These whimsical patchwork pincushions are perfect for quilt lovers, and they're a great way to use up small scraps.
Tiny squares and triangles can make a variety of postage stamp sized quilt tops, while pillows, headboards, and optional dust ruffles provide the finishing touches that really make these pincushions look like little beds. You can use the ideas below, or create your own designs.
When sewing postage stamp pieces, use very scant seam allowance (about 1/8”). Start stitching slightly away from the tips of the pieces, rather than at the very edge, to keep the fabric from getting pulled into the feed dogs. Avoid reverse stitching.
Supplies
- small scraps of two contrasting fabrics
- small scrap of yellow fabric (optional)
- matching threads
- fiberfill stuffing
- scissors
- sewing machine or hand-sewing needle
- iron and ironing board
- small scrap of fabric for headboard (optional)
- 1/8 yard of 1 1/2” wide eyelet or trim for bed pillows (optional)
- small scrap of complementary fabric for throw pillows (optional)
- 3/8 yard eyelet or trim for dust ruffle (optional)
Pinwheel
- Cut two 2 1/2-inch squares from light fabric and two 2 1/2-inch squares from dark fabric. Cut each square in half diagonally to make triangles.
- Place one light triangle and one dark triangle right sides together and stitch them together along the long edge. Press the seam toward the dark fabric. Sew the other pairs of triangles together the same way.
- Arrange the four squares of fabric so that the triangles form a pinwheel pattern. Stitch the squares together, then press the seams flat.
Checkerboard flower
- Cut four 2-inch squares from light squares for the background and four 2-inch squares from dark fabric for the petals. Cut one 2-inch square from yellow or light fabric for the center.
- Place the squares in a checkerboard pattern, with the yellow square in the center.
- Sew the squares right sides together, and press the seams toward the dark fabric.
Backing for All Pincushions
- Cut a square for the backing the same size as the patchwork top.
- Sew the backing to the patchwork top right sides together, leaving one side open.
- Turn the fabric right side out.
- Fill the pincushion generously with fiberfill stuffing.
- Turn the open edges under slightly and whipstitch the pincushion closed.
Optional Headboard
- Cut two rectangles of headboard fabric, each 1/2 inch wider than the pincushion and about 3 inches tall. Round off the top corners to make a curved headboard.
- Place the pieces right sides together and stitch along the curved edge, leaving the lower edge open. Turn the fabric right side out.
- Fill the headboard lightly with fiberfill stuffing.
- Turn the open edges under slightly and whipstitch the lower edge closed.
- Whipstitch the lower edge of the headboard to the top seam of the pincushion.
Optional Bed Pillows
- Cut a 4” piece of 1 1/2”-wide eyelet or trim.
- Fold the trim in half and sew the two ends together.
- Whipstitch the lower edges of the trim together.
- Fill the pillow with stuffing, then whipstitch the top edges of the trim together.
- Tack the pillow to the top of the pincushion with a few stitches.
Optional Throw Pillows
- Cut two pieces of fabric in the shape you want the throw pillow, such as a heart or square.
- Place them wrong sides together and whipstitch about halfway around the pillow.
- Fill the pillow with stuffing, then finish whipstitching the edges together.
- Tack the pillows to the top of the pincushion with a few stitches.
Optional Dust Ruffle
- Cut a piece of eyelet or trim long enough to wrap around the sides and foot of the bed.
- Whipstitch the upper edge of the eyelet or trim to the seam in the pincushion.
The copyright of the article Make A Postage Stamp Pincushion in Quilting is owned by Christy Jones. Permission to republish Make A Postage Stamp Pincushion in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
