? Which do you prefer for wrist pincushion--magnetic or "stick pins into"?
 

Greetings, Quilters.

I am thinking about getting a pincushion to wear on my wrist. I googled wrist pincushions, and the primary types seem to be magnetic ones (tend to look like a wristwatch) or ones where you have to stick each pin in (strip of thick felt on a band, or puffy stuffed "pumpkins" on elastic band). I especially want to use the pincushion at my design wall, where there is not a convenient place to set down a pin dish.

With the stuffed pincushions, you have to stick each pin in individually, which seems like it could be awkward at the design wall. Also, many of the advertised pincushions look bulky enough to get in the way of things while in use. (Like they are more for "cute" than "functional.")

I do already have a magnetic pin holder (dish) that I keep far away from my computerized sewing machine, and it works well. But I worry that I might get careless with a magnetic wrist pincushion and set it down it the wrong place, too close to my computerized sewing machine. I also worry that a wearable pincushion's magnet might not be strong enough to hold a lot of pins, and stray pins could fall off onto the floor, only be found with a bare foot.

Any suggestions/opinions/recommendations?

TIA.
...dany

I never used one because I just know I would miss the pincushion and stick the pins in me! I have 2 huge pincushions that I've had for years and they are great for propping up on any flat surface when I need one near.

I have this one. https://www.etsy.com/no-en/listing/5...on-3002-sewing I use to pin my tops and backs to the leaders on my rack for longarming. I only wear it while actually using it, which is when I am either pinning or unpinning a quilt to the rack. Then I remove it. I love mine. It is very similar to what you described as the stuffed pumpkin but mine the bands are velcro at the ends, no elastic and the cushion itself isn't super large like the stuffed pumpkin ones I found on Amazon. I really can't imagine leaving it on my wrist while doing any tasks other than pinning. It tends to catch on things, especially with a bunch of pins sticking out of it like a hedgehog!

I tried to use one, but found it was in my way more than I needed it.

Hi Dany welcome to the Quilt Board!

I use different cushions depending on what I'm doing and where at, but the ones I use the most are the magnetic dish and or the wrist style. Both came from Harbor Freight and were a lot less expensive than in a sewing/quilt shop. The down sides of these...when I pick up the dish once in awhile I get an odor that reminds me of a garage and the wrist magnet doesn't have any padding on the wrist, but I solved that by gluing a bit of felt underneath. Just in case, here's a link.

https://www.harborfreight.com/magnet...and-61644.html

[QUOTE=danydany;8248441]Greetings, Quilters.

I am thinking about getting a pincushion to wear on my wrist. I googled wrist pincushions, and the primary types seem to be magnetic ones (tend to look like a wristwatch) or ones where you have to stick each pin in (strip of thick felt on a band, or puffy stuffed "pumpkins" on elastic band). I especially want to use the pincushion at my design wall, where there is not a convenient place to set down a pin dish.

With the stuffed pincushions, you have to stick each pin in individually, which seems like it could be awkward at the design wall. Also, many of the advertised pincushions look bulky enough to get in the way of things while in use. (Like they are more for "cute" than "functional.")

I do already have a magnetic pin holder (dish) that I keep far away from my computerized sewing machine, and it works well. But I worry that I might get careless with a magnetic wrist pincushion and set it down it the wrong place, too close to my computerized sewing machine. I also worry that a wearable pincushion's magnet might not be strong enough to hold a lot of pins, and stray pins could fall off onto the floor, only be found with a bare foot.

Any suggestions/opinions/recommendations?

TIA.

I have been a self-employed seamstress for 50 years now and have always used a pin cushion worn on the left wrist. The bracelet part is curved plastic that slips off and on easily and the cushion is a firm pillow about 2 1/2" long. The plastic prevents pins from sticking into your wrist and is so comfortable I have even worn it to the grocery store! I buy them at JoAnn fabrics and when the pins no longer stay in good, I cover it with another fabric that is more firmly woven.
Sharon ve

I have a wrist pin cushion that I removed the plastic wrist band from and replaced with a nice piece of elastic. It fits my wrist better and I use it more. I do not use magnetic pin cushions at all. I have too many computerized machines and I try to keep magnets away from them.

I tried a wrist one and it kept getting in the way of my holding the blocks so I could pin and my wrist was always twisted backwards or in some way that I couldn't get to the pins. I like my pin cushion just to sit by my sewing machine and this one was made and sent to me by a lovely member here on the board.

I have the exact one as shown in Feline's link - and I use it just like she does. In the sewing room, I've got several magnetic trays and they are always close enough for what I'm doing that I've not felt the need to be wearing a pin cushion while sewing.

I keep a bunch of pins stuck in my design wall around the edges so they are there for the taking when I want to pin something to my design wall.

I also have a homemade wrist pin cushion that I sometimes use but I find if I'm not careful the pins get caught on things.

Rob

like rob, i have pins stuck into design "wall" felt. there when i need them. i also made wrist pin cushions for my two grandtreasures and myself to use when we are creating with machine & needles & thread. maybe i'll get brave and try posting a pic here. they are very cute, pretty with soft bands of elastic encased in minky :)

my wrist pincushion is for corsage pins used on the long arm and I immediately take it off (if I even have it on and not just sitting next to me) cause it catchs on things and gets in the way. No help.

I've never had a wrist pincushion but I do have one that fits on my finger. I got it years ago in Paducah and still love using it.

Good morning.

Thanks for all your suggestions and reviews of the different types of wrist pincushions (and whether they are useful or just get in the way). Maybe next time I'm in Harbor Freight I'll check out theirs. I never would have thought to look there for an equivalent. That may be the cheapest entry trial run.

Thanks, all.
...dany

My choice also.

My favorite is actually one that hangs around my neck. A great conversation starter when you forget and wear it out in public. LOL

I have one that I used years ago, when mainly making my own clothes. My wrist has apparently gained weight, lol, because the bracelet part no longer fits. I loved it when I could use it, though.

Because I also am a dressmaker I have both types of wrist pincushion. the magnetic one I use when I am working on the fitting mannequin I use to make clothing. It is very handy. The other one (stick style) I use when I am doing hand work like hemming or sewing down a binding.

You could also sew a pocket to the design wall to hold the pin cushion. I wouldn't want pins on my arm when I only needed some at the design wall.

My design wall doesn't need pins except when I'm pinning rows together. I used to have a wrist pincushion and found it very useful. Plastic band - felt cushion. I recently purchased a magnetic one. I should have known better. My body has a very strong electromagnetic field and I kept demagnetizing the magnet so the removable part and the pins went flying several times before I gave up. I can't wear a watch, either. I think the funniest thing is the paper towel holders that are motion operated. If I get near one, either it stops working or it spits out towels continuously when I'm 6 feet away.

"My body has a very strong electromagnetic field and I kept demagnetizing the magnet so the removable part and the pins went flying several times before I gave up. I can't wear a watch, either. I think the funniest thing is the paper towel holders that are motion operated. If I get near one, either it stops working or it spits out towels continuously when I'm 6 feet away."

Irishrose2, thanks for the laugh this morning. (Although you may find your situation not funny.) I had an image of you walking down a row of paper towels dispensers, maybe in the restroom at a big quilt show, and all of them jumping to attention, dispensing towels.

And thanks to all of you who responded to my initial question.
...dany

I really enjoy the wrist pin cushion that I made using her method.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=em1Zq9-s-xY
I also made a finger pin cushion like this one that I use at certain times. I use children's elastic hair ties.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Tispo-P3kY

I have one that fits on my thumb. I found that if you just stick those pins in there, they fly away the first time you rub against anything. I put my pins in so they go past the thumb from the top and almost out the bottom. If the tops of the pins are resting on the cushion, the tips are right at the bottom but not showing. I haven't stuck myself yet.

I say “no magnets near a computerized machine” is an urban legend. I have a Zirkle touching my computerized machine and a magnetic pin dish in the case with my travel computerized machine. Both have been this way for years with no issues. Use whichever you prefer.

I do the same/

Sewing machines are not built like old hard drives magnet don't affect them. Hence magnetic hoops for embroidery. I have my Zirkle next to it my magnetic seam guage.

I, too, made a pin cushion for my thumb. I used a 2 liter bottle top with 2 holes punched. I used a strong round elastic which does the job for me. I stuffed the top and then put a fabric top over the stuffing. It has lasted a long time.