a DIY Pin Cushion that Sharpens Your Needles and Pins

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12 December 2023

In this post you learn how to make your own pin cushion that sharpens needles and pins.

Are you looking for a simple and cheap way to keep your needles and pins sharp and ready for your sewing and embroidery projects? If so, you will love this DIY pin cushion that sharpens your needles and pins every time you use it.

In this post, I will show you how to make a DIY pin cushion that sharpens your needles and pins with just four items that you probably already have at home. You will also get a step-by-step video tutorial and photos to guide you through the process. And by the end of this post, you will have a cute and useful pin cushion that will make your sewing and embroidery easier and more enjoyable.

hand keeping needle

Why do you need a DIY pin cushion that sharpens your needles and pins?

If you are into sewing and embroidery, you know how important it is to have sharp needles and pins. They make your work easier, faster, and more precise. They also prevent damage to your fabric and your fingers.

But needles and pins can get dull over time, especially if you use them on thick or hard fabrics. And buying new ones can be expensive and wasteful.

So, what can you do to keep your needles and pins sharp and ready to use? Well, you can make your own DIY pin cushion that sharpens your needles and pins.

hand holding a needle

A DIY pin cushion that sharpens your needles and pins is a simple and cheap solution that will save you time and money. It is also very easy and fun to make. And it is also very handy and useful. It will sharpen your needles and pins every time you use it. It will also keep your needles and pins organized and accessible. And it will also add some charm and personality to your sewing room.

What do you need to make a pin cushion that sharpens your needles and pins?

To make a DIY pin cushion that sharpens your needles and pins, you will need the following materials and tools:

scissors, stelel wool and piece of denim fabric on table
  • A piece of denim. You can use any denim fabric that you have, such as an old pair of jeans or a jacket. Denim is a durable and sturdy fabric that will hold your needles and pins securely.
  • Scissors. You will need scissors to cut the denim and the steel wool.
  • A needle and thread or a sewing machine. You will need a needle and thread or a sewing machine to sew the pin cushion together.
  • Steel wool. You will need steel wool to fill the pin cushion and to sharpen your needles and pins. Steel wool is made of thin metal fibers that create friction and remove the rust and dirt from your needles and pins. You can buy it here.

That’s it. No special equipment or materials required. Just some basic sewing tools and items that you probably already have at home.

diy pin cushion with pins and needles on table

How to make a pin cushion that sharpens your needles and pins?

To make a DIY pin cushion that sharpens your needles and pins, you will need to follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Cut the denim. Cut a square piece of denim that is about 15 cm by 15 cm. Wash and iron the denim if needed.
  • Step 2: Cut the steel wool. Cut a piece of steel wool that is slightly smaller than the denim piece. You can use any grade of steel wool that you have, but the finer the better.
  • Step 3: Sew the pin cushion. Place the steel wool on top of the denim piece, and fold the denim over the steel wool. Pin the edges of the denim together, leaving a small opening for turning. Sew the edges of the denim with a needle and thread or a sewing machine, using a straight stitch and a 1 cm seam allowance. Turn the pin cushion right side out through the opening, and poke out the corners. Close the opening with a ladder stitch or a whip stitch.
  • Step 4: Decorate the pin cushion. Fluff up the pin cushion and smooth out any wrinkles. You can also decorate your pin cushion with buttons, ribbons, or embroidery, if you like.

Check out this super easy photo tutorial:

steps in making pin cushion that sharpens needles and pins

And voila, you have just made a DIY pin cushion that sharpens your needles and pins.

Here is a photo of the pin cushion that I have made:

pin cushion with needles and pins on table

How to use the DIY pin cushion that sharpens your needles and pins?

First way

To use the DIY pin cushion that sharpens your needles and pins, you just need to insert your needles and pins into the pin cushion and leave them there for a few minutes or hours. The steel wool will sharpen your needles and pins by rubbing against them and removing any rust and dirt.

Second way

You can also move your needles and pins in and out of the pin cushion a few times to enhance the sharpening effect. For sure you will notice that your needles and pins will become sharper and smoother after using the pin cushion.

ready pin cushion with wool steel inside that sharpens needles and pins

You can use the DIY pin cushion that sharpens your needles and pins for any type of needles and pins, such as sewing needles, embroidery needles, quilting needles, safety pins, push pins, and so on. You can also use it for any type of sewing and embroidery projects, such as garments, accessories, home decor, and so on.

Check out my detailed and easy post on how to choose the right needle size and type for any fabric.

needles and green and blue thread spools on white table

The DIY pin cushion that sharpens your needles and pins is a very handy and useful tool that will make your sewing and embroidery easier and more enjoyable. It is also a very cute and creative accessory that will add some charm and personality to your sewing room. And it is also a very simple and cheap DIY project that anyone can do with some basic sewing skills and materials.

diy pin cushion with pins and needles on table and pin in hand

So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and make your own DIY pin cushion that sharpens your needles and pins and share your results with me. You can leave a comment below, or tag me on Instagram or Facebook. I would love to see your pin cushions. And if you like this post, please give it a thumbs up and subscribe to my blog for more sewing, DIY, and fashion tutorials. Thank you for your support and happy sewing! 😊

diy pin cushion with pins and needles on table

In this post you learned how to create pin cushion that sharpens pins and needles when used.

This post has affiliate links * Affiliate Link. This means that if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive a small percentage of your purchase (at no extra cost to you).

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I create sewing patterns, refashion projects, and practical tutorials designed to make sewing feel less intimidating and more creative. Most of what you see here starts with something I wanted to wear, remake, or figure out for myself, then I turn the process into a tutorial you can try too.

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