Creating A Cupcake-Inspired Quilted Pincushion with Wearable Option
A quilted pincushion is a small, yet enchanting sewing accessory that blends functionality with artistry. Crafted with love and attention to detail, it serves as a reliable partner to avid sewists and quilters, providing a safe haven for their pins and needles.
These miniature cushions often feature intricate patchwork designs, with meticulously stitched squares of fabric coming together to create a harmonious whole. Adding to their charm, delicate yo-yos, also known as Suffolk puffs, adorn their surfaces, lending a touch of whimsy.
Moreover, these pincushions often boast dainty fabric flowers and leaves, lovingly handcrafted and embellished with pearl beads and sequins, making each one a unique work of textile art. Beyond their utilitarian purpose, quilted pincushions are a testament to the enduring beauty of traditional craftsmanship, adding a touch of elegance to any sewing workspace.
Materials Needed To Make A Quilted Pincushion
- 5 x 10in. (12.5 x 25cm) each of eight coordinating fabrics
- Fiberfill stuffing
- 12in. (30cm) piece of white lace
- 16in. (40cm) piece of white trimming
- 5 x 10in. (12.5 x 25cm) piece of lilac felt
- 5 x 5in. (12.5 x 12.5cm) piece of pink felt
- 5 x 15in. (12.5 x 37.5cm) piece of pink silk
- 5 x 15in. (12.5 x 37.5cm) piece of Bondaweb
- 3 pearls
- Beads and sequins
Prepare the Patchwork Squares
Step One
Cut two 5 x 5 inch squares from each of the eight coordinating fabrics. Stitch four squares together, using a 1⁄4 inch seam, to create a large patchwork square. Repeat with the remaining four squares.
Create Yo-Yos (Suffolk Puffs)
Step Two
Mark a circle 8 inches in diameter onto one of the patchwork squares, draw around it, and cut it out. Repeat the process on the other patchwork square, but mark a circle 6 inches in diameter. Follow the instructions to make each circle into a yo-yo (Suffolk puff). Before fully tightening the gathering to close up the center hole, stuff each yo-yo firmly with fiberfill. Tighten the gathering and secure.
Add Decorative Touches To The Quilted Pincushion
Step Three
Cut and stitch two lengths of white lace around the smaller yo-yo (Suffolk puff) and white trimming around the larger one, as if wrapping a gift. Stitch the small yo-yo (Suffolk puff) on top of the larger one.
Create Fabric Flowers
Step Four
Use Bondaweb to bond pink silk to one side of the lilac felt and one side of the pink felt. Cut one circle for each flower from the lilac felt/silk. Fold each circle in half with the silk on the outside, and then fold in half again.
Stitch the folded edges together to form a cone-shaped flower. Open out the center to create a cone-shaped flower and stitch pearl beads into the cone. Repeat the process to make the other flowers.
Craft Leaves
Step Five
Cut out leaf shapes from the pink felt/silk. Fold the end of each leaf shape over crossways. Fold in half along the length, and then stitch the short folded edges together to hold in place.
Assemble and Embellish The Quilted Pincushion
Step Six
Stitch the fabric flowers and leaves to the top of the pincushion, referring to the photograph opposite as a guide. For extra sparkle, sew on beads and sequins randomly.
Optional Wearable Feature
If you frequently lose your pincushion while you work, consider attaching a wrist strap to make it wearable.
Now you have a delightful cupcake-inspired quilted pincushion with charming fabric flowers and a touch of sparkle!