Making a Pincushion using Flea Market Finds

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Let’s dive into a fun and creative project: making a vintage-looking and unique pincushion. This is a great way to use up fabric scraps and add a touch of nostalgia to your sewing kit.

Learn how to make a pincushion from a flea market find

This is such an easy and fast project for of all those scraps of fabric and it’s useful too!

How to make a pincushion from a flea market find Step by Step

Materials you’ll need

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Choose Your Fabric:

Select two different fabric scraps for a contrasting look. Vintage florals or soft pastels are perfect.

Step 2: Cutting the Fabric:

Cut the fabric into a 12 x 12 square if it is not precut.

Step 3: Sewing gathering stitches:

Sew big gathering stitches around the fabric.

Step 4: Stuff:

Use a small amount of fiberfill or you can also use scraps of batting to stuff the pincushion, making it firm but not too tight. Then, cinch the gathering stitches together.

Step 5: Closing the Pincushion:

Carefully sew the opening closed with a blind stitch or a neat whip stitch.

Step 6: Attach the “ball” to the flea market find.

Using fabric glue or the hot glue gun, run a line of glue on the inside of your flea market find so the pincushion will stay in the vessel.

With a popsicle stick or something pointy, push the pincushion into the sugar bowl or whatever you’re making into a pincushion so that it looks even.

Step 7: Adding Vintage Charm (optional):

• Sew a small piece of lace or ribbon around the seam where the two fabrics meet. You can either hand sew it or use fabric glue for a quick finish.
• Attach a small button or charm to the center of the pincushion for an extra vintage touch. Sew it securely in place.

Step 8: Final Touches:

• Fluff the pincushion and adjust the stuffing if needed. Make sure it sits flat and looks symmetrical.

Tips for a Unique Touch:

• Mix and Match Fabrics: Use a mix of textures like linen, cotton, and even a bit of velvet for a rich, vintage feel.
• Embellishments: Add small vintage buttons, tiny embroidered flowers, or a little pocket to hold a thimble.
• Shape Variations: Experiment with different shapes like hearts, squares, or even tiny pillows for variety.
• Another fun and useful tip provided by a YouTube comment was to make a lid and attach the pincushion to it so the inside could be used to hold pins, thread, etc.

Display Ideas:

• Use a small antique teacup or a vintage saucer to display your pincushion.
• Attach a small magnet on the bottom and use it as a needle minder on your sewing machine.

Enjoy Your Creation:

Now you have a beautiful, vintage-style pincushion that’s both functional and decorative. It’s a perfect little project to add a touch of nostalgia to your sewing space and a great gift idea for fellow quilters and sewers.

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