Pincushion How To

A Pincushion Tutorial

You will need for 1 pincushion:

2 - 6" diameters circles of fabric

1 - 5" diameters circle of fabric

48" of 6 strand embroidery thread

1 1/2" diameter circle of felt

fiberfill

button

Making the Yo-yo:

Cut a 5" diameter circle of

fabric for the yo-yo.

Using a doubled knotted sewing thread

make a few small stitches in the same

place to lock the thread so the knot will

not pull through when you gather the

yo-yo.  Now sew 1/8" from the edge of

the fabric using a 3/8" running stitch.

When making yo-yos remember if you

make large running stitches the hole will

be small, but if you use small running

stitches the hole will be large.

Pull thread to form the yo-yo.  Once

you can't gather anymore, take a few

small locking stitches and knot securely.

Flatten out and use your fingers to

make the yo-yo gathers look even.

Making the pincushion:

Cut 2 - 6" diameter circles of

 fabric for the body of the pincushion.

With right sides together, machine

stitch 1/4" away from edge, locking

stitches at the beginning and end.

Grab each of the circles and pull

apart, then make a 1" slit in

the center of one circle.

Turn right side out through the slit

and press.  If your edges are not

flat, stick a chopstick in the slit

and run it around the sewn seam,

press again.

Stuff with fiberfill very tightly

and hand stitch the slit closed.

Thread a large needle with embroidery

floss and make a large knot in one

end.  Make a few small stitches in

center of back, then bring needle

from back to front in the center

of the pincushion. 

Wrap floss around circle and

bring needle up from the bottom

again to the top, pull to make an

indent in the side.  Repeat to 

opposite side.

Keep repeating this process

until your pincushion looks

like it has 6 pie wedges.

Then bring the needle up and

down through the center a few

times and then knot in the back

but do not cut the floss.

Bring needle up to top again

and place yo-yo and button

as shown.  Take several stiches

through button, yo-yo and pincushion

to secure, then make a secure

knot in back.

Place felt circle over slit in

center of back and whip

stitch in place.