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?
- How to Make a Pincushion – Patchwork square shaped pin cushion
- Pincushion Patterns – Felt with an applique sewing machine motif. This pincushion is done is all hand sewing.
- Mason Jar Pincushion – Recycle old jars into a stylish pincushion for your workroom.
- 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
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.
Jeanna
Great tutorials. I enjoyed the YouTube as well as this blog post. I look forward to trying it.
Debbie Cumbow
I'm pretty new here to this site. But I wanted to let you know how great it is! I find all sorts of ideas that are easy to follow and fun to do. Keep up the good work!💜👌💜