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How to Make a Pincushion

If you are looking for pincushion ideas using scraps, this is the perfect tutorial to check out!

How to Make a Pincushion

This adorable DIY Quilted Pincushion Tutorial provides you with everything any avid sewer needs and more. Whether you are learning how to sew, or you are making a dress, this tutorial can benefit and be a fun project for you.

You can choose whatever fabrics and patterns you would like to make this DIY pincushion, and then it becomes a useful tool for you to keep using while sewing.

This is also a great DIY project if you are learning how to quilt and would like to start off with a smaller project. Plus, this craft video makes crafting this project super fun and easy to understand!

Materials List

  1. 7 strips of fabric (at least 2-1/2" wide)
  2. Fusible fleece
  3. Ruler
  4. Rotary cutter
  5. Polyfill (small amount)
  6. Spoon/funnel
  7. Crushed walnut shells
  8. Iron and ironing board

Watch and Learn

Step 1

Pick one fabric for your background and set that piece aside.

Step 2

From your remaining strips, cut 1-1/2" pieces (the total size of each piece will be around 1-1/2" x 2-1/2" if following this tutorial).

Step 3

Sew the pieces together using a 1/4" seam in whatever order you would like.

Step 4

Once you have two sewn together, add your third face down, and continue sewing until you've sewn them all together. 

Step 5

Using an iron, press all your seams by sliding your iron over the seems facing up, flip your fabric and go over the seams again.

Step 6

Next, cut a 2-1/2" x 5-1/2" piece of your fusible fleece.

Step 7

Place the fusible (not the smooth) side of your fusible fleece on the back of your sewn pieces and press in place on both sides.

Step 8

Use whatever design you like to quilt your pin cushion (this tutorial uses a crosshatch).

Step 9

Cut your back the same size as your front and place it face down on your other piece (right sides together).

Step 10


Sew the two pieces together. Leave a 2" gap in the middle of one side to turn it inside out.

When you reach a corner put your needle down, presser foot up, rotate 90 degrees and continue to stitch.

Step 11

Clip about 2-3 threads in from the ends of each of the four corners.

Step 12

Turn your pincushion right side out and use a spoon (or pen) to push out your corners. 

Step 13

Fill your pin cushion with the crushed walnut shells. Grab a little bit of polyfill and cover the hole to keep the shells inside.

Note: Stuff as much of the walnut shell filling as possible as it will settle over time.

Step 14

Stitch your pin cushion shut using your desired tightly-sewn stitch (this tutorial uses the ladder stitch).