- Since early pins were sharp thorns or fish bones fragile enough to need protection, the first pincushions were likely soft animal skins. The thorns or bones were pinned on, then possibly enclosed in an animal-skin bag.
- When pins were nonmetal, the pincushion filling's purpose was to keep the pins from breaking. But as steel and other metals became the raw materials for pins, pincushion interiors changed as well, in order to keep the pins sharp, lubricated and rust-free.
- Until the first part of the 20th century, pincushion stuffings included sawdust, bran, emery powder, unprocessed sheep's wool, unravelled knitting or crochet, worn or unworn blankets, tweed and flannel.
- For granular fillings like sawdust or powders, an "under cover" kept them from leaking through the outer, decorated fabrics. Fibrous fillings like wool or scrap fabrics were rolled, stacked or stuffed inside the pincushions.
- In the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, pincushions had great social importance. They were ornately stitched and beaded and often given as gifts, and the stuffing or filling was as carefully chosen and constructed as the exterior, to show affection for the recipient.
