kaysue4

I didn't think about that, but I have some that are years old sitting in a composting area. But do they help sharpen the needles? What would I use to sharpen the needles?

humbird

I have read a lot of posts recomending different things to stuff pincushion's, but have never seen anyone using used coffee grounds. I remember when I was in my 1st year 4-H many many years ago, we had to make a pincushion and it was recomended to dry used coffee grounds, and use them. I still have that pincushion! It has to be 65 years old! I used brown velvet fabric. Don't remember if I got a ribbon or not!

Peckish

Oooh, that would smell yummy!

I believe you can also find crushed walnut shells in hunting/sportsman's stores. My husband polishes his brass shell casings with them in a tumbler.

hperttula123

I was thinking those plastic pellets would work nice in the bottom. I bought a bag to use next time I make some pin cushions. I think I will check out the crushed walnuts to see the pricing on those and how big the bags are. I would like to try it, but not right away. As long as they stay dry(which everything should in our sewing areas) the walnuts shouldn't be an issue(unless you have allergies).

ghostrider

Walnut shells as pincushion stuffing can be extremely dangerous to people with nut allergies. Make absolutely sure the recipient will not be affected. The shells, since they are wood, also dull pins and needles, as does sawdust to a lesser degree.

This warning has been discussed before but was deemed a non-quilting topic, so it got moved. Take a look.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/general...e-t125678.html

The ideal 'weighty' stuffing is emery sand (available on etsy) or, if that's not possible, something else from the 'mineral' category (as opposed to either 'animal' or 'vegetable').

vondae

I have used batting then buy the decorative rocks at the $ store and add them to the bottom, for weight. Cheap. Get alot of rocks for $1.

vondae

I have used batting then buy the decorative rocks (pebbles) at the $ store and add them to the bottom, for weight. Cheap. Get alot of rocks for $1. Just my suggestion. Works for me

mary quilting

oh great idea

Jackie Spencer

I recently down loaded a free pattern for the cutest pin cushion, a blow fish, adorable. It was stuffed with batting, then they cut a 3 in. circle of fabric, put 7 to 10 penny's in the circle, gathered it up, and tied it off, then placed it in the bottom of the fish. It weighed it down so it could not swim off. LOL I think fish tank gravel would work just as well.The pattern is a free down load at distantpickles.blogspot.com Check it out!!

#1piecemaker

Beans would work but if your pincushion gets wet (stranger things have happened) they might sprout and either come out of start stinking. Walnut shells, marbles, plastic pebbles (those decorative ones) or even pea gravel. I know they used pea gravel in the bottoms of those old cloth ashtrays. Worked great!!!