When I was young, my grandmother let me make my own pillows. She'd give me two pieces of fabric, I'd cut them into the desired shape, hand-sew them "pillow case style," turn them right side out, stuff and close them. They were pretty hideous pillows, but it really taught me the basics of sewing at an early age. I agree with the person above who wrote that a simple needle prick is not so worrisome, as long as the child isn't being reckless.