I use crushed walnut shells which is what Bird Brain designs recommends for pincushion. I went to the pet store and asked for walnut shells and I had choice of two different kind, the crushed walnut shells are used for "bedding" for lizards! It was not very expensive.

Would walnut shell products stain the fabric over time--like walnuts?

steel wool for my handquilting needles and crushed walnut shells for the sewing pins :)

aileen

I use steel wool with scraps of batting, works well for me.

A friend of mine gave me a pincushion filled with sand and it rusted all my glass head pins.

Crushed walnut shells from the pet store.

ground walnut shells. Had a very tarnished needle and it cleaned it instantly.

While I love to collect pincushions. The ones I use, I knit using wool. Not only do they hold pins/needles, but they are capable of holding scissors, my knitting needles, and the ever-present seam ripper as well.

I use lizard litter (crushed walnut shells) found at a pet store. I also use silica sand found at a lumber yard...Home Depot, etc. I always have an inner liner for protections. I've been in many pin cushion exchanges and have never heard complaints. But, after following threads on crushed walnut shell, I've only given where I know they don't have nut allergies. I don't like stuffing...way too flimsy. I like my pincushions to be stable. Would love to find that wool roving...but, imagine it's pretty expensive. I do wool applique...maybe I should save some of the tiny pieces and cut them up more for stuffing???

I live in NC, so will not be using steel wool then!