Making A Simple Star-Shaped Pin Cushions

If you are a sewing addict like me, I'm sure you have plenty of leftover fabric. Never throw away this excess; they can be helpful to your project later. Such as making a cushion for your pins!

There were tons of adorable pin cushions on the internet, but one that caught my eye was this simple star-shaped pattern. The sewing process was also less complicated, making it suitable for a new crafter. 

Let's see the list of items we need;

Excess fabric (I used comb cotton) - 

- 2 to 3 different fabric patterns would be great!

A Button 

- for the centre of the star. 

Sewing basics

 - such as a sewing machine, thread, scissors, etc. (A serger will be dismissed for this sewing project)

Polyester fibre cotton

 - as required

Sewing pattern

 - Not provided. Read the sewing notes to cut the pattern.

Sewing notes;

For this tutorial, I stitched together two different types of fabric patterns. But I recommend using three different fabric types for a prettier star dimension for the star's top, middle, and bottom. 

How to cut the pattern

Shape = rectangle (square)

square size = 3cm x 3cm (including seam allowance)

15 parts = 5 + 5 +5

Sewing steps:

The steps will start at the base of the star. So, we will initially gather the bottom fabrics, then move to the middle side of the star, and finally, the last one will be on the top of the star cushion.  

Bottom: Gather the base of fabrics. They should consist of five squares of fabric. Start by joining two squares first. Remember to leave a gap of 1/4 or 0.25 inches of seam allowance so you can attach them to another square. Continue the process until you have five dimensions.

Middle: Now, lay another five square fabrics (middle fabric). Each middle fabric should be attached to the bottom's fabric pattern. 

At this stage, they should appear like a pointy bowl. We call this Part A. Turn this Part A to the wrong side. Then, place them aside.  

Top: Now, gather five fabrics for the top and attach them all (as shown in the first picture). We call these finished pieces Part B. 

Place Part B wrong-sided on top of Part A's right side, which we inverted just now. They should be facing one another right-sided. Then, stitch 1/4 inches of seam allowance around the pin cushion. Leave an unstitched gap of one inch. 

Insert wool fibre through this gap. I have yet to make suggestions for the amount of wool. It would be great if the outcome cushion were softer and denser. 

 

Tips: If you are wondering about the fibre I am using, it is equal to the doll stuffing material, which is lighter and easier to poke into. In addition, it gives this craft a beautiful shape. But you can use old soft toy wool if you have difficulty getting this fibre. This will save you waiting time to get this wool. Avoid facial or kapok cotton, which is entirely unsuitable for cushion pins.

Ensure this cushion's wool has been spread evenly, especially in the star's tip, so it looks steady and is not wrinkled. Once satisfied with the star shape, close the gap using the ladder stitch technique.

Button sewing tips: This button is sewn after the pin cushion is ready. To do it, secure a knot in the centre of the cushion, then place the button. Wrap thread a few times on the buttonhole before finally poking the needle to the bottom of the cushion. You may need a little press to fetch the needle on the other side. This step needs to be done meticulously.

Once you settle on the bottom side, drag the thread to tighten the cushion and secure it again with a knot!

This pin cushion measures approximately 5 inches / 5.5 inches to 6 inches. Which is big enough to hold the pins I have.