DIY Giant Pin Cushion

As an avid sewer, pin cushions are a must have, and making your own, in my personal experience, increases the feeling of full creation while working on a project. I wanted to see how far I could stretch my normal pattern to make as big of a cushion that I can make.

• Copy of Pattern (Printed out or handmade)
• Yard of felt
• Skein of yarn
• Needle and thread
• Scissors
• Stuffing
• Sewing Machine (optional)
• Plastic beans/rice (optional)
• 24" of jewelry wire (optional)

First, you have to get your pattern. Below is a link to a google document formatted on 8.5"x14" paper to print out your pattern. If you don't have the paper size, or can't print it out, it is a relatively simple pattern to make; fold a piece of paper at least 12" long length wise and mark 3" up from the middle. Then, mark 6" from either side of the middle. Connect the lines in a long curved line, and cut on the fold to create an almond type shape. For the smaller pieces, repeat the process, however instead mark 1" up from the fold, and 1.5" from either side of the middle. Finally, for the circle on the bottom, cut a 3" circle. Now that you have the pattern, cut out 6 of the larger pieces, and 3 of the smaller pieces. for the final piece of fabric, cut 1 circle.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W036bjhvkioCtKF4p-TUvAb4aqVlZO1pTZ7PfSAQ05M/edit?usp=sharing

Let's start creating the body of the pin cushion! One piece at a time, pin two sides together. By either using a sewing machine or by hand sewing, sew down the edge of the pieces with an 1/8th of an inch seam. While a larger seam could be used, due to the thickness of felt, a smaller seam with create a smoother look. After the first seam is in place, flip it right side out and smooth open the seam with a finger, or another object (pen, sharpie, or other similarly shaped items). Doing this with the seams while they are still easily accessible will be easier than trying to do it before stuffing. Flip the piece again so that the seam is facing out. Pin a third panel so that both right sides of the fabric are facing each other. Pin in place, and sew in with another 1/8 of an inch seam. Smooth the seam open with a finger, and repeat the previous steps until all panels are attached, and there is one opening. (Don't worry if there's a bit of a gap in the top of the body. It will both be covered and useful in future steps) Flip the body so that it is the right side facing out, and prepare to stuff.

Using any basic stuffing, stuff the body until it is firm. After stuffing the pin cushion until you're happy with it, use a ladder stitch to close it. It's ok if it isn't the prettiest seam ever; because the final step for the body is using a darning needle to creating stripes along the seams. (This is where a bit of a gap on the top and bottom can come in handy!)

This is going to follow a similar process to the body. (This is also the size of the usual pin cushion I make, just with 6 panels instead of three.) Pin two panels together, sew on an 1/8th of an inch seam with either a machine or by hand, and then sew the final panel on. Unlike the body, however, fill the tassel with rice, or plastic beads. I usually find my bean filling in the doll making section of most craft stores. Complete the shape by closing it with a ladder stitch.

Using three 24" strips of yarn, braid them together to create a tassel. An optional step is weaving the braid with jewelry wire, to create shapes with the vine. I personally did weave the wire into the braid. If you do weave it in, you can curl the vine around your finder to create a curled effect. Sew the tassel to the top of the body.

Using one more 24" strip of yarn, sew one end into the tassel, wrap the tip of the strawberry, and then secure the other end of the tassel by sewing it into place. For a more secure hold, you can use thread to fully secure the tassel to the strawberry and cover the seam with the yarn.

For the final step, cover the bottom of the cushion with the 3" circle. Sew it into place, and enjoy your giant pin cushion!