I didn't make these pincushions, they are part of my collection. They were gifts from dear friends.
This is one of my favorites - I bought it from Victoria, the Silly BooDilly. I am in love with her work - and this pincushion is a daily reminder to think outside the box... to crash through the sides of the box and turn it upside down.
So as I sit here trying to figure out where to start with this, I have run into a few snags. What should I include? How should I organize it? What would be the most useful?
The biggest problem is obvious - I'm not an expert when it comes to making pincushions. Most of what I have to share falls into the category of "this is what works for me". Through trial and error, experiments and seriously goofy results, I've learned what doesn't work for me and more importantly, I've learned how to get something to look the way I want it to. Mostly. Three-out-of-four times.
The most important thing I've learned is this - the only opinion that matters is mine. Or yours. It doesn't matter if the finished pincushion is wonky, crooked and badly stitched - if you love it and it makes you smile, that's really the only thing that matters. I should know because I have some of those pincushions and I can't bear to part with them. They've got character. Some of them have even been published.
So let's start with some tools and my preferred materials.
None of these are necessary but I find all of them useful - and I do use them. The bamboo knitting needles and stuffing forks are terrific for stuffing - even pincushions filled with crushed walnut shells get a little bit of stuffing or batting. The bamboo point-turner is for pushing out corners - gently. The hemostat is useful for turning pincushions right-side-out and for helping pull needles through seams while stitching the opening closed. The long doll-making needles at the bottom are for those times when you want to do the sectioning with perle cotton. (More on that later.)
Batting. I happily use the pieces trimmed off after quilting but I also have batting on hand that I use just for quilted pincushions. This is what I use.
Also not necessary - but what I like about this one - and Mountain Mist Blue Ribbon - is that it is thin and gets soft and quilt-y when washed. It also shrinks nicely.
Stuffing. In addition to crushed walnut shells, I also use a little bit of cotton stuffing for most pincushions. (More on that later too.)
Nope - also not required. What I like about cotton stuffing is that it isn't quite as springy or clingy as polyester or bamboo stuffing. There may be other brands but this is the one find fairly easily. Wool batting that has been torn into small bits and pieces also works nicely though the pieces can compact down quite a bit so you might need a lot of it.
Now let's start with something for the top of the pincushion. Anything works - wool or cotton, silk matka or linen. A block or stitchery - pieced or stitched - quilted or not. Foundation pieced or just plain old-pieced the regular way. The tops of some pincushions are "finished" just the way they are - wool applique, a foundation-pieced ~ like some of the Tuffets, etc.
For those other kinds of pieced tops, I have two choices - I can quilt it or leave it un-quilted. Both can be filled and stuffed the same way, the primary difference is how the finished pincushion is going to look. If I choose not to quilt the block, I am still going to line it with muslin.
The muslin I like to use isn't the "good stuff" from the quilt shop. Since I don't want to add any more bulk to the seam than necessary, I use a thin muslin muslin from the "big box" store. It's about $3.00 a yard and I usually have a yard or two on hand in white and natural. The primary purpose of the muslin is to give me a little bit smoother look and feel to the outside of the pincushion. It's the pinnie equivalent of Spanx.
By lining, I don't mean a separate muslin pouch that will go inside the pincushion. I mean that this block is centered on a piece of muslin measuring about 6" x 6". I stitch around the four edges about 1/8" away from the edge. This serves absolutely no purpose other than to keep the two layers together while I finish piecing the pincushion. After stitching around the edge, the whole thing is trimmed square and to the edge. If you want to round the corners - now is the time to mark and stitch that.
I do the same kind of lining for any pincushion that isn't quilted or foundation-pieced on muslin. Wool, linen and silk matka tops all get a "backing" of muslin before the top is stitched to the backing.
The other option is quilting the top - and possibly even the back - of the pincushion. I use the thin batting and the thin muslin to layer the pieced top and then I machine-quilt it as desired. If the machine quilting isn't quite as perfect as you would like it to be, just tell the critics that you were going for a "primitive look". That's what I do.
Once the front - and perhaps the backing - are quilted, I like to "shrink" the quilted pieces using a technique I learned several years ago in a class at Buggy Barn Quilts taught by Virginia Cole of the Galloping Pony.
I start with quilted pieces - in this case, the front and the back. The "little quilts" are then wet completely and washed by hand. I use a little bit of hand soap and really wash them to give them a little bit of a "used" look. After they are rinsed until no soap residue remains, the pieces are rolled in dry towels to wring out any extra water.
Then it gets scrunched -- wadded up.
Then the pieced is pressed with a hot, dry iron. Gently, carefully block it into shape. Then scrunch it tightly again - gloves or teflon-fingers help. Then press it - gently blocking it as you go. Then scrunch it again. And so on. The goal is to keep pressing and scrunching until the quilted piece is completely dry - while also pressing in some of the wrinkles. Washing and drying the pieces in the washer and dryer will give it a similar look but this is faster, and the finished look really is a bit different.
These have been "shrunk" - a star block that measured 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" before the shrinking process measure 5" x 5" after..
Backing. The one thing that applies across the board is this - when I'm piecing square or rectangular pincushions, my backing piece is always cut a bit bigger than the front/top piece by at least 1/2". No matter what I use, and no matter I do with/to it, the backing is always a bit bigger because it makes assembling the front and back easier. As for the types of fabrics, this is what I think about the options.
Tightly woven fabrics like cotton quilting fabrics, twill and cotton velveteen work really well. When they are used plain - not quilted - I always line the backing in the same way as I did for the top/front. It means I don't have to worry about how tight the weave of the fabric is, and it improves the feel and appearance of the surface.
Felted wool is a wonderful pincushion backing but there are a few things I have to share on this subject. First, the wool has to be felted and not all wool that you can buy in quilt shops has been felted. Some wool is partially felted by the dye process but even the wool that is felted may not be felted enough. Though maybe I should write that another way - I prefer it when it has been felted "more". It's simple - wool that I buy that has been felted through the dye process always shrinks more when I do the hot wash/cold rinse/hot dryer process. It also feels different - it's softer, fluffier and the weave is a little tighter. That definitely doesn't work for rug hookers and it may not be desirable for some wool applique, but it works wonderfully for wool used for pincushion backings.
A wool backing used on a pincushion with a fabric front has a nice little bonus - the wool stretches a bit and sometimes that makes it easier to get a well-filled, somewhat firm pincushion.
Sewing the front to the back is easy - mostly. If you have a square block that needs to stay perfectly square, it's easy. Right sides together - 1/4" seam allowance all around with a 1 1/2" to 2" opening. But what happens if you don't want the pointy corners?
Did you ever make a knife-edge pillow and wind up with four kind of funny-looking pointy corners? That happens with pincushions too. If the block is such that I can taper the corners a bit, I do that.
To taper the corner, I mark a point that is about 1/8" inside the corner. Then on the outside edge of the top, I draw a line that starts at the edge about 1" away from the point and draw it to the point. I then cut on that line. I do the same thing on the adjacent edge so that the corner has lost its 90-degree angle. That is repeated on the remaining three corners. I then stitch 1/4" from the cut edge just as I do to sew a seam on a quilt top.
It doesn't completely eliminate the pointy corner but it helps.
The top is then layered to the backing with right sides together. If I have lined the top and/or backing, I should see only the muslin lining. The two layers are sewn with a scant 1/4" seam allowance leaving a 1 1/2" to 2" opening in one side. I like to double-stitch the corners so that they are a bit more secure as I will need to trim the seam fairly close to the point and then use a little bit of pressure to push them out. Before I turn the pincushion right-side out, I like to fold back the edges at the opening and press the fold. I can see the edge easily and this will make it a bit easier to find the proper line for stitching the pincushion closed. When the pincushion is turned right-side out, I use the point turner and the knitting needles to push out the corners and the sides, then the pincushion is pressed. The opening is pressed again.
About the size of the opening to leave - bigger makes it easier to turn the pincushion right-side out but smaller is easier to stitch closed
When it comes to stitching the pincushion closed, there is one absolute truth I have learned. If you are making this pincushion as a gift, your stitches are going to show. No matter how tiny my stitches and how perfectly matched my thread, there are times when the stitches show and the closing seam is a bit puckered. It happens. That's life. So tack stitch or blind stitch, cross-stitch or hem-stitch, I've decided not to worry about it too much. Neatness counts... strive for perfection... closed is what really matters.
Using felted wool for the backing does the best job for hiding the stitches for the seam closure. Second best is to use a backing that is very close in color and shade to the fabric on the front. As you stitch the opening closed, the thread will get caught on the corner about nine out of ten times. (Or maybe that's just me.)
If failing to achieve absolute perfection bothers you, you might consider celebrating the closing seam by highlighting it - hide it in plain sight, so to speak. This was the "finish" over a closing seam on a pincushion I was given a few years ago. The stitching covers just the place where the pincushion was stitched closed. Is this not just the cleverest thing ever?
That's all I have got for now but more is coming. Next time I'll tell you everything I don't know about fillings and stuffings. Then I'll tell you about my adventures with round pincushions and why learning how to do the sectioning thing with perle cotton is a really good thing. (I'll give you a hint - camouflage.)
So what did I forget so far? More importantly, what did I get wrong?
Until next time, can you do me a huge favor? Please take a moment and go wish Sinta - the Pink Pincushion - and Polly - the Minick in Minick & Simpson - a very Happy Birthday!
One last thing - mark your calendars and set your DVRs for Saturday Night Live on October 6th! He's the guest host.
Did you read that "rumor has it" Adele has recorded the theme song for Skyfall?
Okay. I'll go now. Back soon!
Who would have thought that pin cushion making was that involved?
Thanks for all the tips. Helps me to understand why mine don't look as good as yours...but I'm working on it.
Posted by: Wendy | October 01, 2012 at 03:05 AM
Carrie -- I LOVE the collection! Isn't it funny how just looking at someone's collection makes you want to make 1 or 2 or 5 pincushions ?
Thanks for the great tips and looking forward to hearing more!
Have a splendid day!
Karen
Posted by: Karen Miller | October 01, 2012 at 05:12 AM
You crack me up!! .... and hey it's Monday morning - that's great. Let's challenge everyone to make one or two...Yes, any more than two is a collection and we'll all have a collection of pinnies!!! woot!!
BIG thanks for showing how that aging process goes - loved it!!
Posted by: Linda P | October 01, 2012 at 05:27 AM
Wow. Great info. Thank you very much.
Posted by: VickiT | October 01, 2012 at 06:32 AM
Great tutorial on pin cushions. Thanks for the heads up on Daniel Craig being on SNL. Carrie, you need to mark your calendar for October 26, yup that is when Skyfall opens in theaters!!! Also did you know that Oct. 5 is James Bond day? Have a great day!
Posted by: JuliaP | October 01, 2012 at 06:37 AM
Can't wait for Skyfall, it opens close to my birthday! sorry, got distracted. Great hints!
Posted by: Pami | October 01, 2012 at 06:43 AM
I like the results of your crumple and press technique. You say to make the back 1/2 inch bigger than the front and to use a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Are you easing the back or do you just center the front on the back and stitch 1/4 inch from the edge of the front? Thanks.
Posted by: Nance | October 01, 2012 at 07:03 AM
Adele doing the theme song would be really good! Chris Cornell a good choice as well. I think the worst was Madonna. That whole movie was terrible. I felt bad for Pierce Brosnan because I felt they gave him a bad script to weed him out.
Posted by: Karen | October 01, 2012 at 08:28 AM
Wow, I need to get out a pin and paper and take some notes here... you are a wealth of good information!
Thank you for the birthday shout out! It's a great day here... how is it there on YOUR birthday today?
Posted by: Sinta | October 01, 2012 at 09:27 AM
You stinker! Sending us other places for birthday wishes when there is a birthday in your house too! Have a wonderful day! Hope you get spoiled!
Posted by: Wendy | October 01, 2012 at 09:38 AM
Thank you for the great information. I also seem to be accumulating pin cushions. My problem is keeping them clean. Hate to admit but I'm not the worlds best at keeping dust at bay and they do tend to get dusty. Any hints on keeping them clean?
Will you be putting this post under Random Stuff? That way we can print it...or know where to find it when the pinnie mood strikes!
Sounds like it's your birthday. Hope you have a great one!
Posted by: Diane | October 01, 2012 at 09:53 AM
Thanks Carrie - great info on tools and materials to use - also "aging" the look.
I didn't realize DC would be on SNL so will have the DVR set to record!!
Posted by: Judy BL | October 01, 2012 at 10:43 AM
Happy Birthday to you, too! Hope your day, week, month, year.... is absolutely fabulous!
Posted by: Becky in Georgia | October 01, 2012 at 11:30 AM
Happy Birthday to you and thanks for the tutorial! Hildy
Posted by: Hildy | October 01, 2012 at 01:58 PM
Love the info!!! I'll make sure to "star" it for when I'm making my Morsel!
BTW: Happy Happy Birthday to YOU!!!
Posted by: Sandy M | October 01, 2012 at 02:18 PM
Happy Birthday! Thanks for the tutorial. May I just say that I'm positively drooling over the flag pincushion? Wow! Also, way back in 1995 when I was first quilting and making Little Quilts, I used to crumple and iron and crumple and iron. As usual, no idea is unique, apparently! I hope you have a great day! At least you get to enjoy 2 parades.
Posted by: JoAnne McPherson | October 01, 2012 at 02:20 PM
Happy Birthday! Love your blog and patterns and such good ideas on
techniques for things such as pincushions. I hope it's a great day!
Posted by: Kathleen Ronnebaum | October 01, 2012 at 02:27 PM
Happy Birthday! Love your pincushions and the wonderful tutorial! Have a marvelous day!
Posted by: Lesley | October 01, 2012 at 02:33 PM
Happy Birthday! Hope it is filled with lots of love and laughter and hugs from Rosie too!
Posted by: Jane | October 01, 2012 at 02:34 PM
Blessings to you on your Birthday & hope you have a fun-filled day. Loved making the little Speck quilt.
Posted by: Kay Mc | October 01, 2012 at 02:37 PM
Happy Birthday Carrie! I love your pincushions. I have not made one yet.
Posted by: Karen O | October 01, 2012 at 02:38 PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you!! Thanks for all of the tips, especially the " it happens, that's life" part. I have to remind myself of that sometimes. I have a pincushion kit from Kathy Schmitz that I'm going to make (work on) next week on retreat. Can't wait to use some of your techniques. I'd better go find the muslin and get it packed!
Posted by: Linda K | October 01, 2012 at 02:47 PM
I think if it's Sinta's birthday that means it's your birthday too. Happy Birthday!
Posted by: marcella | October 01, 2012 at 03:44 PM
Great tips for some sweet pin cushions! Thank you for sharing them. And...
Have a very Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Loris Mills | October 01, 2012 at 05:38 PM
Hey Miss Carrie (aka THE BIRTHDAY GIRL!), happy birthday to you! I hope you're having a wonderfully joyous day! And, by the way, I think you're WRONG: you ARE an expert in making pincushions! I treasure the two you made and gave to me--one, the woolly sheep--is displayed on a shelf in the Sweat Shop, and other, the pieced one is one that I use all the time--I love the size and weight of it. It's perfect!
Posted by: Kim P. | October 01, 2012 at 05:39 PM
Happy happy birthday!
Posted by: Brenda | October 01, 2012 at 06:19 PM
Happy Birthday, Dear Carrie!! hope it was a good one!! And thank you so much for all the good info in today's post!! Hope Miss Rosie is continuing to get better!!
Posted by: Polly | October 01, 2012 at 07:09 PM
Happy Birthday, Carrie! Hope you had a wonderful day.
Posted by: Karen Shackleford | October 01, 2012 at 07:59 PM
Happy Birthday, Carrie! To good health for you, your mom and Rosie. Best wishes.
Posted by: Rita | October 01, 2012 at 09:10 PM
Happy Birthday Carrie!
I hope you have a great day with lots of cake!
Wonderful pincushions!
Posted by: Gill | October 02, 2012 at 01:19 AM
Happy B-Day, Carrie! (A day late...sorry!) I think Victoria's blog is at Blogspot at http://thesillyboodilly.blogspot.com/
I hope your day was fantastic and fun with Rosie by your side. :O)
Posted by: Kathleen B | October 02, 2012 at 07:04 AM
Happy (belated!) birthday!!
This is such a great post - I use many of these techniques when making cushions but for some reason have never applied them to pin cushions...from now on, I will! I love the 'scrunch and iron' technique - I'm definitely, definitely doing that the next time I make a pin cushion!
P.S. I call the pointy corners 'bunny ears' and yes, a class I once took looked at me like I was mad when I said I would show them how to 'get rid of the bunny in their cushion'...
Posted by: Archie the wonder dog | October 02, 2012 at 08:51 AM
I hope you had a happy birthday :-) WooHoo! Thanks for the pincushion help :-)
Posted by: Michele | October 02, 2012 at 01:08 PM
i hear it's your birthday : Happy, happy birthday!! You don't know me, but you sent me a nice reply when I complimented you on your Fresh Pallet line, and it was so sweet to hear from a "famous" (at least in my world!!) person!! Hope your day is fabulous!!! Helen in Healdsburg
Posted by: Helen LeBrett | October 02, 2012 at 05:42 PM
Hey, I have a pincushion collection too! Of course it consists solely of ones you've made me. :-) And you know what? I love every. single. one.
PS- HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Can't believe you are already in your 30's. You don't seem a day over 25.
Posted by: Camille | October 02, 2012 at 08:40 PM
Wow, this is an awesome tutorial, thanks Carrie! I love that you share your quilting "secrets" and you make it fun! It keeps me coming back to your blog to find out what's next!
Posted by: Theresa | October 03, 2012 at 06:42 AM
What a great post...love the squishing technique...thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Carol | October 04, 2012 at 03:14 AM