Tool School: Create-a-Pincushion

What is it?

“A pincushion is a small, stuffed cushion, typically 3-5 cm across, which is used in sewing to store pins or needles with their heads protruding to take hold of them easily, collect them, and keep them organized. Pincushions are typically filled tightly with stuffing to hold pins rigidly in place.” Wikipedia. Really, is that all there is to it? Pretty black and white description but yes, it’s a clever tool that is truly necessary for every sewing studio. Keeps all of our pins and needles organized and safe from damage. Also keeps us safe from them.

But is that all there is to them? Hardly. For those who spend their time and talents creating, using the plain object described by our friends at Wikipedia just won’t due. It just sucks the energy out of the room and, as we all know, we’ll just have to do something about that. But how?

Enter Create-a-Pincushion kit. Now we’re talking. All of the basics for making a quality pincushion to take care of our pins and needles with all the extras to make it cool. With the Create-a-Pincushion kit we can make each and every pincushion truly an expression of our own creativity. And we can change that as often as we change our mind.

Create-a-Pincushion (Brown & Ivory)
Art. No 4120 & 4121

What does it do?

The Create-a-Pincushion has a home in virtually every existing sewing studio. That’s because each one is uniquely designed with a specific home in mind. The all inclusive kit provides a base, a durable and reusable silicon retainer band and a smooth collar. All you add is the imagination and we know there are no limits there.

Base

The base provides the support for the pin cushion and contains the “stuffing” which can be anything from wool roving to synthetic fiber, your choice. Adjust the volume of the roving to affect the final shape and density of the pincushion.

Fabric

The fabric is provided by you. It holds the stuffing in place. Select whatever appeals to you. Any fabric pattern, pieced design, cross stitched section, felted wool or other fabric portion will work. As long as you like it and a needle or pin will penetrate it, it’s perfect.

Silicon Retainer Band

The retainer band fits snuggly around the base and holds the fabric in place. The cool thing is, you can remove it whenever it suits you. If you get tired of the current pincushion fabric pattern, change it! Easy peasy.

Collar

The smooth collar fits over the retaining band to give the Create-a-Pincushion its finished look. Just slide it over the base and retaining band and it locks into place. The base and collar are available in two colors, brown and ivory. Select the color that compliments your fabric. But wait, you’re not done yet. You can decorate the collar too, if you want. Paint an attractive design, attach costume jewelry, embellish with tiny fabric yo-yo shapes, wrap with ribbon, cover with matching or contrasting fabric, attach old thimbles, cover with a section of measuring tape, the options are limitless. Make it yours.

How do I share it?

Everyone uses a pincushion of some type. Why not make it cool? And who knew pincushions could be so personal? Put a few together so your friends can see what the finished product looks like. The creative bug will bite. Lay out different fabric patches to show how flexible the creative process can be. The focus can be holidays, seasons, hobbies, lifestyle expression, milestone events or any other personal preference. What a great gift! Put a bow on a package and everyone will get the idea. To show it is to sell it.