What is the best filling for pincushions?
 

I have done a few pin cushion swaps and was wondering what you all use for filling. The polyfill seems to squishy. Is there a heavier cotton version you like to give it a bit more weight?

I live in a high humid area (Seattle) and really like raw wool for pin cushion filling, but that probably isn't expected for swapping. My pin cushion at home is quite large (holds a couple hundred pins) that a friend made me from wool stuffed with wool.

My traveling pin cushion was made by a nice lady at the home where my friend worked. If you do a google on "knitted cupcake pincushion" you get the idea, but she made it better by using a large washer in the bottom for a stable base, looks like she crocheted the washer. It is then stuffed with poly but she added sparkly bead "jimmies" and I always get positive comments when I pull it out. That washer is amazing, it always lands base down. I actually keep it in a small clear plastic cup with a few safety pins in the base of the cup. The cupcake fits in and acts like a lid.

I have used crushed walnut shells, and it does give you some weight. You can get crushed walnut shells at the pet store in the reptile department and of course Amazon. I was wanting to make a rather large one, say 8 x 8 inches and was wondering about steel wool.? I don't want to use the walnut shells because it would be too heavy and don't want to use a polyfil. I am in the south so humidity would be high.

You can use crushed Walnut shells but some people are allergic to nuts you can also sand,plastic pellets, and BB's.

I like to use emery sand as a filling. I also make wool pincushions. I wind up wool yarn into a flattened ball so it sits and I felt it in the dryer to make a pin cushion.

When I was in 4-H some 70 years ago, one of the first projects we were required to make was a pincushion. We were told to fill with used, dried coffee grounds. I made mine from velvet with an embroidered face. I still use that cute little fellow, but the face is nearly worn off.

I just did a pin cushion. The directions said to use wool. I had leftover batting from one of my quilts. So I cut it up in odd sort of small pieces. I liked it. Would do it again. I do have a bag of emery grit that I've used before. It's pretty heavy. Don't think I'll use it too much more. Would not recommend those plastic pellets, coffee grounds or walnut shells (which I have also used). I collect vintage and antique pin cushions. When I get them sometimes they are pretty ratty and need a new top.

Try steel wool, like the Brillo pads only without the soap. lol Keeps the pins sharp too. Speaking of pins, when trying to pin material and its stubborn and won't go through, run the pin through your hair and try again. I keep my pins in a magnetic bowl that I got at Harbor Freight for 2.98. I kinda toss the pins towards the bowl and the magnet sucks them up. I have one for my sewing feet that i'm currently using, and one for my metal bobbins.

I too use crushed walnut shells unless otherwise requested because of nut allergies.

I use crushed walnut shell. Get them in the reptile department at local pet store. Seems like I have placed the shells in a muslin piece and sew it closed before placing in the pincushion.

I bought some emery for pincushions but it was too fine. I think they have some that would work better though. (coarser)

I have only used walnut shells but will explore some of the suggestions shown here. Thanks!��

I think this is the very best cushion (for the pins) I've ever used. Granted, it's not one you've made, but because of the density of it and the lanolin in the natural wool, I really think I'll use one of their Very Ewesful Too cushions as the base when I begin making pincushions from some vintage linens I have. https://www.ewesful.com/ewesful.html

Jan in VA

I have a couple of pin cushions gifted to me that have rice in them. I've had them for years and still going strong.

I have one that Jan in Va showed and it's a great pincushion. In fact, it's my favorite one.

Seen this suggestion many time: dryer lint. If I was using this, I would also save the used dryer sheet and use both in the pin coushion. Actually I had some lint saved, but absentminded me tossed it. Now to start saving again.

Rice is best!
 

I found long grain rice to be the best. Found a pattern for a setting hen and made a whole flock for my quilting group and we all just love them.

Like Jan, my favorite pincushion is the Ewesful. Have had it for many years. I also use wool in the pincushions I make seems to be the best for the pins.

The only stuffing I use now for pincushions is poly beads. The beads add weight and do not hold moisture. I use stainless steel pins so no rusting in any of my pin cushions. Ever cut open a very old tomato pin cushion and see the pins stuck inside? If old enough no rusted pins at all. The pins use to made from stainless steel.

i reinforce fabric made pincushions with woven iron-on interfacing. fill base w walnut shells for weight, top off with polyfil. if for special friend i also add a "strawberry" at top filled with emery powder for needles. be sure that you check with potential recipients re: nut allergy. if a problem, try fish tank sand.
besides the stopping porosity of fabric weave allowing migration of walnut shells, sand or whatever granular filler you use, the interfacing helps re-inforce seams if tightly stuffed with polyfil.
also ...for any pincushion that needs to stay upright, i place one or two round (or whatever shape of base) circles of light cardboard before adding shells. i use the cardboard of cereal boxes, backs of tablets ...whatever have at hand.

bake the uncooked rice. will keep the incooked rice from drawing moisture & swelling