In pursuit of the perfect pincushion...
 

How's that for a catchy title?

I've been sewing for years but only recently have I been sewing a lot and more seriously. I use an old school "tomato" pincushion but I find it a pain. I can't put my pins in the top, where I want to put them, because there's a green "tomato leaf" there. I tried to flip it upside down so I could utilize the top space but it just rolls around. There must be something better.

I'm thinking something low and large to give me lots of space for pins, all on the top. As a sewist, I want to make this myself. I refuse to buy it. So can you guys advise me on what to make?

One thought I had is using a tuna can as the base and having the top be a pincushion? Maybe I should just stick my "tomato" upside down into a can from my recycling bucket? Any and all ideas appreciated!

Thanks!!

I have no suggestions for making a cushion, but we use a mechanic's magnetic bowl for our pins. It is wide, so the pins are spread out, it doesn't spill, and we don't have to "stab" a pincushion. Not pretty, but very functional.

I think your tuna can idea is right on track but to jazz it up I think I'd head to the thrift shop and look for some kind of little decorative dish to use as the base - I found an ashtray-sized enameled brass bowl for $1 I have set aside to make into a pincushion, as soon as I decide what I want to stuff it with. I think wool is good for the lanolin. Or emery, if you want a "sharpening" cushion. Maybe both?

I love these... I have 3 so I can place them near each work space. They are made with a short cut of toilet paper roll stuffed with polyfill and a larger cardboard circle covered yo-yo style.
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Wow - 3 great and very different ideas so far!! Super. Keep 'em coming. The more the merrier!

http://tipnut.com/22-free-pincushion-patterns/ Try tipnut.com. They have lots of patterns for pincushions. I made one from scraps of batiks. It's hard to get the pins in because of the thread count. I have put a steel wool pad inside to sharpen pins but sometimes they rust. I used cat fur with the steel wool only because my long hair sheds so badly and I wanted to do something with it instead of filling the land fill. Sometimes, the right time of year, I throw it out for the birds. Some use walnut shell. Haven't tried that yet. I like the wide, flatter ones that don't run around. That one on your thumb, I kept sticking myself. If they are tall, they topple over when you try to stick a pin in. http://tipnut.com/pincushion-patterns/ There is 2 different links for pincushions on tipnut. I'm sure you will find something you will like.

I rarely use pins, but I have to use them sometime. I like the magnetic pin holder that keeps the pins in one direction. I think is is a Clover product. Very nice. Here is a great pincushion pattern. My sew group makes them in all sizes. I have one that could be a door stop, filled with rice. It will never fall off the table. http://www.fatquartershop.com/free-q...ts-pincushions

allpeoplequilt.com has darling pin cushion patterns there that are free, nice and functional.

I love the idea of using rice! If only my sewing area wasn't in the basement, where we sometimes get mice.....

Hey ... yours is prettier than mine!!!!!!!! :D............. I have a cow magnet sitting in the bottom of a tin box (about 3"x4"). Agree with you .... tossing the pins towards the box and letting that magnet pull them in is definitely much easier than stabbing! :)