Julie Finn
A pincushion is one of the easiest projects that you can make–and one of the handiest! You don’t even have to know how to sew to make many pincushions, and yet there is not a sewer around who couldn’t use just. One. More. Pincushion!
Of course, it’s also possible to make a pincushion into a miniature work of art, and there isn’t a sewer around who wouldn’t appreciate one of those, too!
Here, then, are my favorite tutorials for making pincushions. From the no-sew to the highly-elaborate, each one is completely do-able, completely lovely, and will be completely useful for its whole little pincushion life:
1. Napkin ring pincushion. You don’t always want the napkin rings that you end up with, and it’s likely that nobody else wants them, either. Good thing, then, that it’s so easy to turn an unwanted napkin ring into a pincushion!
2. Dress form mannequin pin cushion. Want a pincushion that you’ll be proud to display? This is the one!
3. Stickable bottlecap pincushion. This tiny pincushion has a bottle cap base, so it’s the perfect size to use at your sewing machine for a specific sewing project. The tutorial calls for double-sided tape to make it stickable, but if your sewing machine has a metal exterior, you could also use a small magnet.
4. Tiny photo frame pincushion. I LOVE the idea of this pincushion! Teensy photo frames are a dime a dozen (literally!) at my local Goodwill, and you could easily mount a photo frame pincushion on the wall next to your sewing supplies to keep it out of the way.
5. Quilted pincushion: This pincushion tutorial is more challenging than most, but you’ll be happy you put the work in when you’re finished. It’s a great way to make use of the very last scraps of your absolute favorite fabrics and ribbons.
6. Fabric weaving pincushion. This isn’t my favorite pincushion because I try to avoid fusible webbing, but if you already have it on hand, then this project looks pretty, and will certainly use up some of your odd-sized scraps.
7. Golf tee pincushion. Sometimes a little pincushion flower that sits inside a spool of thread is exactly what you need!
8. Pincushion caddy. The outsides of this sewing caddy are all pincushions, with structure to the sides made from upcycled cardboard food packaging.
9. Purse pincushion. Here’s another pincushion that looks way too cute to be a pincushion!
10.Pincushion ring. This is another tiny pincushion that’s perfect for a work in progress. Unlike some of the other pincushions, this one would work best for someone who’s sewing by hand.
11. French hen. This isn’t a tutorial for a pincushion, but this, as most small tabletop stuffies, would work perfectly well as one.
12. Pincushion mouse. Conversely, this little mouse meant to be a pincushion, but it would work just as well as a little stuffie for you to love.
13. Scrappy armrest. Here’s another pincushion that’s perfect for all of you hand-sewers out there–this one fits over the arm of a chair!
14. Wristband pincushion. The secret to this pincushion is an artificial flower.
15. Nesting doll pincushion. Especially if you have kiddos or pets, this pincushion is a great way to hide your pins away when you’re not using them. For a more eco-friendly project, use extra batting instead of styrofoam.
16. Crocheted cactus pincushion. Here’s the perfect pincushion to make if you love to crochet!
17. Cross-stitched pincushion. Cross-stitchers need pincushions, too, so why not incorporate cross-stitch into your pincushion?
18. Plastic animal pincushion. You don’t really want to get rid of those adorable plastic dinosaurs that your kid used to love. Now you don’t have to!
19. Tree stump pincushion. There is no reason why your pincushion shouldn’t be adorable.
20. Classic pincushion. When you think about a pincushion, THIS is probably the pincushion that you think about.
21. Apple pincushion. This pincushion project would look best sewn with fabric scraps that can carry on the apple theme–think red or green!
22. Crocheted flower pincushion. This tutorial is in two parts, so it’s also possible to simply make the crocheted flower, without turning it into a pincushion.
23. Embroidery hoop pincushion. The smaller the embroidery hoop that you can find for this project, the better!
24. Handkerchief pincushion. Have a vintage handkerchief? This pincushion is a lovely way to show it off AND put it to work.
25. Sprocket pincushion. These sewn pincushions are more work to make, but I love how well they use up fabric scraps!
26. Cathedral window pincushion. Those who enjoy quilting will love the way that so many pincushions recreate quilt blocks in miniature.
27. Five-pointed star pincushion. Here’s another beautifully-sewn pincushion that will show off your sewing skills!
28. Hexie pincushion. Hexagons are sooooo fun to sew. You should cover everything in them–even a pincushion!
29. Hidden pincushion teacup. I LOVE teacup pincushions, and this one is even more practical, as you can hide away the pincushion from curious fingers.
30. Strawberry pincushion. The downloadable templates make this pincushion super easy to put together.
31. Cupcake pincushion. For an even more eco-friendly project, use a felted wool sweater as the fabric for this pincushion.
32. Emery pincushion. This pincushion will actually sharpen your pins!
33. Mason jar pincushion. This is a super handy pincushion, as you can use the entire Mason jar for storage.
34. Egg cup pincushion. If you don’t need all the storage of a Mason jar, then make a pincushion out of an egg cup, instead!
35. Felt flower pincushion. The fact that this pincushion is made from felt means that it’s MUCH easier to sew than it looks.
36. CD needlebook and pincushion. A couple of old CDs do double duty with this portable project.
37. Doily pincushion. I love the look of a vintage doily, especially when it’s doing something useful around the house!
38. Mini loaf pan pincushion. Here’s a way to upcycle your kid’s pretend kitchen supplies.
39. Stacked pincushions. This stack of pincushions is a great way to organize your pins.
40. String block pincushion. This might be the most complicated pincushion here, but wow! It’s beautiful!
I think this is an informative post and it is very useful and knowledgeable. I really enjoyed reading this post. big fan, thank you!
They’re all pretty thank you for sharing the many ways and types. Blessing always , Mtetar