Hi,

What would you recommend as pin cushion filler? Polyester fiberfill seems to be a bit too light.

Thanks. Susan.

I saw an article in a recent magazine that showed using wool roving for a pin cushion. (either Quilter's Newsletter or McCalls Quilting)

I'm guessing if you filled it really full of the fiber fill, it would be ok....or you could use the fiber fill and put a layer or two (like a small scrap square) of batting on top?

I asked one of the ladies' I work with what she would use (she makes soft body dolls- she actually molds the faces, arms, legs, etc. out of clay, then paints them, and everything else... They're awesome!!! I sew the bodies for her, & she does the rest). She uses micro beads & poly-fil to stuff the dolls. I use a very short stitch legnth (a serged looking strewtch stitch) when sewing the bodies so the beads don't come out between the stitches. The weight of the resulting dolls is good. Her latest one is sitting in a mini-rocking chair unassisted.

I have actually used sand. It works as a sharpening agent for the pins and it stays put. It is also less form restrictive.

I have two of my Grandmother's that she made a long time ago. She has been in Heaven for 23 years now. In one she used sand and in the other she used a mix of rice and sand. The cushions have held up very well and I also seem to agree that the sand helps to keep the pins sharp.

Below is the link to instructions for making pin cushions using an old teacup and saucer.. I thought the suggestions were helpful...concerning use of polyester vs fine grade of steel wool. I have assembled some cups and saucers to make some of these for gifts and I purchases a bag of steel wool pads for this specific use. The author had some good ideas.

http://www.sew-whats-new.com/projects/t-cup-pin-C.shtml

June in Cincinnati

I know this sounds crazy but my mom-in-law has stuffed pincushions with human hair. The oils in the hair help keep the pins from rusting. The longer the hair,the less likely it will work out thru the fabric. Any beauty or barber shop can probably save you some.

Also putting some hair around the garden is supposed to help keep critters out of the garden. (You just never know what kind of info you can find on this site. :wink: )

Sis

One Christmas, one of my club members made each of us a pin cushion. Each one was the size of a regular quilt block. Very cute. She didn't fill them with anything that would keep the pins sharp or from rusting. She just filled them with rolled up pieces of batting. She calls them a pin pillow. Not sure if it's what you are looking for, but it's another idea.

Melissa

I think years ago, they used to be stuffed with saw dust! Of course I am giving away that I am old as dirt, but I seem to remember one coming apart or leaking and it was saw dust inside.