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Make a Square Pincushion

By Connie G. Barwick, About.com

Photo © 2008 Connie G. Barwick, licensed to About.com

Hand Stitched Pin Cushion

Photo © Connie G. Barwick, licensed to About.com
Pincushions are handy items. They keep pins and needles easily contained and accessible for stitchers. Make a pincushion that is helpful and decorative for your favorite needlecrafter or yourself.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Varies

Here's How:

  1. Gather your supplies. You will need:
    • small Cross Stitch design (3-4 inches)
    • 2 pieces of Aida fabric large enough to accommodate your design
    • embroidery floss
    • scissors
    • fiberfill
    • 2 buttons
  2. Stitch the design on one of the fabric pieces. I selected four of the Cross Stitch Pattern Tiles for my design.
  3. Wash (use a gentle detergent), air dry, then press the fabric pieces.
  4. Place the fabric pieces front to front. Sew the pieces of fabric together (hand or machine), using a seam of about a half inch. Use the Aida squares to guide placement of your stitches.

    Leave an open, unstitched space on one side large enough to turn the pincushion and fill it.
  5. Turn the pincushion and fill it with the fiberfill to the desired amount.
  6. Stitch the open area on the side closed being sure to keep the fiberfill out of the seam.
  7. Secure one button to the middle of the bottom of the cushion. Draw the needle through the pincushion to secure the top button, pulling slightly. Secure the thread and clip the end.
  8. Add the pincushion to your stash or give it as a gift.

Tips:

  1. Instead of using Aida for the backing, use a coordinating or contrasting fabric. Personalize the pincushion by stitching a message or your initials on the back.
  2. Use a clean chopstick to assist in getting the fiberfill into the corners of the cushion.
  3. The same technique could be used to create a sachet. Add a small packet of potpourri encased in net or a small muslin bag to the interior of the small cushion.
  4. Need help? Get it in the About.com Cross Stitch Forum. Become a part of a world-wide stitching community.
  5. Stay up-to-date with when new tutorials, articles, and patterns are added to About.com Cross Stitch. Sign up for the free newsletter today.

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