Multi Function Pin Cushion in 1 Hour or Less

This adorable sewing caddy will store pins and needles as well as sharpen them.  The lower compartment stores thread, pins, buttons, or small sewing items.  Inside the pin cushion is steel wool which has been used for a long time by grandmothers to sharpen dull pins. On the bottom is a magnet that will help find a lost pin as well as pick it up.  This caddy will take an hour or less to make with these simple instructions and usable items around the house.  

Step 1: Supplies and Tools

List of supplies and tools:

• 1 Empty Gatorade bottle or a similar bottle with lid.
• 1-2 pieces of fabric scraps preferably cotton or wool.
• 1 Matching thread.
• 1 Small piece of cotton or batting for filler.
• 1 piece of heavier thread.
• 1 Small piece of fine steel wool.
• 1 piece of cardboard.
• 1 Magnet.
• 3 Small strands of raffia.
• 1 Small piece of matching ribbon.
• Several buttons for embellishing the top.  
• Handful of  buttons pins, or thread for storing in the caddy.

Tools:

• Glue sticks and glue gun.
• Large eyed sewing needle.
• Small sewing needle.
• Marker.
• Scissors.
• Sharp knife.
• Measuring tape or ruler.

Step 2: Cutting the Bottle

Cut the bottle:

• Using a sharp knife cut the bottle top off just above the bottles rim as shown.  
• Go back and even the edges with the scissors.

Step 3: Cutting the Cardboard

Instructions for cutting the cardboard:

• Place the bottle top over the cardboard and mark the bottom of the bottle top on the cardboard.
• Cut 1circle. 
• This will be the base of the pin cushion and serves as the bottom of the jar.  

Step 4: Glue the Cardboard to the Bottle Top.

Instructions for gluing the cardboard circle to the bottom of the bottle top.

• Using the glue gun make a glue line around the covered cardboard circle and glue the covered circle to the bottle top carefully and evenly.
• Place something heavy over the top to make the glue stick better.  

Step 5: Glue the Magnet to Bottle Cap

Instructions for gluing the magnet to the bottle top:

• Either cut a magnet from a sheet or use a small magnet and glue it to the bottle top lid.
• This makes it easy to find a lost pin and pick it up.

Step 6: Cutting and Sewing the Fabric for the Cushion

Instructions for cutting and sewing  the fabric for the pin cushion:

• You will need to cut 2 circles from the fabric 1/2 inch larger than the cardboard circles.
• This will be the base of the pin cushion.

Sewing instructions:

• Sew around the fabric circles with a needle and thread.  Please note.  Sew one but do not cut the thread.  
• When you are finished with the one leave a little room on the thread and begin sewing around the remaining fabric circle.  

Don't cut the thread or knot the thread.  You will need to gather this.  

The picture shows the fabric around the cardboard this is the next step.   

Step 7: Sewing the Fabric Circle

Instructions for attaching the fabric circle to the cardboard.

• Slip one of the fabric circles over the cardboard centering it over the cardboard pulling the thread tight and smooth.
• Slip the remaining fabric circle over the opposite side of the cardboard centering it and pulling the threads tight  so it will be smooth around the cardboard.  
• Secure the thread my sewing a few stitches and trim the excess thread.   

Step 8: Filling the Fabric for the Pin Cushion

Instructions for cutting the fabric and filling the pin cushion ball:

• Cut 1 (5 ) inch circle from cardboard as a pattern for the pin cushion fabric.
• Place the cardboard over the fabric and make a circle around the fabric.
• Cut out the circle.
• Using the large eyed needle and heavy thread sew all around the outside edge.  Do not knot the thread.
• Pull the threads to form a loose ball just enough to curl up the edges so you can fill it with batting.
• Make a large ball from the batting (this will be larger than the fabric cushion.)
• Tear off a piece of the steel wool 2 x as large as the batting.
• Fold the steel wool in half, place it evenly over the batting. 
• Form a tight ball from the batting and steel wool that will fit inside the fabric circle.
• Place the ball into the fabric circle evenly.
• Pull the fabric circle threads around the batting making it as smooth as possible.

Step 9: Attaching the Pin Cushion to the Bottle Top

Instructions to attach the pin cushion to the bottle:

• Using the glue gun make a line around the bottom edge of the pin cushion and in the center.
• Carefully attach the fabric ball to center of the cardboard part of the bottle.
• Press firmly.
• Hold down until the glue sets.

Step 10: Attaching the Ribbon and Embellishments

Instructions for attaching the ribbon and embellishments:

• Cut a piece of matching ribbon and glue it to hide the unsightly lid rim.
• Cut the raffia to the size you need to tie around for a pretty bow.
• Embellish the pin cushion with 3 tiny buttons and pins.  
• Place buttons, pins, or thread in the jar.  

Step 11: Sunshiine's Final Thoughts

I have been needing a pin cushion for sometime.  I finally decided to make the one I had envisioned.  It is awesome!  It serves a lot of unique purposes and is quick and  easy to make using this tutorial.  I am happy with the final results.  These would make a nice gift for just about anyone.  

Thank you for stopping by.

Sunshiine