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How to Sew an Adorable Cactus Pincushion

September 16, 2015 by AllFreeSewing 85 Comments

 

diy cactus pincushionHello to my fellow sewing friends! Maureen here, from MadeByMarzipan.com. Today I’m going to show you how to sew this adorable cactus pincushion, using my free pattern available on MadeByMarzipan.com.

Supplies

  • Clay pot (approx 2.5 inch)
  • ¼ yd green cotton fabric
  • Felt scraps for flower (red, white, or pink)
  • Hand sewing needle
  • Thread
  • Sewing machine (optional)
  • Scissors
  • Straight pins (ball head)
  • Rice
  • Pebbles
  • Hot glue gun & glue sticks
  • Buttons
  • Free pattern (click here to be taken to MadeByMarzipan.com for download)

Supply Tips:

 

1)  No sewing machine? No worries! You can also sew this cutie by hand.

2) I’m using a 2 ½ inch clay pot that was bought in a pack of three at the dollar store.

3) I also bought these shiny pebbles at the dollar store.

4) If hand sewing a face is difficult for you, you may wish to use a permanent marker instead.

How To:

1) Print and cut out the free pattern (click here to be taken to MadeByMarzipan.com, the download link is above the supply list).

2) Fold the fabric so it’s right-sides together, and pin the pattern face-up on top. Cut out the pieces.

3) Hand-sew two button eyes to the front of one of the pieces. (Be sure to leave enough room around the edges for a ¼ inch seam.)

4) Sketch a small U-shaped mouth between the eyes. Hand stitch a mouth, using a backstitch so you have a line of stitches with no gaps. (To do this, poke the needle up through where you want the end of your stitch to be. Poke down through where you want the stitch to start. Then start the next stitch by poking up where you want that stitch to end. Poke down right next to the previous stitch.) Don’t forget to finish with a knot on the back.

5) Pin the pieces right sides together. We’re going to leave the bottom inch unsewn, as these will be flaps that are hot-glued to the bottom of the pot. Sew around the perimeter with a ¼ inch seam.

6) Clip the seams, notching the curves. Be careful not to snip your stitches.

7) Turn right side out and poke out the seams.

8) Fill with rice. You’ll need to work the rice down into the arm.

9) Sew across the bottom, leaving a 1-inch flap. Backstitch across the entire length to ensure the rice won’t spill out.

10) Spread the flaps open and add glue to the underside. Press into the bottom of the pot.

11) Fill the empty spaces in the pot with pebbles. Wedge them in tightly. You could also hot glue these if you wanted.

12) Finally, I’m adding a felt flower. I cut mine free-hand but I’ve included a template on the pattern for you. I think red would probably be the best choice, but I went with white since I had it on hand.

13) Hand-sew the center of the flower to the top of the cactus. You might want to use a contrasting thread. Tie off the knot on the underside of the flower.

14) Add ball-head straight pins to your new pincushion!

IMG_1876

I hope you enjoyed sewing along with me today! For hundreds more sewing projects, video tutorials, and free patterns, visit my website, MadeByMarzipan.com.

 

Do you prefer traditional pincushions or magnetic ones?

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AllFreeSewing
Editor at AllFreeSewing at AllFreeSewing.com
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Filed Under: Giveaways & Contests Tagged With: AllFreeSewing, National Sewing Month 2015

Comments

  1. Kathy E. says

    September 16, 2015 at 1:58 am

    Traditional all the way! Not only are they prettier to look at, but they allow the pins to stand up and separate making it easier to grab. I have made several pin cushions and never are two alike!

    Reply
  2. Renea says

    September 16, 2015 at 2:05 am

    I have both kinds of pincushions but I prefer the traditional pincushions. Thanks for the great giveaway.

    Reply
  3. Glynda says

    September 16, 2015 at 3:08 am

    Actually, neither. I use a box with a curved side, to make extracting a pin easy.

    Reply
  4. Debby says

    September 16, 2015 at 5:18 am

    I’ve never had a magnetic one, so I can’t really compare. I love anything cute, though. 🙂

    Reply
  5. Gaik Beam says

    September 16, 2015 at 5:30 am

    I like both types of pincushions. I have one of each by my sewing machine. I have made several different pincushions using my embroidery machine using fun sewing designs.

    Reply
  6. Mimi says

    September 16, 2015 at 6:59 am

    The magnetic ones are more convenient, but there’s also a certain amount of satisfaction in jabbing pins into the other kind. I do slightly prefer a magnetic pincushion, mostly for its capacity.

    Reply
  7. lisa says

    September 16, 2015 at 8:32 am

    I actually prefer traditional ones. I have one that was homemade for me, so I think of the person who made it every time I use it.

    Reply
  8. Rose Marie Wilson says

    September 16, 2015 at 8:58 am

    I love the traditional pin cushions! There’s nothing like an old fashioned tomato pin cushion with it’s little strawberry full of iron filings hanging from the top!

    Reply
  9. Judy Wickert says

    September 16, 2015 at 9:26 am

    I like both the traditional and the magnetic. I prefer my traditional one because it reminds me of my grandmother and her sewing. I usually keep the magnetic one at my sewing machine.

    Reply
  10. Susan Spiers says

    September 16, 2015 at 10:40 am

    I prefer traditional pin cushions, although I do have a magnetic one. It is so much easier for me to grab a pin quickly and easily from one of the many traditional kinds I have, without sticking my finger!

    Reply
  11. carol n says

    September 16, 2015 at 11:09 am

    Magnetic pincushions are my favorite, I find them more useful, but I have traditional pincushions scattered around my sewing room, because they are pretty!

    Reply
  12. Kellee says

    September 16, 2015 at 11:39 am

    Traditional are the best – the magnetic one gets messy and you end grabbing more than one pin.

    Reply
  13. Pat O'Dea says

    September 16, 2015 at 11:53 am

    I have both but prefer the magnetic because I have dogs and cats and if the pins fall on the floor they may pick them up to chew on. Love the cactus, think I will make one.

    Reply
  14. Brenda Wallace says

    September 16, 2015 at 12:02 pm

    Definitely the plain old fashioned kind, I still use the tomato with attached pin sharpener!

    Reply
  15. michele goodspeed says

    September 16, 2015 at 12:05 pm

    I prefer the traditional ones that way the pins don’t all stick together if you set some down for some reason.

    Reply
  16. Mary Bryan says

    September 16, 2015 at 12:07 pm

    I prefer the traditional pin cushions. I have several and they all get used.

    Reply
  17. mary says

    September 16, 2015 at 12:13 pm

    Prefer magnetic; pins are easier to keep in place.

    Reply
  18. Bonita says

    September 16, 2015 at 12:13 pm

    I love the traditional pincushion as a nostalgic decoration in my sewing room and the functionality of sharping the dull pins.

    Reply
  19. Donna McGhee says

    September 16, 2015 at 12:21 pm

    Traditional.

    Reply
  20. Deby at So Sew Easy says

    September 16, 2015 at 12:54 pm

    I use a magnetic one because I love the way I can just sweep it around my work table or my machine and quickly pick up all the pins without me having to do it individually and re-stick them all

    Reply
  21. Sarah J. says

    September 16, 2015 at 1:09 pm

    My sister has made me a few fun traditional pincushions which I love! Perhaps I should reciprocate with this cute cactus!

    Reply
  22. Nonna says

    September 16, 2015 at 1:15 pm

    I would love a magnetic one. Thank you so much.

    Reply
  23. Donna Lee says

    September 16, 2015 at 1:40 pm

    I like to have both. I prefer to pick up pins from the traditional pincushions, because they’re easier to grab, but for neatness when I have pins scattered all around, I prefer the magnetic for a quick pick-up.

    Reply
  24. knittingdancer says

    September 16, 2015 at 1:50 pm

    I prefer traditional pincushions.

    Reply
  25. Joan Mitchell says

    September 16, 2015 at 2:37 pm

    I’m not certain I have a preference in pin cushions. The magnetic pin cushions are neat, because it is easier to put pins on the magnetic pin cushion when removing them from a project and the magnetic cushion make it less likely that I will lose a pin or needle on the floor only to find that sharp item later in the most uncomfortable way possible…

    However, pins and needles are easier to grasp and remove from the traditional pin cushion when I want to put pins into my sewing project. The ideal pincushion might be a blend of the two types… a magnetic tray (cushion) surrounding a traditional pin cushion… but I’ve not seen such a thing yet. I might have to think about making one for myself.

    Reply
  26. Doris McCarty says

    September 16, 2015 at 3:00 pm

    I like traditional one. They are sew cute!
    Dmac5958ataoldotcom

    Reply
  27. Cheryl K says

    September 16, 2015 at 3:02 pm

    I prefer magnetic pincushions. I don’t even have a traditional one!

    Reply
  28. Rita Long says

    September 16, 2015 at 3:04 pm

    I use both. What a cute catus design. Thank you for the opportunity to win the tools.

    Reply
  29. Carmen says

    September 16, 2015 at 3:15 pm

    Both have their place.i use the pincushion when doing hand sewing.the magnet one for everything else.

    Reply
  30. LeAnne Osburne says

    September 16, 2015 at 3:21 pm

    magnetic ones are more practical but not as cute

    Reply
  31. Karen Waldner says

    September 16, 2015 at 3:35 pm

    I like both, there are places for both, on my cutting table I prefer the magnetic and close to my sewing machine I prefer the traditional ones.

    Reply
  32. Ingrid Rosa says

    September 16, 2015 at 3:39 pm

    Traditional ones just seem cuter 🙂

    Reply
  33. Jennifer Muise says

    September 16, 2015 at 3:40 pm

    I prefer the traditional ones

    Reply
  34. LindaK21 says

    September 16, 2015 at 3:46 pm

    Honestly, I’ve never used a magnetic pin holder…although after dumping pins on the carpet several times, it sure sounds like a good idea. I do use one pin cushion that one of my daughters made in middle school…love it but it is falling apart…someday I’ll replace it!

    Reply
  35. Kathy Ferguson says

    September 16, 2015 at 3:57 pm

    I know nothing about magnenic pincushions since I have never used one But Ireally like regular one in different shapes.

    Reply
  36. Susan Case says

    September 16, 2015 at 3:58 pm

    I have a traditional pin cushion, but I have been tempted to get a magnetic one simply because I have a bad habit of taking pins out of my project and lay them beside my machine.

    Reply
  37. Joy Candrian says

    September 16, 2015 at 4:04 pm

    I had a magnetic pin cushion and it was so well used it got holes so now I’m using a regular pin cushion that a dear friend made for me.

    Reply
  38. Rebecca H says

    September 16, 2015 at 4:27 pm

    Pin cushions are far more fun. Get tired of one, make another. And, they are so darling in the fabrics we have to choose from. thank you for the giveaway. My supplies are looking pretty sad right now, after years of use!

    Reply
  39. Delaine says

    September 16, 2015 at 5:50 pm

    Definitely traditional. I need to stick that pin into something! Thanks

    Reply
  40. Barbara Bailey says

    September 16, 2015 at 6:07 pm

    Traditional! Magnetic ones magnetize the pins which then stick to anything metallic in the area and that irritates me to no end!

    Reply
  41. Candy Walsh says

    September 16, 2015 at 6:19 pm

    i have both and I think they both have wonderfully different uses. But…I made the most precious traditional one out of a little Goodwill basket I picked up for a quarter that is my favorite, and I leave this one on my desk to keep my favorite needles for when I’m hand sewing. So I guess they both have they’re places, but I’m a sentiment, so I’d have to say my favorite are the traditional.
    Thank you so much for the chance to win!

    Reply
  42. Sarah says

    September 16, 2015 at 6:21 pm

    I like traditional ones.

    Reply
  43. Natalie says

    September 16, 2015 at 6:38 pm

    Magnetic pin cushions! They are the best!!

    Reply
  44. Mom C says

    September 16, 2015 at 7:28 pm

    I use both and I like both. I get frustrated with certain pincushions that make it hard to stick the pins in without coming out the other side but I also have to wrestle the magnetic pin holder away from grandchildren who love to play with it. Thanks.

    Reply
  45. Kathleen says

    September 16, 2015 at 7:48 pm

    Traditional . . .

    Reply
  46. Claire Ross says

    September 16, 2015 at 8:13 pm

    I have never used a magnetic pin cushion, so traditional gets my vote. Thanks for the giveaway x

    Reply
  47. Quilting Tangent says

    September 16, 2015 at 8:26 pm

    I would use either one.

    Reply
  48. sheri anderson says

    September 16, 2015 at 8:47 pm

    I really prefer the traditional, much better in my opinion, thanks!

    Reply
  49. joyce says

    September 16, 2015 at 8:49 pm

    I like a traditional pincushion. I have never used a magnetic one.

    Reply
  50. Mary Jane Waggoner says

    September 16, 2015 at 9:11 pm

    love the magnet

    Reply
  51. Catherine Cozart says

    September 16, 2015 at 9:17 pm

    I actually have a metal pin box. I’ve been stabbed by too many pin cushions and I can’t get the pins out fast enough with a metal one. I also have that many pins that the box just works better.

    Reply
  52. Audrey Overbaugh says

    September 16, 2015 at 9:19 pm

    I poreferr traditional because the pins stand up right and its just easier to get a pin and keep moving.

    Reply
  53. Genevieve Caswell says

    September 16, 2015 at 9:45 pm

    I might be telling my age but I have to say Traditional is the way I was taught & will always us one, especially the cute ones. But, I love me some magnetic ones when I am in the zone.
    Hope you all can relate to this 😉

    Reply
  54. Sandy K says

    September 16, 2015 at 9:51 pm

    I have both and use the traditional ones most often.

    Reply
  55. Vicki H says

    September 16, 2015 at 9:54 pm

    I use a traditional most of the time. I do like to use a magnetic one to find pins that drop to the floor.

    Reply
  56. Joan W says

    September 16, 2015 at 10:16 pm

    I think the magnetic ones are easier to use but the traditional ones are much cuter. Honestly, I usually just keep my pins in a box so I can just grab what I need without taking the time to stick them into a cushion.

    Reply
  57. Hailey O says

    September 16, 2015 at 10:28 pm

    Definitely traditional. I like cute pincushions, and they make the pins easier to grab and put away.

    Reply
  58. Catherine O says

    September 16, 2015 at 10:44 pm

    I have both, but I prefer my magnetic pin holder because I don’t always watch where I am putting My pins.

    Reply
  59. Julie says

    September 16, 2015 at 10:57 pm

    I prefer the traditional pincushion. Mostly the ones I make, so I can put in the fillings that I like. Nothing organic.

    Reply
  60. Ccarita says

    September 16, 2015 at 11:14 pm

    I like traditional but I would like to try magnetic someday.

    Reply
  61. Piroska says

    September 16, 2015 at 11:45 pm

    How adorable!! I prefer traditional pincushions.

    Reply
  62. Sophieandmomma says

    September 16, 2015 at 11:53 pm

    I really like magnetic, but I love this idea it is so cute.
    N.snaer at gmail dot com

    Reply
  63. Teresa U says

    September 17, 2015 at 1:02 am

    I prefer traditional pincushions

    Reply
  64. stanleybeagle says

    September 17, 2015 at 1:18 am

    I’m completely torn. I love how pretty fabric pincushions are. But the magnetic ones are so wonderful…

    Reply
  65. Rose Santuci-Sofranko says

    September 17, 2015 at 1:36 am

    I’ve actually only dealt with “Traditional” ones…but I’m sure the magnetic ones would be great too.

    Reply
  66. Teresa says

    September 17, 2015 at 1:48 am

    I defenity like the traditional. I have a pig he is so cute.

    Reply
  67. Nina says

    September 17, 2015 at 2:31 am

    I like both. Do like the traditional ones & the different designs you can make. I love the cactus one, will be making one soon. Thanks for the give away.

    Reply
  68. Diane says

    September 17, 2015 at 2:54 am

    I prefer the traditional pin cushion because I use the emery strawberry a lot. The magnetic ones don’t have them. Although I do use a magnetic wand to pick up my spilled pins.

    Reply
  69. Chris says

    September 17, 2015 at 3:21 am

    I like both kinds. I love pincushions. This has been sew much fun.

    Reply
  70. Shirley E. says

    September 17, 2015 at 3:33 am

    I don’t use either now. Had the traditional tomato pin cushion in school sewing class–where did that go? Recently someone gave me a finger ring pin cushion. I hope to use it when I am doing hand sewing, if I ever get around to it again. In the meantime, I have pinds in a dish and a peanut butter jar.

    Reply
  71. Dawn Jones says

    September 17, 2015 at 3:50 am

    I like the cuteness of traditional ones, but I prefer the functionality of the magnetic ones. Have a great day!

    Reply
  72. Jean Hall says

    September 17, 2015 at 5:49 am

    I have a traditional pincushion, but would like to try a magnetic one too.

    Reply
  73. Bonnie says

    September 17, 2015 at 11:38 am

    Traditional all the way.

    Reply
  74. Bonnie says

    September 17, 2015 at 11:38 am

    Traditional is the only way to go.

    Reply
  75. Sharon Sandheinrich says

    September 17, 2015 at 3:52 pm

    Honestly, I have not ever owned a magnetic pin cushion, nor have I seen one. Since I’ve only ever used the traditional way I’m not even sure I would use magnetic. I’m at the age where I remember how Grandma use to do it and I like those old ways. Gives me a sense of peace knowing that Grandma is close guiding me.

    Reply
  76. Eileen Winters says

    September 17, 2015 at 5:39 pm

    I like both. The magnetic ones are great when you drop a pin or needle.

    Reply
  77. Beverly Burnett says

    September 17, 2015 at 5:46 pm

    Traditional in on a thread catcher.

    Reply
  78. Irene Jenkins says

    September 17, 2015 at 6:20 pm

    is there anything more traditional than the “tomato” pincushion? I have 5 of them and use them all! My vote is for traditional

    Reply
  79. beverly silvers says

    September 18, 2015 at 1:38 am

    Traditional!! So much prettier!

    Reply
  80. beverly silvers says

    September 18, 2015 at 1:38 am

    Traditional!

    Reply
  81. Marlene Stege says

    September 18, 2015 at 4:54 am

    I love novel pin cushions. This one is really unique.

    Reply
  82. Irene Gourlay says

    September 21, 2015 at 5:31 pm

    I and my arthritic fingers prefer the magnetic ones.

    Reply
  83. Ellen says

    November 7, 2015 at 1:34 am

    Something so nostalgic about the old fashioned kind, like those cute tomatoes! But this cactus ranks right up there…

    Reply
  84. Shannon Elizabeth Boudreau says

    January 18, 2016 at 2:02 am

    I prefer the magnetic because of my pets i want to keep track of them, but when i am hand sewing i use traditional, im a little weird but it works for me. Thank you for your time.:)

    Reply
  85. My Sewing Box says

    May 10, 2016 at 10:15 pm

    Fantastic project, he’s so cute! Hope you don’t mind us featuring on one of our quirky sewing pattern blog posts 🙂 Keep ’em coming, great work!

    Thanks

    Reply

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