lavender or you hate it… I love it!)

The ground walnut shells give the pin cushion heft and help sharpen your pins and needles. I purchased my shells at RoseMille in Stillwater (online here), but a very clever reader of The Inbox Jaunt informs me that you can purchase the walnut shells at Petco and other pet stores. (It is used for bird cages…)

Now all that’s left is pinning the opening and hand stitching it.

I like this pin “pillow” so much that I may consider sizing it up and making a real pillow!

Speaking of pinning...thanks to all of you who continue to pin on Pinterest! It is so much fun to get new readers who have read about our tutorials on your Boards! Thanks a million!