MamaHen

I just learned something new, Emery, never heard of it till now. Wonderful things we all learn here.

eparys

I have old emery strawberries that I love, but what I fill my pincushions with is ground corn cobs - the kind used in a tumbler for polishing brass shells. It is heavy and at the moment, after using the cushion for over two years, have not noticed any dulling on my needles or pins due to it.

MamaHen

Kitty litter to fill pin cushions? Has anyone used it????

mckwilter

I buy bars of soap, wrap with a layer of batting, then wrap with strips of fabric the width of the wide side of the bar -- kind of like putting a ribbon on a package. Tie the strip on top with a knot and trim it. It leaves a bump on the bottom, but is pretty stable. Any kind of soap will do. I usually use Ivory. I don't remove the paper wrapping before I wrap with batting. When you first put your pins into the whole bar, be careful, because the soap is somewhat hard and you can bend your pins. Once the soap starts to breakdown, it becomes much easier.

I also make 4-1/2" 4-patches and sew them together, turn and fill. I have used sandbox sand (it is heat treated to sterilize it), but it comes in large bags, so isn't practical unless you are either making a lot of pincushions or have a sandbox you can dump the rest into. I have also used the crushed walnut shells and haven't had any problem with them. I haven't tried the kitty litter, because I don't have a kitty. I don't use anything scented, in case someone has a sensitivity to some scent.

mawluv

I use sawdust, dried tea and coffee grounds and sometimes poly fill. Love the saw dust and tea/coffee grounds best! I've looked at walmart for the lizard litter, no luck!

Terri D.

A friend made one for me and stuffed it with rice. I've heard that crushed walnut shells make a good filler also.

GagaSmith

Here is a link to pincushions made from mason jars. You can use whatever size jars you like and fill them with whatever you like.
http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2012/03...-or-candy.html

LindaJ

http://speckless.wordpress.com/2010/...%A0pincushion/

This is a cute one I have made for Mothers Day at church. I didn't put the face on mine.

WMUTeach

I did wander the photo gallery posted by some one else and love the little teacup pincushion but I have also seen pincushions and instructions online for ones made will Mason or Ball jelly jars. You could then fill the jars with coordinating candy or buttons or..... you get the idea. Here is one link but I found several by googling jelly jar pincushions..............http://www.rileyblakedesigns.com/cutting-corners/2012/1/27/pincushion-jar-tutorial/

lclang

Fine sand makes good stuffing and helps keep your pins and needles sharp.