One time i raided a red ant hill for the bigger bits of sand.

Friends who keep sheep. My wool is straight off the sheep - no washing, etc. :)

I have been using sa small amount of steel wool along with the fiberfil. Also I have heard of the sand, think I will try that one.
jaciqltznok, what type of sand is used? fine, course, aquarium, out of the yard?
can any kind of nut shell do? are they crushed up ? then added to the stuffing, or is that the stuffing itself?

Bird gravel,,,get it at Wally world ,works great adds weight and keeps the pins sharp...

I use left over batting. I save the slender side pieces and cute them up to use. Most of the pin cushions, I think, are made for display - not so much for actual use. I have my magnetic one I use. The others are fun for collecting.

I make a separate little bag that will fit inside my pincushion and fill that with crushed walnut shells (to give it a little weight), then I use whatever stuffing I have on hand whether it's cotton, wool or polyester. I'm curious as to why polyester dulls needles?

Be careful using sand. It rusted all my glass head pins

Wouldyou please send me the link also. Thanks.

my pincushion with by thread catcher has aquarian stones in them with batting. I didn't use the sand becuase I could just see the sand leaving puddles everywhere. My GD likes to push the pins allthe way down when I'm not looking.

I use those little scraps and threads after a sewing project. Just collect them in a baggy and save for later. :idea: