A Beginner Sewing Project: An Easy Pin Cushion

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.

I’ll guide you through this enjoyable sewing project which is perfect for beginners or parents and children to tackle together.

Making a pin cushion is not only simple but also a practical addition to your sewing kit. You’ll be all set up for your sewing challenge and beyond. Make sure to check out the video at the end of the post to show you the process.

DIY Pin Cushion

Materials You’ll Need:

1. Felt or Fabric scraps
2. Needle and thread
3. Polyfill or scrap fabric for stuffing (old or single socks are good too)
4. Scissors
5. A big cup and a smaller cup or lid for tracing
6. Embroidery floss and hoop for decorating (optional)

Instructions:

1. Choose Fabric: Start by selecting felt or a fabric scrap that both you and your child love. It can be plain or patterned.
2. Trace and Cut: Let your child place the cup or lid onto the fabric and trace a circle. Cut out one big circle and one smaller circle.
3. Add your design: 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 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, 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: Sew up the opening using a simple whipstitch or running stitch.

With this DIY pin cushion, you and your child will have created a practical tool for sewing adventures to come.

How did you get on? Let me know over on Instagram if you like.