I know there are a lot of things out there to stuff pincushions, but my Mom used to use hair because it has lanolin to keep the pins sharp and not rust. I know there is another substance out there, but at the moment I can't recall what it is.

I save my hair for pin cushions, I have done this for years. Hair has natural lanolin as well. I have cut my own hair for years and save it. One could also save the hair from a pet's grooming.

I used sand

If anyone has bugs or mice, that would be a bad idea. They love bird seed! Also, bird seed has the same allergy risks of walnut shells.

The majority of people who use it in this thread will probably not read all the posts so they won't ever know. I posted it once as a thread of its own and it was promptly moved to another forum, even though in my mind, pincushions are very sewing related. So I guess allergic people should just keep their (very expensive and not always effective) epi pens nearby in case of a reaction to something totally unexpected.

I'm terrified for my daughter as she gets older and more independent. You just never know where you'll encounter something like this.

When I make them I use fine sand. I make a liner for the sand and pour it in and stitch up the opening. Doesn't have to be neat because it won't show. I then put the liner with the sand in to the pincushion form. Make the liner with the same pattern that you are using. The sand keeps the pins sharp!

If I try emery powder I'll have to do the same thing-I think it's even finer than sand. I'd probably do a double or triple thick liner made of something with a tight weave.

I use play sand from Lowes......keeps the needles/pins sharp and adds weight to the pincushion. Also cheap if your making lots of pincushions..

No....still a no no ...

I use hair it keep needles very sharp. I still have some with my Grandma's hair in them. She has been gone 30 years.