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Sewing a pincushion: DIY picture tutorial

18.02.2017 by Sabine Schmidt

Nadelkissen nähen: Bilderanleitung zum Selbermachen

Sewing a pincushion - it's a lovely project that even beginners can easily master with my instructions. It's also great that you can sew the pincushion using fabric scraps!

The most important points at a glance

  • In this post, I will show you how to sew a beautiful and simple pincushion
  • This tutorial can be an uncomplicated introduction to the topic of patchwork
  • Although the pincushion looks a little bit tricky, it is also a good finger exercise for sewing beginners
  • What makes this pincushion special: Thanks to the layer of Decovil light in the base, the pins won't poke through the cushion

Some time ago, I introduced you to a great collection of pretty pincushion tutorials and also a magical sewing kit. Today, I have a pincushion sewing tutorial for you that will allow you to sew a particularly beautiful and simultaneously totally simple pincushion.

You surely know the feeling: You often sew a lot and gladly for others.

And for yourself? See! I thought so.

Sewing a pincushion

With my cute pincushion, you can finally sew something nice for yourself! Although the pincushion looks a little bit tricky, it is also a good finger exercise for sewing beginners. And if you find that the pinwheel design comes easily to you, you can always take on a patchwork quilt in this same design later. :)

What makes this pincushion special: Thanks to the layer of Decovil light in the base, the pins won't poke through the cushion (and possibly into your fingers!) but will stay exactly where they belong.

By the way: I think it's great when the theme of the fabric is echoed in the decor.

These materials are required to sew the pincushion

Frequently Asked Questions

Can sewing beginners also sew this pincushion?

I will guide you step by step with many pictures through the instructions, and although the pincushion looks a little bit tricky, it is also a good finger exercise for sewing beginners.

What material can I use to sew the pincushion?

It is best to sew the pincushion using non-stretchy cotton.

What material is used to reinforce the pincushion so the pins don't poke through?

Thanks to the layer of Decovil light in the base, the pins won't poke through the cushion (and possibly into your fingers!) but will stay nicely where they belong.

Links marked with * are affiliate links: If you make a purchase through them, we receive a small commission. The price remains the same for you.

Step-by-step instructions

Pincushion with pinwheel patchwork

With these picture instructions, you'll sew a sweet pinwheel pincushion with Decovil light in the base — so the pins don't poke through and stay safely in the cushion. A lovely exercise for getting started with patchwork.

  1. Step

    Cutting the fabric

    Cut the following pieces from the fabrics:

    • plain cotton: 15 x 15 cm for the pinwheel
    • patterned cotton fabric: two squares 15 x 15 cm
    • Decovil light: 13 x 13 cm for the base

    Cut two of the squares through the middle horizontally and vertically.

    Cutting the fabric
  2. Step

    Fold and sew the pinwheel blades

    Fold the fabric pieces for the pinwheel diagonally in half and press.

    Sew along the marked lines with a straight stitch and 0.7 cm seam allowance.

    Fold the tip of the pinwheel blade to the seam, secure it with a pin and sew it down with a straight seam.

    Fold and sew the pinwheel blades
  3. Step

    Assemble the front

    Sew the prepared pieces together to make the front. Press each seam allowance open with plenty of steam.

    Assemble the front
  4. Step

    Reinforce the base with Decovil

    Iron the Decovil light onto the fabric piece for the base. Mind the seam allowance — the Decovil is slightly smaller.

    Reinforce the base with Decovil
  5. Step

    Close the cushion and turn it right side out

    Pin the front and back together and sew them. Leave a turning gap.

    Trim the seam allowance without cutting into the seam. Then you can turn the cushion right side out.

    Close the cushion and turn it right side out
  6. Step

    Stuff and close the turning gap

    Press the pincushion well and stuff it firmly with polyester fibrefill.

    Close the turning gap by hand with a ladder stitch.

    Stuff and close the turning gap

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About the author

Sabine

I come from Siegen-Wittgenstein, where I spent my childhood breaking in cows, jumping off haystacks and scraping a D- in needlework class.

Today, being creative feels like indescribable happiness to me – and it grows even more when I can share it with others. Since 2016 I have been celebrating my passion for sewing on this blog, and I love that sewing connects so many people.