A Little Bit Extra Pincushion Sewing Pattern

Step 1

[* Extra information about cutting the semi-circles is in the construction steps; please read before cutting]

Step 2

From Main Fabric cut 5½” diameter circle (1), 5½” x 3” semi circle* (1), and 17¾” x 1½” (1).

Step 3

From Highlight Fabric cut 5½” x 3” semi circle* (1).

Step 4

From Felt cut 2½” x 2” (2).

Step 5

From Ribbon cut 2” pieces (3).

Step 6

Use a ¼” seam allowance unless otherwise stated.

Step 7

When cutting out the two semi circle pieces, its really important that you add the ¼” seam allowance to the straight edge of the semi circle otherwise when you join the two semi circles together, they will create a circle that is smaller than the Main Fabric circle that you will use for the pin cushion base. Take the Main Fabric and, on the wrong side of the fabric, draw two lines at right angles to each other, both 2¾” in length. Now draw a smooth curve to join the far ends of these lines (I like to use a ruler to measure and mark 2¾” from the corner multiple times and then join the dots with a curve). Now add a second straight line ¼” below one of the original straight lines for the seam allowance. Fold the fabric in half using the straight line that doesn’t have the seam allowance added and cut out the semi circle including the extra ¼”. Repeat to cut a semi circle with added seam allowance from the Highlight Fabric.

Step 8

Take the three pieces of ribbon, fold them in half so the raw edges meet. Pin these in a row to the straight edge of the Highlight Fabric semi circle, leaving a ½” gap from the left before the first piece of ribbon, and matching the ribbon raw edge to the fabric raw edge. Then pin the two fabric rectangles on top of each other and to the straight edge of the semi circle, leaving a ½” gap from the right.

Step 9

Pin the unit from step 2 onto the Main Fabric semi circle, with the right sides together. Sew along the straight edge.

Step 10

Open up the circle and press the seam to one side. This is the top of your pin cushion.

Step 11

Take the Main Fabric long rectangle and join along the short edges, right sides together.

Step 12

Press the loop of fabric to create a crease opposite the seam. Then open up the loop and match the seam and this crease in the centre and press to create two more creases. You should now have four evenly spaced guides that split the loop into four sections. This is the side of your pin cushion.

Step 13

Take the pin cushion top and fold it in half so the seam is in the centre and create a little crease at both edges of this semi circle to mark the centre of these two curved edges.

Step 14

Place the pin cushion top with the right side facing towards you and pin the loop you created in step 6, with the right sides together. Match the seam of the loop to the seam of the pin cushion top (nest these seams to avoid bulk), and match the opposite crease on the loop to the seam at the other side of the pin cushion top. Then match the other two creases on the loop to the creases on the two pin cushion top semi circles.

Step 15

Now add more pins, making sure the fabric is gently eased around the curve of the pin cushion top and its even. Make sure the felt flaps won’t get caught in the seam; you can pin the felt out of the way.

Step 16

Sew around the edge, taking your time to create a smooth curve all the way around. Back stitch as the start and end.

Step 17

Repeat step 7 with the Main Fabric 5½” circle.

Step 18

Repeat step 8-9 to attached the Main Fabric circle to the remaining raw edge of the loop.

Step 19

Sew around the edge but this time leave about a 3” gap.

Step 20

Turn the pin cushion right side out through the gap.

Step 21

Fill the pin cushion with stuff. Make sure to push it all the way to the edges and evenly distribute the stuff so you don’t end up with a lumpy pin cushion!

Step 22

Hand sew the turn gap closed using a whip stitch.