Pincushion/needlebook tutorial

Jess -

Written by Jess Collier of If Only They Would Nap.

In all the years I’ve been sewing, I’ve never had a decent place to put my pins. Usually I put them in a small bowl, which usually ends up with other random things thrown in (chalk, safety pins, etc.) I can’t tell you how many times I’ve stuck myself digging around in the bowl for a pin!

Somehow making a pincushion always sat on the back burner, though. I always seem to put off the practical little things! So I decided it was finally time to make myself a pincushion – and while I was at it, a needlebook for my hand sewing needles too.

This project is super quick and perfect for even beginning sewists. And it fits right in with Nicole’s stash-busting, as it takes just a couple small pieces of fabric.

Supplies:

  • fabric
  • batting or felt
  • sewing machine/coordinating thread
  • scissors/rotary cutter
  • poly-fil for stuffing

1. Cut two rectangles of fabric about 8.5in x 4.5in. Cut a piece of batting or felt the same size.

2. Put the two fabrics right sides together, with the batting or felt on one wrong side. Pin all the fabric pieces together.

3. Sew along three sides, leaving one of the short ends open. Clip the corners.4. Turn right side out. Stuff a little less than halfway with poly-fil. Stitch that side of the pincushion closed. Remember to backstitch at the beginning and end of your straight stitch, so you don’t lose your stitches!5. Fold over the open end and stitch closed, remembering to backstitch again.

Now you have one side (the side that isn’t stuffed) for your needles……and when folded over, you have a place for your pins!Such a happy place to keep your pins and needles! And another project finally checked off my list.

How do you store your pins and needles? What project have you been neglecting on your to-do list?