How to Make a Pincushion - Free, Easy Pattern

I'm always looking for great ideas to use up some of my quilting scraps fabrics, and this week, I made some simple patchwork pincushions to give as gifts. These don't take long to make and are simple enough for even beginner sewers to learn how to make a pincushion.

How to Make a Pincushion Tutorial

Sewing Supplies

• FABRIC - Quilting fabric scraps. I prefer 100% cotton fabric.
• BUTTONS - 2 buttons approximately ½ inch (12mm)
• STUFFING - Polyester stuffing. If you can't get stuffing, substitute really small fabric scraps or even sawdust or rice.
• BASICS - thread, hand needle, scissors, sewing pins, fabric marker.

How to Make a Pincushion - Video Tutorial

Watch the video I made on how to make a pincushion. Don't forget to subscribe to my youtube channel for weekly sewing and craft videos.

How to Make a Pincushion Tutorials

Here are some more pincushion ideas. My favorite is the felt one with the applique. What is yours?

1. How to Make a Pincushion – Patchwork square shaped pin cushion
2. Pincushion Patterns – Felt with an applique sewing machine motif. This pincushion is done is all hand sewing.
3. Mason Jar Pincushion – Recycle old jars into a stylish pincushion for your workroom.
4. DIY Pin Cushion – Round pin cushion

How to Make a Pincushion Step by Step Instructions

Now, this tutorial shows you how to make a pincushion that is made with patchwork pieces. You could also make a plain square pincushion. Just cut 2 squares of fabric and start at step 3.

Step 1 - Cutting

Cut 2 squares of contrasting fabrics into 5 x 5 inches (12.7 x 12.7cm). Cut through them diagonally.

Step 2 - Patchwork

Put 2 contrasting triangles with RIGHT sides together and diagonal with a ¼ inch seam allowance. Make sure you are putting contrasting fabrics together. Don't sew 2 pieces of the same fabric together.

Press open the seams.

Once again, cut across the diagonal as shown. You can trim the edges or leave that until last.

Put your pieces together so that you have contrasting fabrics facing each other. Stitch across the diagonal with a ¼ inch seam (6mm). Press the seams open.

You now have 2 square pieces.

Step 3 - Stitching Squares

Put them with RIGHT sides together. Double-check you have contrast fabrics touching. Stitch around the square with a ¼ inch seam but leave a 1-inch (2.5cm) gap on one side. Clip the corners

Step 4 - Stuffing

Turn the pincushion the RIGHT way out.

Stuff it and stitch the gap closed with a ladder stitch.

Step 5 - Decorate

Sew a button on either side of the center. It is easiest to do this in one motion putting the needle straight through and sewing both buttons at once.

More Pincushions

Love making pin cushions? Get the best free pin cushion patterns!

How to Make a Pincushion - In Conclusion

All finished - Now you know how to make a pincushion. These make great gifts, and because they are so simple to make, you'll want to make several.

More Articles about Pins

• Can You Sew Over Pins?
• Types of Pins
• How to Pin Fabric for Sewing

How to Make a Pincushion

Learn how to make a pincushion step by step for beginners.

4.8/5 - (47 votes)

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Difficulty: Easy Beginner

Keyword: Sewing Patterns

Total Time: 18 minutes

Tools

• Polyester Stuffing
• 2 Buttons ½ inch
• Sewing Basics Needle, thread, scissors

Materials

• Fabric Quilting cotton

Instructions

• Cut 2 squares of contrasting fabrics into 5 x 5 inches (12.7 x 12.7cm). Cut through them diagonally.
  
• Put 2 contrasting triangles with RIGHT sides together and diagonal with a ¼ inch seam. Make sure you are putting contrasting fabrics together. Press open the seams.
  
• Once again cut across the diagonal as shown. You can trim the edges or leave that until last.
  
• Put your pieces together so that you have contrasting fabrics facing each other. Stitch across the diagonal with a ¼ inch seam (6mm).
  
• Press the seams open.
  
• Put them with RIGHT sides together. Double-check you have contrast fabrics touching. Stitch around the square with a ¼ inch seam but leave a 1-inch (2.5cm) gap on one side. Clip the corners
  
• Turn the pincushion the RIGHT way out. Stuff it and stitch the gap closed with a ladder stitch.
  
• Sew a button on either side of the center. It is easiest to do this in one motion putting the needle straight through and sewing both buttons at once.