My favorite pincushion was made for my great-grandmother. Her daughter-in-law (my grandmother) used it; my mother used it; I am using it (45 years worth) and it will go to my daughter when I am done.
I wish I could tell you what kind of fabric was used. Something indestructible at the least. No fraying or patches. And when I read about about all the lost needles in this thread, I get giggly. I do know the pincushion is filled with Lake Michigan sand and metal filings from a local shipyard. And it is tight, tight, tight.
P