GETEYou know that feeling when you find a fabric that makes your heart sing? It’s so pretty that you can’t wait to start all the projects you’ve been dreaming of making with it. My friend Jennifer Long from Sew a Story has done just that with her new fabric collection, Thimbelina and the Sewing Fairies, for Riley Blake Designs. I made several projects with the fabric, hoping to get organized in my sewing space. Today, I’ll share how I put together my Patchwork Pincushion.

SUPPLIES FOR THE PINCUSHION:
TOOLS:

GETTING STARTED:

1. Use a quilter’s ruler, rotary cutter, and self-healing mat to make the following cuts:

  • (4) 3″ squares of various contrasting prints
  • (2) 3″ squares of background fabric
  • (2) 4.5″ x 2.5″ rectangles for the bottom
  • (1) 16.5″ x 1.5″ strip for the sides

2. Use a ruler and rotary cutter to make a diagonal cut on each square. Arrange the triangles as desired, then assemble them using a 1/4″ seam allowance.

3. Trim the square down to 4.5″ x 4.5″, making sure to keep the pattern centered.

4. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, cut a 4.5″ square of HeatnBond Fusible Fleece and fuse to the wrong side of the patchwork square. Then, topstitch all seams of the pincushion top; do not stitch around outside edges.

ASSEMBLING TOP, BOTTOM AND SIDES :

5. Next, pin the rectangles pieces for the bottom of the pincushion together, right sides facing. Leaving a 2″ opening for turning, as indicated by pins in next photo, sew center seam using a 1/4″ seam allowance. Remove pins, unfold fabric, and press seam open.

6. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, cut a 4.5″ x 4.5″ square of HeatnBond Fusible Fleece and fuse to the wrong side of the pincushion bottom. Use a seam ripper or a pair of sharp scissors to carefully create an opening through the fleece the same size as the opening in the fabric.

7. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, cut a 16.5″x1.5″ strip of HeatnBond Fusible Fleece and fuse to the wrong side of the pincushion sides strip. Mark the strip in 4″ increments, starting 1/4″ from the edge. Then, sew the two short ends together, right sides facing, using a 1/4″ seam allowance. Press seam flat.

8. Match the markings to each corner of the Patchwork Pincushion bottom with right sides together. Clip at each corner for easy assembly. Sew pieces together using a 1/4″ seam allowance; clip fleece corners to ease turning during final assembly. Repeat to attach pincushion top to other edge of pincushion sides.

9. Turn the pincushion right side out through the opening in the bottom and stuff firmly, using the Sew A Story Quilty Hemostat to get stuffing all the way into the corners.

10. Use a ladder stitch to close the opening in the pincushion.

FINISHING OFF:

11. Add a button or other embellishment to your pincushion.

As you can see, I’ve used this beautiful fabric collection for a few other projects. I promise to show them to you in one of my next posts!

Thank you for joining me. I hope I’ve inspired you to create something that will help you stay organized! If you liked this project, please let me know by posting a comment. And don’t forget to stop by my Instagram and say “Hello!”

— Deb Zaleski for Therm O Web

Hi! I'm Deb from Quebec, Canada. I'm always up to something, either sewing, cooking or baking. My family and close friends inspire my creative side.
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