Pincushion Tutorial

Pincushion Tutorial

Instructions for Pincushion

I worked with fat quarters and had six lights, six darks and a different fat quarter for the center. Now you can make a lot out of this, just the one strip out of each fat quarter (1-1/4" X 18") made me two pincushions. I made two Log Cabins one way and then reversed the fabric layout. Now make two more Log Cabin blocks. You know at this time with the economy, you need to get as much as you can out of what you got. So very little fabric has to be used.

Cutting information

Cut 6 light strips 1-1/4" X 18"

Cut 6 dark strips 1-1/4 X 18"

Cut 4 center squares 2"

For heirloom puffing you need a strip for the outside 2-1/2" X WOF, I had some 54" wide fabric that I used but you can use 45" wide fabric.

For lining you need about 9" of muslin or whatever you have extra. From this cut two pieces the same size as the log cabin and a piece that measures 2-1/4" X 19" for heirloom puffing

Making Log Cabin

With right sides together, stitch a 1-1/4" X 18" light strip to a 2" square. Press the seam allowance toward the outside strip, I press the same direction all through the making of the log cabin. Trim the strip even with the edge of the center square.

Turn the two piece unit to the right a quarter turn. Stitch a light strip to the two piece unit. Press and trim the edges of this strip even with the edges of the two piece unit.

Working counter clockwise around the center square, continue adding alternating light and dark, strips to complete the Log Cabin block. Log Cabin blocks should measure 6-1/2" square. This site will explain a log cabin step by step. http://www.equilters.com/library/logcabin/easy_log_cabin_part3.html

After making log cabin block, cut a template circle measuring 6-1/2" in diameter and cut the 2 Log Cabins and 2 linings. I had a bowl that measured this. Stitch around edge of log cabin and lining to hold in place.

Gather on both sides of the 2-1/2" X WOF for heirloom puffing. Pin to 2-1/4" X 19" piece and gather to fit. I find it better to have the lining a 1/4" smaller than the heirloom puffing piece. After sewing both long sides close to edge, just to secure all the gathered edge, sew seams to form circle. Pin edges right sides together, Log Cabin block, oh it's not a block anymore, (circle) to heirloom puffing piece and sew a 3/8" seam. Be sure and leave an opening for turning on one side. Stuff it tight and add a button in the center. I sewed two antique glass button and pulled it tight in the middle.

If you have any questions, just let me know.

About giveaway, I'll have to take pictures tomorrow, I need to get film developed so I can take more. Sorry.