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Decorative Pin Cushion

Make a Fanciful Pin Cushion Out of Fabric Remnants

Make lovely pincushions from tuna cans and a few scraps from your sewing supplies.

Pin Cushion Materials

• 6-oz. tuna can – thoroughly cleaned
• 6 ½” fabric circle
• Polyester fiberfill
• Needle & button thread
• Scraps of fabric, ribbon, lace or trims
• Dried beans
• Scented oil
• Silicone glue or glue gun

How to Make the Pin Cushion

1. Using needle and thread, knot one end. Using button thread will ensure the thread doesn’t break when gathering.

Run a gathering stitch around the fabric circle ¼” in from the edge.

Gather the stitching, leaving about a 1 ½” opening and leaving the needle and thread attached.

2. Stuff the opening with fiberfill until plump and full all the way around the inside.

Pushing the fill down and out to the gathering will ensure a nice full shape.

3. Position this over the top of the can to make sure it isn’t too big around or two small to fit the top of the can (leaving the gathering thread still attached). When you have a perfect fit, stitch a couple knots to hold the gathering.

Now adjust the gathers for an even look all around.

4. Fill the can about ¾ full with dried beans. This will give the can some weight later when using the pincushion.

5. Run a good bead of glue all around the top of the can and immediately set the cushion on top of the can. Hold in position a minute to make sure it is held securely all around.

6. Now decorate the can as you like.

It can be painted first as I have done with the yellow can below or using lace, ribbon or a combination of items as I have done with the gold beribboned pincushion below.

These make great gifts for your sewing friends. Or make a variety for yourself.

I have one for needles, one for long pins and another for short pins. And they are cute to have sitting out.

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Recommended Reading

These books are excellent resources for sewers of all skill levels.

Sew to Success: How to Make Money in a Home-Based Sewing Business
By: Kathleen Spike

Simplicity's Simply the Best Sewing Book
By: Anne Marie Soto

Sewing for Dummies
By: Janice Saunders Maresh

The Complete Book of Sewing: A Practical Step-By-Step Guide to Every Technique
By: Chris Jefferys

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