by Debbie Vechter
Here’s the tutorial you’ve all been waiting for. For the forerunner
of this article, please be sure to read “Are You Looking For Ideas?”
Published Oct. 14, 2008.
Materials List:
* 1 Strong paper plate 6 1/2 inches in diameter
* 1 Screw top that’s used to seal a canning jar
* Fiberfill stuffing
* Fabric and accessories of your choice
* Fabric glue
* Thread
1. From your fabric cut a large fabric circle about 11 1/2 inches in
diameter (to cover your paper plate).
2. Cut another circle about 8 inches in diameter (this piece will be
the top of the hat).
3. Sew a running stitch around the outside edge of both circles.
This stitch is used to pull the edges for gathering the outside edge.
4. Place fabric on table wrong side up.
5. Place paper plate in the off-center of the fabric, bottom side up.
It’s off-center so that the front brim will be larger than the back
brim. If you place it in the center, you can make your pincushion
into a fried egg pincushion.
6. Pull the gathering thread until the fabric fits snugly over the
paper plate. You will have a couple of inches of the bottom of the
paper plate showing. Secure the gathering thread so that it cannot slip.
7. Place the smaller circle on the table wrong side up. Place the
screw top jar lid, top rim side down in the center of the circle.
Fill with the fiberfill stuffing, making sure that the fiberfill
stuffing extends through the hole in the rim so that you get a nice
round top to the hat.
8. Pull the gathering thread until the fabric fits snugly over the
stuffed screw top jar lid, making sure you are getting the shape that
you like. Secure the gathering thread so that it will not slip.
9. Place the crown of the hat on top of the open part of the brim,
where you can see the paper plate showing through. Make sure the back
of the brim is smaller than the front.
10. Check the look of your gathers and hand sew the crown to the brim.
11. Decorate with ribbon, tiny flowers or whatever you have. Use
fabric glue to attach your embellishments.
Next issue: “Pincushions Tutorial ~ Pt 2: Pear”
This is such a cute idea, and so clever….my hat is off to you!
Is fiberfill approiate for a pin cushion. I remember being told that pin cushions are filled with a product that will help keep the pins sharp.
Love it, and thank you so much for all the great ideas
This is very cute Thank you so much!!
what a lovely idea, thak you for sharing.
Hi
I just wanted to pop in and mention that maybe an old CD might work for this instead of the plate!
Haven’t made one yet but will be latter on in the weeki.
Patt
Also if you use Silica sand for the filler it will keep the pins sharp
patt
My sister is going to love getting this for Christmas! Thanks so much.
What fun… I can’t wait to make this. It’ll make a wonderful gift. Thanks
Thanks so much for the instructions and the pictures. Do you think that in the future could be done in pdf if is not too much trouble, please? Thanks.
Happy Holidays to all!
Please, no fiberfill. I found that it absorbs moisture from the air. My good pins that I had for years began to rust, so out went the pincushion. No more rusting. Sand is much better and also gives more weight to the pincushion so it is less likely to be pushed around.
The very best product for filling a pinchion is washed sheep’s wool or else wool batting or wool tops. The washed wool has a small amount of natural lanolin remaining in it and this is an absolute preserver of pins and needles in all climates. The wool’s springiness also allows for easy penetration of pins. But your artistry of the pincushions is excellent. Congratulations.
NICE!!! Year’s ago my mom had a similar pin cushion. That particular pattern used a tuna can. I have such fond memories as a child of holding that pin cushion for mom.
Melissa
I just love pin cushion’s the hat well be great for the Red Hat Ladies that sew , quilt embroidery. And also quilting guild makes a great cute inexpenses christmas gift or make it into a ornament for the tree. Great instructions!!
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Thanks love this item.
Would love more like it
This is a cute idea. I a going to make one. But instead of the paper plate, I am goingto try timtex for the brim of the hat, I think it will be firmer.
great easy projects for me to start my first market stall in 2009
I have made these before. I cut bottom from cardboard boxes. Still have some somewhere. Nice to see again. Made these when I was growing up. Would sell for $1.00 way back then.
this is a fantastic idea
i will try it out right away
thank you so much
this is sew beautiful, what a cute idea! With Mothers Day coming around I think I would like to make this for my friends. whelther they sew or not / the hat one is cute!