DeltaMS

I would like to make me a pincushion. Since I would like for it to be approximately 6 x 4 inches or a little larger, what are the drawbacks of stuffing it with steel wool? I have plenty of ground walnut shells I could use, but I was wanting to keep it light weight. I know that batting is an option and it might be the best one, but I was thinking the steel wool would help with keeping the needles and pins sharp. I do worry about the pins rusting since I do live in the southern United States...Humidity can be a killer!

maviskw

In my experience, the steel wool will rust very easily. I would use wool with the walnut shells. Wool is very light and has natural lanolin, so that would keep the pins sliding smoothly. I have a little wool laying around here from an old quilt that died. Never throw something out that might have a use later.

QuiltE

I've heard it both ways .... use the steel wool to sharpen, as you have mentioned.
And don't use it, for the rust-fear factor.
Really don't know your answer. So guess you have to make your own conscious decision!

Though ... you could do your own trial ... make one out of each and see what happens.

Have never used crushed walnuts shells ... interested to hear more as to the pros/cons there!

While we are on pin cushion stuffings ... my Mother always used sawdust!!!
Was that just a post-depression thing? Or was there a reason to use it?
Again, the pros/cons for this one if anyone knows.

DeltaMS

Wool...what a wonderful idea. I don’t have any wool fabric, but I might can get my hands on some wool clothing. Would that work?

DeltaMS

I have used the crushed walnut in pincushions that have a scrap bag that hangs below the pincushion. The walnut shells add weight so that the pincushion will not slip off the table. I am very please with them, but have only been using them for less than a year, so I am not use how they will hold up over time.

QuiltE

Continuing that thought .... would wool yarn be OK? or wool batting?
.... or only wool fleece?

tranum

Today I passed by (slowly I might add) Hobby Lobby’s clearance rack & there was a book written by Carrie Nelson called “Pin Pals”. 40 pin cushions. Just the pictures are “eye candy”. Quilt stores have them for $23.00 and this was $5.49 so I have a new book !!

SusieQOH

I bought some bulk emery to make pincushions but the grade I bought was too fine.

lindaschipper

I've taken a nylon knee high stocking and stuffed it with a light to medium layer of walnut shells, knotted it closed and used it as the top layer of a pin cushion and stuffed the bottom portion with polyfil. It's still light weight and sits on the sewing table nicely.

Onebyone

I fill the bottom of my pincushion I make with poly beads then I stuff it with 100% pure cotton balls. I find the balls stuff better. I use this pattern for most of my pincushions to give away. I make them extra large and fill them with colored glass head pins for gifts. It really makes a gift. Super easy.

https://www.fatquartershop.com/homes...ts-pincushions