How to Make a Pincushion From a Bra! | DIY Sewing Machine Pin Holder

Like many crafters, I hate to throw anything away...at least, not when that thing isn't broken. Therefore, I'm always looking for ways to recycle or repurpose items, hence why this bra pincushion came to be!

I wanted a pincushion for attaching to my sewing machine anyway, due to the fact I usually put my sewing pins next to my machine as I take them out during sewing, and sometimes these fall on the floor :( So having a pincushion right there next to my hand as I sew is much more convenient for me.

A bra is the perfect thing to use for this, as it's already shaped and already has a bit of padding.

(Note that if your cup size is large, you might need to cut it down a bit to fit it where you want it.)

I hope you enjoy this project!

Supplies

Underwired bra (or you could add wire to a non-wired bra to provide the structure)
Scissors
Pen/pencil
Scrap of cardboard
Strong clear glue
A sewing needle & thread
Sewing machine
Stuffing
A couple of (bulldog) clips
Sewing pins
Aluminium foil (optional)
Velcro or other appropriate fastening

Step 1: Disassembly

First of all, you need to break down the bra into pieces. You're going to need both cups, so separate those, and also the straps.

Then take one cup and cut it down (at the top) to the approximate size you want your pincushion to be. See the photos of the finished pincushion to see where this piece will go - it will be the front panel. Make sure you keep the wire intact.

I cut mine down to just above where the underwires come up to.

It's best if you hold this piece on your sewing machine where you'll want the finished pincushion to go, so you can visualise the size you want.

Step 2: Sew the Panels Together

You then need to cut out the other cup, removing the underwire and the patterned fabric layer on the front in the process. Also remove any remaining threads.

Take this piece and pin it to the front panel you cut out in the previous step (along the top edges). Make sure you do this with the right sides together.

Use a straight stitch to sew along the pinned edge. You shouldn't be going close to the underwire, but be careful anyway as you don't want to sew over that...your machine wouldn't thank you!

Step 3: Topstitch

Turn the shape right-sides-out, then pin and topstitch along the same edge. This will stop the shape being so rounded and will create more of an angle along the seam.

Note: Topstitching is just where you sew with the right side (i.e. the front) facing you.

Then I used a needle and thread to sew the short sides edges together too. You may not have these, depending on how you cut your fabric. I chose not to use a sewing machine for this because I wanted to avoid sewing over the underwire.

You'll now have a 'flap' of fabric at the back, which you'll likely want to trim into a neat shape in this step or the next.

Step 4: The Cardboard Backing

Cut out a piece of cardboard the same size as the back opening of the pincushion.

I also scrunched-up some aluminium foil and glued it to the centre of this cardboard piece, as I think it can help to sharpen the points of sewing pins (maybe this is a myth, I don't know for sure!) That's an optional step.

Step 5: Stuffing

Apply strong clear glue to the bottom edge of the opening (where the underwire is). Attach the cardboard piece and use clips to hold this is place until it dries.

The point of the cardboard is to provide a flat back for the pincushion to rest on the sewing machine, and also to help prevent the sewing pins going straight through the pincushion.

Once the glue has dried, stuff the pincushion and glue the fabric flap down onto the back. You can glue this flap on the inside instead if you wish; just make sure you pull it to make it quite flat and under some tension as you glue it.

Step 6: Attach the Straps

Reuse your bra straps too - one on each side of the pincushion - and use a needle and thread to fasten them into place.

In order to first know where they need to be positioned, you should attach strips of self-adhesive Velcro to one end of the straps, and use pins to attach the other ends of the straps to the pincushion.

Then test it out on your sewing machine, and move the ends of the straps attached with pins until you're happy. You want the straps to be under a bit of tension, and it looks better if they're symmetrical in appearance.

Once you've sewn on the straps, you'll also need to sew the Velcro pieces on to secure them properly.