DIY Pin Cushion - Cute Pincushion Tutorial - Treasurie Blog

Have you got lots of scrap fabric in your stash that is looking for a new purpose? What about making a DIY pin cushion? These cute, round pin cushions are really simple to make and are great gift ideas too.

How to Make a Pincushion

This tutorial will lead you though how to make a pincushion step by step. Here are the basics:

DIY Pin Cushion Supplies

You will need:

• Scraps of fabric – I prefer cotton fabric. Fat quarters are ideal, as you will get several DIY pin cushions out of every piece.
• Embroidery floss – This is to sew the segments. Crotchet thread or yarn can also be used. Regular sewing thread is not normally strong enough.
• Basics – needle, thread, scissors, ruler, fabric marker.
• Stuffing – Polyester stuffing such as poly-fill. You can also substitute fabric scraps cut up really small.

More Pincushions

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

DIY Pin Cushion Video Tutorial

Check out this video I made for you, showing all the steps. Make sure you subscribe to my YouTube channel for weekly sewing and craft videos.

DIY Pin Cushion – Step by Step Instructions

Step 1 – Draw Fabric Circles

Use a teacup or something round to trace out 2 circles on your scrap fabric. My cup was 4 inches across, which made a really nice-sized pin cushion, but you can make yours larger or smaller if you wish.

Step 2 – Stitch

Put your 2 circles with RIGHT sides together. Stitch around the circles with a 1/4 inch (6mm) seam allowance and leave a 1 1/2 (4cm) gap.

If you want to hand stitch, use a strong backstitch.

Step 3 – Clip

Clip around the seam, but leave the section where the gap is unclipped. This means putting small snips around the edge, being careful not to cut through the stitching.

Step 4 – Turn & Press

Turn the pin cushion right way out and give it a press

Step 5 – Stuffing

Stuff your DIY pin cushion and close the gap with an invisible ladder stitch.

Step 6 – Segments

Knot a piece of embroidery floss and pass the needle through the top center all the way through to the bottom center.

Bring the needle up and around to the top again. Repeat until you have 8 segments. Pull the thread tight enough, so it gathers just slightly to give a puffy look.

Knot off the floss and then use the thread to sew a button on top. Knot off and cut the thread.

DIY Pin Cushion FAQs

What is the best filling for pincushions?

The best filling for pincushions is a polyester stuffing like that used for toymaking. Stuffing can also be made from cotton or wool if you prefer a natural alternative. Other alternatives include fabric scraps cut up really small, sawdust, rice, or even fine steel wool, which will sharpen your pins.

How to make a pincushion by hand

If you don’t have a sewing machine, you can make this DIY pin cushion by hand. Use a backstitch with a short stitch length. This will produce a durable seam.

Pin Cushion Patterns

Get the best free pincushion patterns. Pin cushion of all skill levels to upgrade your sewing room.

DIY Pin Cushion – In Conclusion

And there you are all finished learning how to make a pincushion. My first DIY pin cushion took me around 15 minutes, but the second 2 were done in under 10 minutes. They were really fast, but I think the stuffing took the longest!

More DIY Pin Cushion Tutorials

Here are some more free DIY pin cushion tutorials. My favorite is the felt one with the applique. What is yours?

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

DIY Pin Cushion

Learn how to make a pin cushion step by step for beginners. Easy pincushion pattern. 4.8/5 – (53 votes) Print Pin Difficulty: Easy BeginnerKeyword: Sewing Patterns Total Time: 28 minutes minutes

Difficulty

Tools

• Sewing machine
• Sewing Basics Needle, thread, scissors

Materials

• Cotton Fabric
• 2 Buttons
• Polyester Stuffing
• Embroidery Floss

Instructions

• Use a teacup or something round to trace out 2 circles on your scrap fabric. My cup was 4 inches across.
• Put your 2 circles with RIGHT sides together. Stitch around the circles with a ¼ inch (6mm) seam and leave a 1 ½ (4cm) gap. Clip around the seam but leave the section where the gap is unclipped.
• Turn the pin cushion right way out and give it a press. Stuff your DIY pin cushion and close the gap with an invisible ladder stitch.
• Knot a piece of embroidery floss and pass the needle through the top center all the way through to the bottom center. Bring the needle up and around to the top again. Repeat until you have 8 segments. Pull the thread tight enough so it gathers just slightly to give a puffy look.
• Knot off the floss and then use the thread to sew a button on top. Knot off and cut the thread.

4.8/5 - (53 votes) Share it Now, Make it Later!

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Author - Luisa Clare

Luisa Clare is the founder of Treasurie and a sewing educator with over 15 years of experience in dressmaking, pattern design, crochet, and craft education. She creates clear, beginner-friendly tutorials and printable patterns that home sewists and crocheters worldwide use to build skills and confidence. Learn more about Luisa and Treasurie.