I use rice. Sometimes the sand escapes through the seam and afraid of upsetting a nut allergy I don't use walnut shells. I haven't heard of anyone with a rice allergy and they are large enough not to escape.

You can also use clean play sand.

Wool makes a good stuffing because the lanolin discourages rusting. Rotary cut old wool garments into quarter inch or smaller strips.

I use sawdust {old vintage PCs are filled with it} and used, dried coffee and tea grounds.

You can use silica sand also. It sharpens your pins every time you push them in the pin cushion. You can find it at auto supply stores. It is used for sandblasting and then you wouldn't have to worry about nut allergies.

I was at a craft show yesterday and there was a table with nothing but pincushions. All of them were filled with crushed walnuts. There was a sign posted that said : Maybe a danger to anyone allergic to nuts. One customer said the sign was insulting to nut allergy people and made a little scene about it. Wanted it taken down. ? The vendor said well I know one nut I'm allergic too after the customer walked away. LOL

Insulting? It could literally be life saving, not to mention possible legal issues from not disclosing. Agree about the real nut here.

Yes it is ground walnut shells, not the walnuts. I am afraid walnuts would seep oil and turn rancid and stinky over time. I also have heard of folks using sand and steel wool in pincushions too.

It is a huge bags of walnuts that my friend bought at one of the major pet stores. See if there are any friends that would like to divide the bag up.

I knew this board would have the answers. Thank you so much!!!!!