Pin Cushions are useful little sewing accessories. They are also fun to make. Being small items, they also present the opportunity to go over the top with decoration and design, try new techniques and generally go to town in a way that might be less appealing on a large item.
Size and Shape of Pin Cushions
Pin cushions can be any size or shape; the main criteria is that they hold onto pins and needles safely without them getting lost or falling onto the floor. Tiny pin cushions are very much 'en vogue´ currently, and the cute little bottle cap pin cushions can be found gracing pages of many blogs.
A pin cushion can be as simple as two pieces of felt top stitched together and stuffed with old tights or fabric, however with some decoration, perhaps applique or embroidery a bit of sparkle can be added. Cookie cutters make ideal templates for pin cushions, and are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, or simply print off some shapes from the computer. More complex pin cushions can be made by forming 3d shapes from panels of fabric, or decorating with flamboyant adornments.
A practical way to wear a pin cushion is on a wrist band, or even as a ring. Some Velcro attached to the back of a pin cushion with the corresponding piece stuck onto a work bench or sewing machine will also keep the pin cushion to hand.
Pin cushions are also ideal projects for youngsters or novice sewers, requiring just a few basic sewing skills. For more advanced sewers they also allow plenty of scope for adaptation and variations.
Free Online Pin Cushion Projects
There are some great projects available to provide inspiration as well as instruction.
- AllFreeCrafts.com - Ring pin cushion
- Instructables.com - Bottle cap pin cushion
- BerninaUSA.com - Wool sweater pin cushion (uses recycled sweaters)
- SunBonnetSue.com - Sun Bonnet Sue pin cushion
- MyLittleMoochi.com - Wrist pin cushion
Pin cushions use tiny pieces of fabric and are a great way to use up odds and ends and remnants.
They make great gifts for sewers and all sorts of crafts people (knitters and crocheters sew up their garments, card makers sometimes use stitching on cards etc). Add a pack of needles and some pins with funky colored ends for a thoughtful gift.
Tips for making pin cushions
- Use ribbons and lace to make flamboyant edges to a pincushion
- Add color with beads and ribbon - remember kitsch is in!
- Embroider messages, find something that will bring a smile every time the pin cushion is used!
Functional needn´t mean boring! Dress up a pin cushion, try different techniques and make something unique.
If you are feeling inspired to create a wonderful pin cushion, how about entering the PieceWork Magazine Excellence in Needle Arts Award - this year it is all about pin cushions!
Kate Pullen - Kate Pullen is a freelance writer specializing in arts and crafts , and is an accomplished craftsperson. As well as being a designer / ...
