Easy Pin Cushion Tutorial ~ A Sewing Project for Beginners

This month’s Art Challenge is all about sewing with felt (or other fabric scraps if you have some at home) and today I’ll show you how to make this easy pin cushion.

👉 Five Most Important Basic Hand Sewing Stitches for Beginners

I’ll guide you through this enjoyable sewing project which is perfect for beginners and much fun for parents and children to tackle together. It’s a great project to introduce kids to hand-sewing, but you can also use a sewing machine if you prefer a quicker method.

Making a pin cushion is not only simple but also a practical addition to your sewing kit. Plus, it makes a perfect gift for anyone who enjoys crafting or sewing.

Make sure to check out the video at the end of the post to show you the process.

Materials You’ll Need:

1. Felt or Fabric scraps
2. Needle and thread (or a sewing machine)
3. Polyfill or scrap fabric for stuffing (old or single socks are good too)
4. Scissors (fabric scissors are best, but not necessary for felt)
5. A big cup and a smaller cup or lid for tracing
6. Embroidery floss and hoop for decorating (optional)

How to Make a Pin Cushion Step by Step

1. Choose Fabric: Start by selecting felt or a fabric scrap that both you and your child love. You can choose a plain colour, a patterned fabric, or even mix and match colours for a fun look.
2. Trace and Cut: Let your child place the cup or lid onto the fabric and trace around it. This will give you a perfect circle. No need for any seam allowance. Cut out one big circle and one smaller fabric circle.
3. Add your design (optional): If you want to decorate your pin cushion, you can do so now before sewing the pieces together. Add patterns with embroidery floss or cut out shapes like flowers, hearts or stars, and sew them onto the right side of the felt circle.
4. Sew Around the Circle: Thread the needle and knot the end. You can either use a running stitch to sew the two big circles together (right sides facing each other), or you can use a blanket stitch, like I did (see video below). Leave a small opening (around 2.5 cm/1 inch) for stuffing.
5. Stuff Your Pin Cushion Together: Fill the pin cushion with polyfill or fabric scraps. Ensure it’s plump but not too tight.
6. Close the Opening: Tuck in the edges at the opening and sew it shut using a whipstitch or running stitch. If you sewed the two pieces together with a sewing machine, you can hand-stitch the opening closed for a seamless look.

👉How to Help Children Learn to Sew ~ Free Sewing Guide

What is the Best Filling for a Pin Cushion?

The filling you choose for your pin cushion can make a big difference in how well it holds your pins. Here are some of the best options:

• Polyfill: Soft, lightweight, and easy to work with. It’s great for a fluffy pin cushion.
• Fabric Scraps: A sustainable option that repurposes leftover materials. Use small, tightly packed scraps for a firmer cushion. You can cut fabric scraps into strips and then cut those strips again to make tiny pieces, which is perfect to use for filling.
• Wool Roving or Wool Felt Scraps: Wool is naturally resistant to moisture and helps keep pins from rusting.
• Crushed Walnut Shells: A popular choice for sewing enthusiasts. This natural material provides a nice weight and helps sharpen pins over time.
• Rice or Sand: These add weight to your pin cushion, making it more stable. If using rice, store your pin cushion in a dry place to prevent moisture buildup.
• Steel Wool: A great option for sharpening your pins while storing them. However, it can be a bit messy to work with.

Now you have a great sewing project finished in just a few steps. This simple DIY pin cushion is both useful and fun to make.

Would you like to try different shapes or colours? You could even make a matching needle book to go with your pin cushion.

How did you get on? I’d love to hear!

More Ideas: 39 Simple Hand-Sewing Projects You Can Make with Fabric Scraps