A simple sewing project and a great way to see what your sewing machine is capable of. This little project is a firm favourite of mine when coaching beginners and has always been a hit with my students.
To get started you need the following materials and kit:
- Medium weight woven fabric
- Coloured thread
- Spool with thread same colour as fabric
- Toy stuffing
- Sewing machine
- Pins
- Hand sewing needle
- Scissors
Let’s get sewing
1. CUT a rectangle
If you would like to print the template and sewing instructions (click the image below)
2. SEW – Sample your stitches in parallel lines vertically top to bottom
Use the previous stitches for a straight guide
3. Loop RIBBON and insert approx 1/4 in or if using my template use the notches as a guide.
4. FOLD in half right sides together trapping the ribbon inside.
5. SEW open edges (not the fold) with 1cm seam allowance, leaving a gap to turn through. Notches on my template will indicate where to leave the gap.
6. TURN through your pin cushion and poke out corners with a sharp pair of scissors. STUFF with toy stuffing or similar soft filling.
7. Hand sew the gap closed with your favourite stitch, I like ladder stitch for a neat finish.
The ribbon loop is handy for keeping your pin cushion close to your machine, consider hanging it on your spool winder.
This project forms part of my ‘Get to know your sewing machine course‘ and is a great first make for people just getting started in sewing.
If you are a beginner, have a new machine or need a refresher take a look below or get in touch about online sewing lessons.
