In this batch I made some regular old tufted tomatoes and a few apple and pear shaped cushions. They all start out the same way. Cut the fabric, interface and stitch. One tip for assembling the cushions: first sew together each half, then sew the halves together leaving a space to insert the filling. It’s the best way to match the points.
The tomato cushions are a bit more involved to assemble, but they’re my favorite to use. In my example I’m using contrasting yarn to tuft the cushion and I used a shank-style button on the top. It’s a bit easier to tighten and secure the yarn if you use the 4-hole style button on the top, but I like the shank-style buttons more, looks-wise.
Once all of my cushions are filled, they’re ready for trimming! This is my favorite part – I get to paw through my stash of buttons, yarn and felt. I love wool felt – it feels nice an beefy and the colors seem more vivid. I buy most of my wool felt (actually a wool/rayon mix) at Treadle Yard goods in St. Paul. They also carry some nice bamboo/rayon felt that is softer and more flimsy, but comes in great, bright colors. I also use a few flannels and wools for trimming.
I discovered English paper piecing at the beginning of this year. All you need is a few small scraps of fabric, you can cut the templates yourself, you always have a needle and thread in the house anyway and it's great for sewing on the sofa in the evening. The possibilities are almost endless ...
How to sew a DIY Wrist Pincushion. Wrist Pincushion: Tutorial! | Free Pin cushions patterns
Sew Your Own Pincushion With These Free Patterns! | Apple & Pear Pin cushions free Tutorial.
I had seen some pictures of a pin cushion caddy, and my secret swap partner had included a photo of one in her inspiration mosaic, so I decided to try my hand making one for her.
These pincushions are so fun to make! You can make them simple, with one or two fabrics, or scrappy! Embellish them with hand embroidery or machine quilt them! They would make a great gift or swap item and are a great way to use up scraps. Ok, let's get started! :)
