I've done a little research on antique pin cushions. I've learned that some were stuffed with horse hair. So I asked my husband to bring in some when he trimmed one of the horses mane. I cleaned/shampooed this really good and aired it outdoors for a time and stufffed a pin cushion for a gift. Other than that I found a source for metal filings online and they came with a scrap of fabric much like swim suit fabric to make the pouch. I really like this as it keeps the pins sharp. It was a little pricy for a small cushion but I prefer small near my machine.