How to Make a Pumpkin Pin Cushion

Say the words "pin cushion" and a little red tomato is the image that pops into the minds of most sewing enthusiasts. Pin cushions do not have to be limited to this one style, though. Pumpkin pin cushions are simple to whip up even without a pattern and will add a flair of decor to your sewing room or kit when autumn rolls around. Make several to give to your sewing friends or to sell.

Things You'll Need

• 6 inch circle template
• pencil
• 2 different pieces of orange fabric, each at least 6 inch squares
• 1 to 2 straight pins
• Scissors (or rotary cutter with mat)
• Ruler
• Sewing machine (or needle with thread)
• Thread
• Polyester fiber fill
• Embroidery needle
• Embroidery floss
• 1/2 inch wide green ribbon

Instructions

Circles

1. Place the two pieces of orange fabric together. The printed, or right, sides should be facing in. Smooth out any wrinkles.

2. Pin the fabric pieces together in the center using one or two straight pins.

3. Trace the 6 inch circle on the top piece of fabric.

4. Cut out the circle following the tracing, making sure to cut through both pieces of fabric. Remove the pins.

Sections

1. Mark each circle using the ruler as your guide to divide each circle into four sections, like pieces of pie.

2. Cut the pie sections from both circles.

3. Gather the quarters to make two new circles, alternating each print. Your new circle should be comprised of a section from Fabric 1, Fabric 2, Fabric 1 and then Fabric 2.

Sewing

1. Use 1/4-inch seam allowances to sew together four reassembled quarters to make a new circle. Repeat with the remaining four quarters.

2. Place the circles together with the printed sides facing. You may line up the quarter sections from the top and bottom circle to either match or alternate.

3. Sew around the circle, leaving a 2-inch opening for turning and stuffing.

4. Turn the circle right-side out and smooth out any wrinkles.

5. Stuff the circles with fiber fill until you have a pillow. The little pillow should not be stuffed so full that it feels hard.

6. Turn under the ends of the opening and stitch it closed. Be sure to repeat the ending stitches to secure the closure.

Dimension

1. Thread the embroidery needle with embroidery floss and knot the end.

2. Insert the needle from the bottom center of the circle straight up through the top center.

3. Wrap the embroidery thread along one seam of the fabric quarters and re-insert the needle through the center bottom. Pull tight and repeat along the other three quarters. This creates four plump sections that give the pumpkin dimension.

4. Knot the embroidery thread at the bottom after creating the final plump quarter.

Stem

1. Cut a 3-inch piece of green ribbon to create the stem and leaves.

2. Fold the ribbon in half to create a loop.

3. Stitch into the top center of the pumpkin about 1 inch down from the top of the loop. The loop will serve as the stem and the extra ribbon on each side will serve as leaves.

Tips & Warnings

• Use ribbon with wired edges to create a curly stem that is more vine-like.

• Vary the size of the pumpkin according to the amount of fabric you have.

• Filling the circles too full will result in less plump quarters.

• Use safety precautions when using scissors, rotary cutters, sewing machines and needles.