Tuesday, January 19, 2010

'Simply Geometric' Pincushion

**This tutorial is intended for personal use only.**

What better way to start off the new year than with a pretty new pincushion. Did I just hear a collective sigh of ooh's and ahh's rounded out with a squeal of delight? Oh, never mind, it came from me. What is it about pincushions, anyway? I can never get enough of them.


Here is the pattern. It is made up of circles, squares and triangles. Simply geometric! Please note that this diagram has not been drawn to scale but is for information purposes only.


Cut two 6-1/2" squares for the body of the pincushion.
Cut 8 triangles, 4 lining and 4 from decorative fabric. (I've chosen white for the lining).
For the rosette, cut two 4-inch circles with 1-3/4" circles removed from their centers.


Begin with the triangles. Place one lining and one decorative piece together, right sides facing each other. Pin in place. Sew both of the 4-3/4" sides using 1/4" seams. Trim seams to 1/8" and clip the point to reduce bulk. Turn right side out. Repeat with the remaining triangular pieces.
For the rosette, pin right sides together and sew around the outside perimeter using a 1/4" seam. Trim the seam to 1/8" and turn right side out.
Press all pieces flat with an iron.


Place one 6-1/2" square onto a flat surface, right side facing up. Center each of the triangles along the straight edges, right sides facing down. Machine baste each piece into place to keep it from shifting.


Place both 6-1/2" squares right sides together. Sew around the perimeter using a 1/4" seam. Be sure to leave a 1-1/4" opening for turning. Clip all 4 corners and turn right side out.


Stuff with your preferred stuffing and sew the opening closed.


Bring the 4 triangle points to the center of the pincushion. They should overlap by 1/4". Tack to keep it in place.


To finish off the rosette, take a running stitch along the inside circle. Gather and tie off.


Sew the rosette to the center of the pincushion and top with a coordinating stack of buttons. If you prefer, you can tuft the center by pulling the thread tightly as the buttons are being sewn on.


Here is a version with a double rosette.


I adore this color combination. Brown. Pink. Lavender. Très chic!


Now, load these pretties up with pins and start on that project that you've been procrastinating about. Go. Do it now. I said so. Pretty please. Well, only if you want to.

Have a good day!

Aloha!

39 comments:

  1. They are like all your pincushiions lovely.
    Tell me honestly, how many pincushions do you have (hihi)
    Hugs
    Janine

    ReplyDelete
  2. You did it again!! Love it!! I would be so happy if I had 1/1000 of your talent and creativity! THanks for sharing!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is a lovely pincushion thank you so much for sharing:)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Gorgeous, gorgeous. I am not surprised, though!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love them thanks for the pattern. Will be putting them on my list of things to do.
    Holly

    ReplyDelete
  6. Lettie, this is absolutely adorable. I will be making one of these soon.

    Thanks for sharing your creative talent with us.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi Lettie,
    As with everything you do,this is simply beautiful. Everything is always so dainty and pretty..just so sweet and girly..I just love what you do. Thank you so much for these patterns,ideas and tutorials, you are a real inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  8. That's a great pincushion!! Thanks for the tutorial!

    ReplyDelete
  9. It is really lovely!
    I love this idea of bringing geometry into life. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Oh, it's so beautiful! I really like it!Thanks for the tutorial!

    ReplyDelete
  11. What a wonderful tutorial...thanks!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. 1000 MERCIS -THANK U !- from France for all these free patterns ♥ KT

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi
    the pillows are so beautiful
    loving greeting from Germany
    Enga

    ReplyDelete
  14. Looks great - I love your creativity. :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. It was my lucky day to discover your blog! I can hardly wait to get back to my sewing quarters so I can play, play, play! (I'm traveling for a few months.) With your designs, of course, as I don't have even one smidgeon the imagination or talent that you do. Since you got it all, thanks for sharing!! ~karen

    ReplyDelete
  16. Beautiful! Thank you for your wonderful tutorial!!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Very creative and beautiful, as always. Thanks for sharing all your great ideas.

    Take care.

    ReplyDelete
  18. That would make a "BEAUTIFUL" pillow. I think I might try that.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Very pretty!

    I do so love the doughnut one you gave me--when the pins are in it, it looks even more yummy!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Oh that is so, so pretty! Thanks so much for this, I'll be linking.

    ReplyDelete
  21. You are so amazing. You have wonderful ideas. I love this pincushion.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Very nice! Thanks for sharing it with us!
    Have a great day!

    ReplyDelete
  23. That is one cute, colorful pincushion! Thanks for the tutorial.

    ReplyDelete
  24. This is adorable! Can't wait to make my own from your tutorial.

    ReplyDelete
  25. So lovely ! I like pincushions. Thanks for the wonderful tutorial.
    Hugs Andrea

    ReplyDelete
  26. That is just lovely! Thanks for sharing!
    I love your work, it's great!
    Laila

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hi! this is super cute! Like all the stuff you create.
    Thanks so much for sharing with us!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Oh! SO cute and easy looking to make up! Thank you so much for posting this one! Wishing I had all those great ideas you have floating around in MY head! Good thing we all have you Letty! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  29. hai..greetings from Malaysia..
    OMG ...i really love with all your works...beautiful..colourful and fantastic work you've done...looking at things you do..hope u don't mind i link and follow yr blog..:)

    ReplyDelete
  30. OMG! Why haven't I found your blog before today?! Beautiful pincushions and tutorials! Thank you so much for sharing your talent!
    Wishing I were in Hawaii right now!
    Mahalo and Aloha!
    Eileen

    ReplyDelete
  31. Very nice, Thanks for the great tute.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Thanks for the great tutorial. Love the pin cushions. There are on my To Do List for this weekend.
    Love your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Letiee, thank you very much for your tutorials are clear, beautiful and a pleasure to work with them.
    Happy New Year.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Hi Lettie. I love all of your tutorials. Can you tell me how that I may print out only the pattern and not all of the advertising or your list of other tutorials. I do not have any way to take my computer to my sewing room so would like to print some of them out and take the pages with me instead.

    ReplyDelete
  35. I have included this tutorial in a list of links on my blog - http://alittlebirdmademe.com/2013/08/02/friday-finds-links-to-50-free-patterns-for-pincushions/
    Please stop by and grab a button!

    ReplyDelete