As promised, today I have a tutorial for this SEW pincushion to share! I originally designed this pincushion for a publication back in 2013! It didn't end up getting included in the book, and I've been wanting to share it here ever since. The first pincushion I made has sun damage, so it seemed like a good excuse to make a new one!
The piecing for this pincushion can be a little tricky, since the strips are so narrow, but it still comes together quickly! One advantage of the small pieces is that it's really great for using scraps. For the newer version I added some fusible fleece interfacing and light quilting. It's totally optional, but I think it gives it a nice look and a little extra stability. Anyways, enjoy the tutorial for this fun wordplay pincushion!
SEW Pincushion Tutorial
Have questions about making pincushions? Check out my All About Pincushions post.
Sewing Level: Intermediate
Finished size: 7.5”x3.5”
Materials:
- 1/8 yard of fabric for letters (or scraps)
- 1/8 yard of fabric for background (or scraps)
- (2) 10"x6" pieces of cotton batting or fusible fleece interfacing (optional)
- Pincushion filling (fiberfill or crushed walnut shells)
- Coordinating thread
- Hand sewing needle
Cutting:
From letter fabric, cut:
(8) 1.5”x1” A pieces
(2) 2”x1” B pieces
(3) 3”x1” C pieces
From background fabric, cut:
(6) 1.5”x1” D pieces
(1) 2”x1.5” E piece
(4) 3”x1” F pieces
(2) 8”x1” G pieces*
(1) 4”x8” backing piece*
*You may want to cut these pieces a little extra long (ex: 8.5" instead of 8"). With so many seams and small pieces sometimes the piecework can end up a little larger than expected! Easier to trim it down after the fact than have a piece that's too short.
Instructions:
*1/4” seam allowance unless otherwise noted*
1. Letter S: Sew together two pairs of A and D pieces, along the long sides. Press seams open. Sew an A piece to the left side of one pieced pair, press seam open. Sew an A piece to the right side of one pieced pair, press seam open. Sew both pieces together according to the diagram, press seam open. Sew a B piece to the bottom to complete the letter S, press seam open.
Letter E: Sew together two pairs of A and D pieces, along the long sides. Press seams open. Sew pieced pairs together, press seam open. Sew an A piece to the bottom of this pieced unit, press seam open. Sew a C piece to the left side to complete the letter E, press seam open.
Letter W: Sew together an A and D piece, along the long sides. Press seam open. Sew a D piece to the end of the pieced pair, so that the A piece is in the middle. Press seam open. Sew piece E to the top of this pieced unit, press seam open. Sew piece B to the bottom, press seam open. Sew a C piece to the left and right sides to complete the letter W, press seams open.
2. Arrange the pieced letters according to the diagram, with an F piece between each letter and on either side. Sew together in order, press seams open. Sew a G piece to the top and bottom of the pieced letters. Press seams open.
3. Optional: Layer pincushion top with batting or interfacing, quilt as desired. Layer pincushion backing with batting or interfacing, quilt as desired. Trim both pieces to 4"x8".
4. Place pincushion top right sides together with the backing piece. Sew around all four sides, leaving a small opening for turning on one of the short ends.
5. Turn right sides out, poking out the corners with a dull pencil. Fill pincushion with desired stuffing and close the opening with a whip or ladder stitch.
I hope you've enjoyed this tutorial! I have lots of other tutorials for everything from quilts, pillows, bags, and holiday items to informational series and techniques. Find all my tutorials here: Tutorials. My online shop is filled with patterns for quilts and bags. Find my patterns here: Jeni Baker Patterns
Tag me @jenib320 on instagram if you make something from this tutorial, I'd love to see it!
Happy Sewing!