When it comes to pins, I like the long ones. The longer the better. I know I should use finer pins on finer fabrics, and my long, fat pins can snag on finer fabrics sometimes… Like they’re not sharp enough… But I love my long fat pins… If only I could keep them really sharp…

… Well, now I can! … (and you can too!)… With my ‘Ultimate Pin-Cushion’

Equipment List:

  • Fabric
  • Thread
  • Scissors
  • Snippers
  • Ruler
  • Fabric pen/ chalk
  • Sewing machine
  • Hand sewing needle
  • Toy stuffing
  • Fine grade wire wool
  • Optional: flat magnet (old fridge magnet?)


Choose Your Size:

I’m making mine 7cm square and 5cm deep, with 1cm seams. You can, of course, make it any shape or size you like.

Cut Your Fabric:

  • 2 squares 9cm x 9cm
  • 1 strip 30cm x 7cm
  • (Or 4 strips 9cm x 7cm if you’re using little scraps & stitch them together to make one strip. Sew up to the seam allowance & backstitch)

Turn in 1cm on each of the short ends of the long piece and press. Mark the seam allowances/ sewing lines on all pieces (Loving those Frixion pens right now!).

Sew It Up:

I like to start in the centre of one square side. Sew upto 1cm before the edge, leave the needle in, lift the presser foot, and, using little scissors: snip up to the needle. Then, I turn and reposition the side panel and do the same upto the next corner…


… And the next, and the next until the folded seam on one side meets the other side. Then I do the same again with the other square before turning it through the gap.

Stuffing:

Stuff a good thick layer of wire wool into the casing, packing it down to fill the bottom third of your pincushion.


Fill the upper section with toy stuffing. Just when you think you can’t get any more in, give it a wiggle & stuff a bit more in.

Closing & Alternative Ending:

(Slip a big, flat fridge magnet into the side, magnet side facing out before closing to give your pincushion an extra super power – magnetic pin picker-upper!)

Hand sew the opening shut, along the ironed creases.

Payload:


Sit back and enjoy the feeling of stabbing a pin in three or four times, and how much smoother it feels each time. It’s addictive, no?!  … And when they’re sharp enough, just use the other side of your pincushion.


Happy sewing!