trif

Okay, so I would like to make new pin cushions, but what is the best filler? I made one with just cotton filling, I heard that you can fill them with something to help sharpen or keep needles sharper, anyone have any suggestions???

QuilterDeb

Crushed walnut shells are wonderful stuffers for pin cushions. You can buy it at the pet store - often called bird litter or reptile litter.

Log Cabin Quilter

I, too, like crushed walnut shells. Gives the pincushion nice weight also.

gale

I use fiberfill. My dd is deathly allergic to walnuts so I quit signing up for giveaways on blogs and am very careful about which etsy shops I order from because so many people are now using pincushions with walnut shells in them. For the same reason I never do swaps or round robins or bees or anything like that. I seriously considered never buying pre cuts again and having to prewash everything but so far I just let shops know about her allergy so they can be careful when packaging our order.

gale

I did read about someone using..emery powder I think? For filling pincushions-it sharpens pins too. You can buy it on etsy.

shequilts

I use bird sand in mine. 'Keeps the pins sharp. You can buy it in the pet department at WalMart. Added advantage is that it weights the pincushion so it stays put!

debbieumphress

I buy a bag of sand in the floral dept at HObby lobby. Very small grit and sharpens needles too. I make the Thread Catchers and use it on the top that stays on the table and put needles in it. ALways works for me. 1.99 fills quite a few pincushions. Have fun with it.

Laura1557

I've heard of using a piece of sponge but that won't sharpen your needles.

wvdek

I found emory on e-bay but it quite expensive. I think I will stick with sand or the shells.

trif

Thanks everyone, I'm off to buy sand or seed, whichever I
Find first. :)