romanojg

I agree, I can't see the bird gravel doing this. I'd do some research on line for different things. I know there are a few, the ones that I have seen are very small, like sand or a tad larger, which is why it sharpens the pins going in and out.

IrishgalfromNJ

After reading about pincushions for years on the internet I only use emery sand as a filler. I also make wool pincushions by felting a flattened ball of 100% wool yarn.

Onebyone

My sew group recently made pin cushions. We used the weighted beads. One member has a big cotton crop so she brought bags of cotton and we used those to add to the beads.

leighway

I agree with irishgal...and at the risk of killing a sacred cow, I made my first pincushion with the walnut shells and put it away with pins in it for a couple of months. I later pulled it out and noticed immediately that my pins were dull! I attribute it to the sacred walnut shells...now I use emery sand. and I"m not going to be pulling the pins in and out enough to rub off the nickel...that's a lot of pin pulling!!

Waal

I have made a few pin cushions, and I use poly beads. I make a liner from muslin to put them in, and they have worked out great for me.

humbird

Don't laugh! Many (MANY) years ago we had to make a pin cushion as a 4H project. We were told to use "used and dried coffee ground's" I made a brown velvet pincushion with coffee grounds, and still have it, some 65+ years later. Most of the "velvet" is worn off, and no, it does not smell like coffee, but it worked!

idoqlts

I made a pincushion about 60 years ago, using parakeet gravel. I assume this is the same as "bird gravel". It's
still going strong today.....

just janet

Has anyone ever used rice for filling a pin cushion? Personally, I don't use a pin cushion with the intent to sharpen my pins, I just use mine for convenience. Nicer than trying to pick up a pin from a container.

oksewglad

I use "bird gravel" or parakeet gravel all the time. I like that my pin cushion stays in place. Whether it keeps my pins sharp I don't know, like just janet it is easier to pick a pin from a pin cushion rather than picking one up from a box.

I stay away from food products as I had a cute little snowman my sister gave me. She filled it with dried beans. A hungry mouse found it one winter..granted I no longer live in the old farm house, but I still don't want to feed the mice!

Jules51

I'm also with Peckish. I don't even use a pin cushion, I love my magnets and don't have to look away from machine when putting them down. When the pins get nicked or lose their sharpness, into the sharps container they go. It's so much easier to buy new ones-not expensive when you get on sale or use coupons. I always have a new package in my cupboard for back-up.