A pin cushion is an essential tool in any sewing kit. They can help store all your pins and needles in one place safely. Instead of buying one from the store, why not learn to make it yourself? That way, you can own one that’s customized to your needs and can be decorated however you want!
Here, we have gathered a variety of free tutorials, patterns, and instructions to assist you in creating simple yet functional sewing tools. Feel free to join in and create your own little pin cushions for your next sewing project!
These small cushions for holding pins and needles have been used throughout history, with the most iconic design being a Tomato. However, we offer a variety of design choices and patterns below, so you can pick whichever one catches your eye.
Pin cushions are beneficial because they can keep your pins and needles in place and prevent anyone from getting hurt by the sharp ends of those pins and needles. It’s also a great way to keep your workspace neat and safe. These cushions are typically small in size, although they can vary to fit your needs, and stuffed tightly with various types of stuffing materials.
The designs we’ve included range from cute animals to elegant patchwork and embroidered designs of different sizes to suit everyone’s taste and style. There’s sure to be something for everyone. So grab your supplies, and be sure to read the frequently asked questions section below to answer your questions and get all the details. Let’s get crafty!
FAQs About DIY Pin Cushions
1. What are the supplies needed to make a pin holder?
The supplies you’ll need are inexpensive and can easily be obtained from your local craft stores or online shops. Your chosen pincushion pattern supply requirements may also vary, as many of these tutorials are unique in their own way. Nevertheless, here is a list of common items you may need to prepare:
– Fabric
– Needle and thread
– Sewing machine
– Scissors
– Filling (polyester fiberfill, rice, emery sand)
2. What fabric is suitable for making pin cushions?
There are several common types of fabric that most people use to make these handy tools. These include quilting cotton, felt, or fabric scraps. You can purchase these supplies from local craft stores or online shops or use any leftover fabric scraps from previous projects.
Using leftover fabric is a fantastic way to create new and fun patterns and achieve beautiful quilted effects on your pin holders. Although these are the most common fabric types used, refer back to the materials list on your chosen pincushion pattern for a more accurate answer.
3. Are these pin cushion patterns beginner-friendly?
The short answer is absolutely! We’ve compiled a list of beginner-friendly tutorials with easy-to-follow instructions. Give it a try, and you’ll be surprised at how quickly these projects come together, even if this is your first time with a needle.
However, if you’re not confident in your sewing skills, don’t worry because we’ve also chosen a few different methods of making these that do not involve sewing, like using pinecones! Don’t be intimidated; with the right tutorial, you’ll have your very own cushion in no time.
4. What type of filling is best fitted for pin cushions?
There are many different suggestions for this. Historically, people have used many materials to stuff their cushions. These include cotton, wool, sawdust, sand, rice, Emery Sand, and even horse hair!
A good thing to remember is to use a slightly heavier material that can fill your pin holders tightly. A heavier material can ensure that your creation doesn’t fall over, and tightly filling them helps prevent your pins and needles from falling loose.
What’s Next?
- Gather your supplies and start making your very own pin cushion! We’d love to see your creations on Facebook and Instagram with the handle @craftpassion!
- Pin it to Pinterest as a quick gift idea for a seamstress friend or a family member.
- Share this post with your friends for a sew-along pin holder project.
- Try out these Bunny Ears Headband, Cone Pot Holder Pattern, and Llama Keypouch Design if you want to sew more projects with any leftover fabric.
42 Cute and Simple Pin Cushion Ideas
Here, we’ve compiled 42 simple pincushion patterns and tutorials to inspire you to learn how to make your own. This list includes a mixture of sewing patterns that use sewing machines, hand-sewn projects, and no sewing tutorials. Choose whichever pin cushion suits you best, and get started!
Strawberry Pin Cushions
This adorable strawberry pinnie is simple to make and a perfect gift for your friend who loves a cottage core aesthetic. With just a bit of felt and fabric, you can make a strawberry for yourself.
Turtle Pincushion Sewing Pattern
This turtle helper design comes in two sizes, so you can sew one in whichever size suits you better. This pattern also combines the cushion with a sewing kit, so you can bring all your sewing tools wherever you'd like!
Pocket Pin Cushions
Pin holders are a handy place to keep your pins and needles, but what should you do with scissors? Introducing these pocket pin cushions, with a neat little pocket sewn right in for a place for your scissors or those spare buttons.
DIY Upcycled Pin Cushion
Upcycle any small ceramic cup from the thrift store with this simple tutorial. Using just a few simple stitches and some polyfilament stuffing, sew the cushion and glue it in the cup! It's an excellent tutorial for anyone who's not so confident in their sewing skills.
Pinecone No-sew Pin Cushion
For the crafter who’s not so familiar with sewing, learn how to make a pincushion with this no-sew pattern! All you need is a pinecone, scrap fabric, and glue. It’s easy and so relaxing to do and looks great no matter the combination of fabrics you use.
DIY Ironing Board Organizer
This ironing board organizer features a cushion for your pins and lots of storage for anything else you need, like scissors, seam rippers, fabric pens or chalk, and more. If you’re working with smaller spaces, organizers like these are a lifesaver.
Tied and Knotted Pincushions
This is another no-sew option that is simple and still looks great. It also features a tutorial on how to make an embroidered flower bouquet. Still, if you want to decorate your design differently, that is entirely up to you!
Mini Patchwork Pin Cushions Tutorial
Patchwork cushions are a way to use up scrap fabric in a creative yet beautiful way. If you want to make a sentimental gift, you can easily customize this pincushion pattern with meaningful fabric from shirts or with preferred colors and prints. The possibilities are endless!
Lucky Chicken Pattern
This adorable lucky chicken can easily be used as a pin cushion by sewing it to your desired size and filling it with cotton or emery sand. This chicken also uses felt pieces as decoration, which is easy to obtain. A perfect pincushion pattern for Chinese New Year and Easter!
Color Wheel Pincushion
This colorful design uses an appliqué technique to form a color wheel that's simple yet pretty. A measuring tape ribbon in the center is a fun and functional detail that completes this pincushion pattern. You could follow the colors of this rainbow or switch it up yourself; either way, try it!
Pinnie Pennant Tutorial
Isn’t this so creative? Make a Pinnie Pennant like this to ensure your pins are always within reach. They also make incredible decorations for your workroom!
Embroidered Mason Jar Pincushion
This embroidered mason pin cushion design is a creative idea to upcycle an old mason jar around your house. After adding the cushion to the jar lid, you can use the jar as extra storage for spools, thread, and measuring tape. You can even personalize the embroidered message to anything you’d like!
Hexie Pincushion Tutorial
Looking for a unique pincushion pattern that can impress? Try this Hexie pattern, which is eye-catching and has an easy-to-follow video tutorial. You can make one or a few in any color you'd like!
Plus Pincushions
These cushions have an elegant plus design. It's assembled using a simple block pattern quilted together to make this neat design. Although this design uses various squares of orange and pink, feel free to use your favorite colors for your project!
Pie Pincushions
Make your favorite pie into your very own pinnie! This tutorial shows you how to make five pies: pumpkin pie, cherry pie, blueberry pie, black forest pie, and banana cream pie. Pick your favorite, and your pie will be ready in no time.
In The Hoop Cactus Pincushion
Learn to make this quick and straightforward cactus design using a sewing machine. It can give your sewing space the pop of lush greenery it needs and liven up your space while being functional!
Bottle Cap Pincushion
Don’t throw away those bottle caps! Use them for this simple no-sew pincushion pattern. It’s so small you can easily bring it on the go. Learn to make this lovely design by clicking the link below!
Toadstool Wrist Pincushion
Here’s another tutorial that shows you how to make a pinnie you can wear on your wrist. This toadstool design encourages using recycled plastic from packaging, remnant elastic, and scrap fabric to make this truly an upcycled project.
Build A Block Pin Cushion
This oversized design can keep all your pins and needles in sight. This design uses a Courthouse Steps quilt pattern to create a beautiful, complex design that is anything but difficult. Get your favorite scraps and give them a try!
Fall Leaf Applique Design
Learn how to make this leaf pincushion pattern that uses appliques to create the beautiful leaf pattern you see here. It’s simple and yet another great way to use up scrap fabric.
Apple Shaped Pincushion
An apple-shaped cushion is the perfect gift for the apple of your eye! Using just a few pieces, this apple comes together quickly with a sewing machine and is tightly stuffed with polyester stuffing. Add two felt leaves on top, and you're done!
Pin-Apple Cushion
Try these pineapple cushions if you're more experienced in sewing and looking for a slightly more complicated pattern. It's fun, and the summery pattern will not disappoint.
Folded Corner Pin Cushion
Look at this tutorial, which shows you how to make a pincushion with folded corners. The corners are formed by folding over multiple squares of fabric, and you can customize the corners by adding a needle threader or a bobbin.
English Paper Pieced Pin Cushion
Give this English Paper-Piece Pattern a try! By stitching together a few hexagons using your favorite scrap fabric, you can learn how to make a fun cushion. Never heard of a English Paper-piece? Check out this tutorial and give it a shot.
Woolfelt Little House Pincushion
These house cushions are so cute and easily customizable for any season. Recreate your favorite cottage or make a gingerbread house. Another piece of decoration that is beautiful and functional.
DIY Fruit Pincushion
DIY your fruit slice pinnie with this easy-to-follow tutorial! Make this for anyone who needs a zesty pop of color in their workroom. This is another project that uses felt and simple stitches, which makes it very beginner-friendly.
Rice Bowl Pin Cushion
Find a beautiful rice bowl at the thrift store you have no idea what to do with? Try this rice bowl design! It’s also easily adaptable to any pretty ceramics you find in the thrift store.
Simple Sprocket Pincushion
Check out this simple sprocket pattern! It uses an easy technique to achieve perfect round pin cushions that you’ll master in no time. The tutorial also includes many tips and tricks that make this design easier to master.
Wool Applique Flower Pincushion
Learn how to make a cushion decorated with a wool applique in this easy-to-follow tutorial. This design features a flower and heart, but you can customize the design to your heart's desire. Using a wool applique technique on a cushion is perfect if you're looking for a canvas for some practice.
Pearl Pin Cushion
Try this pearl-shaped pattern for a pattern with a different shape. It has a simple design, but you can mix and match it with various patterns and textures to make yours unique!
Cheeseburger Pin Cushion
Take a look at this cheeseburger design that looks ready to eat. The pins are used as sesame seeds, and you can quickly customize this pattern to make your favorite type of burger.
Armchair Pincushion
This armchair pattern may look intimidating initially, but with this extensive step-by-step guide, you’ll find it’s not too difficult to learn how to make it, even for beginners. Customize it with miniature pillows and stuffed toys of your own.
Thread Catcher Pincushions
Do you need a place to store all those thread scraps while doing a project? Keep your workspace clean with thread catcher pin cushions! Your workspace will be pin-free and scrap-free.
Fried Egg Pincushion Tutorial
Although this fried egg pattern is not a pinnie, it can easily be turned into one by sticking all your pins and needles into its yolk. Make it for yourself and add more felt breakfast foods for a fun platter if you’d like!
Basket Pincushion
Check out this basket pattern that will store your pins and needles and all your other sewing materials. Customize it with a quick handle, and you will have the perfect basket to bring with you on the go!
Hedgehog Pincushion
This hedgehog design is another adorable companion you can make to help you with your sewing projects. Fill it with a heavier filling to make a cute and functional paperweight as well!
Five-pointed Star Pin Cushion
This five-pointed star pattern has a simple yet unique shape that you will fall in love with. The pattern shows you how to make five sections that allow for more organization, as you can organize your different pins and needles for a neater look.
Spring Hats Pincushion
Learn how to make a pincushion with this tutorial. These delicate spring hat cushions are a perfect gift to make and so cute you’ll want to save a few for yourself. The flower is a particularly fun detail that makes these spring hats come to life.
Wild Flower Pin Cushions
This wildflower design is a slightly more complicated pattern with which you can challenge yourself. Once you’ve mastered these, you can sew a whole field of wildflowers if you want!
Sugar Cookie Pin Cushion
Are you looking for a simple pattern for a true beginner at sewing? Try this easy sugar cookie pattern that is so easy even kids can do it, too! It comes together using a few pieces of felt and sprinkles made by simple stitches.
Cathedral Window Pincushion Pattern
These cathedral pin cushions are gorgeous and so elegant. It’s a great gift to make for anyone who sews or quilts. This project is part of a pair as well, so check out the matching needlebook you can make, too!
Embroidery Hoop Pincushion
Use any extra embroidery hoops you don’t use for a fun embroidery hoop pin holder. Customize this simple design by embroidering anything you want on top as well.