The other day, I shared some ideas on what kinds of materials to use to fill a pin cushion. Today, I am sharing a cute little free sunflower pin cushion pattern! This is a great beginner project, for young and old alike! If you are looking for a project for the kids this summer, you can use this to teach them simple machine sewing and hand sewing. It goes together quickly, too!
To make the pin cushion, you will need:
- ~4 pieces of coordinating cotton fabrics- each 3 1/2” square for pincushion front
- ~1- 6 1/2“ square of cotton fabric for back of pincushion
- ~Wool scraps for sunflower applique- Gold, light brown, green
- ~Button- 3/4”
- ~Wool thread or perle cotton #12- gold, rust and green
- ~Trim (such as small pompom fringe or rick rack- 4 pieces each 6 1/2” long
- ~Stuffing of choice for pincushion, such as polyester fiberfil or crushed walnut shells
- ~Freezer paper, sewing thread to match wool
All seam allowances are 1/4″
Sew 2 of the 3 1/2” squares together and press the seams to one side. Sew the other 2 squares together and press the seams to one side. Sew the pairs together and press the seam to one side.
Trace sunflower and leaf patterns onto paper side of freezer paper. Cut out, leaving about 1/8” around each shape. Use an iron to fuse the waxy side of the paper to the wool scraps. Cut out on the traced line. Peel away the freezer paper.
Pin the wool pieces to the pieced pincushion front. Stitch the edges down with matching sewing thread by using tiny whipstitches. Use the wool or perle cotton to add details. Stitch on button, tying the thread on the top.
Pin the trim to the pincushion front, along all 4 edges, leaving at least 1/2” between the outer edge of the trim and the raw edge of the fabric (remember you will need 1/4” seam allowance around the edges.) Sew trim to fabric. Sew the pincushion front and back together, right sides together, leaving a 3” opening on one side. Turn right side out and gently push out the corners with the dull end of a wooden skewer or pencil. Stuff firmly. Hand stitch the opening closed.
When I’m making a pin cushion as a gift, I think these fancy pins make it extra cute!! You can find them here in my online shop.
Get the printable pattern PDF here.
many thanks for this pin cushion tutorial a girl can never have too many pin cushions
Oh wow that is so cute!! Thank you so much for the free pattern, I am off to gather supplies ? Have a lovely sunny week, Helen
Thanks for sharing your adorable pin cushion! I love sunflowers!
Your trim is such a fun touch too! Happy Independence Day!!
Love the sunflower pin cushion. Would make nice gifts. Thank you
Ihave tried several pin cushins and this is the best for my sewing, thank you so much. I love Jacquelynne Steves and Yours too.
Adorable pincushion! Thank You for sharing it!!!
This is perfect and cute! Thank you for sharing it with us.
This is so cute. I hope to make one very soon for a friend in bright blues and whites to match her sewing room. Thanks for sharing.
Adorable, I will be making one eventually. Lol
Very cute..as usual! When I saw the fabric for your 4 patch, I had to laugh. The upper right corner fabric with the little green bird…I have had that fabric forever and seem to use it occasionally for autumn table runners and such. Guess you have some “not sew knew” fabrics too.
So pretty, thank you
Love your pin cushion Jacquelyne,also love your cute sign off Cat with the ladybird on the tail. I am curious as to where you get crushed walnut shells though. The idea for keeping pins sharpened is a good thing, Hugs from Betty in Australia
HI Betty- here in the US the walnut shells are sold in pet stores as reptile bedding, but I’ve heard they can be hard to come by in other countries. You might be able to find some online.
This pincushion is so pretty, I am certain to make a few to put into my Christmas presents stash. Thank-you so much. You are so very generous with sharing your talents.
Oh I have filled some of my pincushions with very find sand used to fill sand pits. It works a treat.
I love sunflowers, thanks !
Blessings to you and your family.
Grandchild is allergic to tree nuts and peanuts so I’m always looking for alternative stuffing. If you are making these for gifts, be sure that the person doesn’t have an allergic family member.
Love the pin cushion.
Love your designs!
Thank you for the sunflower pin cushion pattern.
This pincushion is so sweet–like all of your designs! Thanks for sharing your talents and creativity!
So cute! Thank you.
Hi ,I love your patterns and ideas you come up with.Have you got a book with all your patterns and photos of them in it for purchase? I been going thru some health issues and haven’t been doing much quilting or cardmaking lately but your photos and quotes keep me inspired
All I have is my phone to download patterns right now..and it doesn,t hold that much.Keep up the beautiful work and ideas.❤??⚘???
thanks for the free sunflower pincushion
Jacquelynne, Thank you for the free Sunflower pincushion I love sunflowers.
What a lovely idea!! I love sunflowers – they are always look so happy. I’ll be making some of these. Now you’ve inspired me to make Christmas pin cushions with pretty Christmas fabrics and appliqued poinsettias. Thank you so much for your generous gift. Also thank you for your Sewing Bird Stitchery which I want to use on a pin cushion gift.
I love the sunflower pin cushion! I just learning how to do appliqués. Could you explain to me the use of freezer paper I’m not sure I understand the purpose of it.
Beautiful pincushion !! Thanks for the free pattern. Gonna have to get some scraps out and make me one. ?
Will be fun to make
Thank you for sharing this beautiful pincushion.