Pin Cushion
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 157
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I would like to make me a pincushion. Since I would like for it to be approximately 6 x 4 inches or a little larger, what are the drawbacks of stuffing it with steel wool? I have plenty of ground walnut shells I could use, but I was wanting to keep it light weight. I know that batting is an option and it might be the best one, but I was thinking the steel wool would help with keeping the needles and pins sharp. I do worry about the pins rusting since I do live in the southern United States...Humidity can be a killer!
#2
Super Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Central Wisconsin
Posts: 4,391
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In my experience, the steel wool will rust very easily. I would use wool with the walnut shells. Wool is very light and has natural lanolin, so that would keep the pins sliding smoothly. I have a little wool laying around here from an old quilt that died. Never throw something out that might have a use later.
#3
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Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 17,798
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I've heard it both ways .... use the steel wool to sharpen, as you have mentioned.
And don't use it, for the rust-fear factor.
Really don't know your answer. So guess you have to make your own conscious decision!
Though ... you could do your own trial ... make one out of each and see what happens.
Have never used crushed walnuts shells ... interested to hear more as to the pros/cons there!
While we are on pin cushion stuffings ... my Mother always used sawdust!!!
Was that just a post-depression thing? Or was there a reason to use it?
Again, the pros/cons for this one if anyone knows.
And don't use it, for the rust-fear factor.
Really don't know your answer. So guess you have to make your own conscious decision!
Though ... you could do your own trial ... make one out of each and see what happens.
Have never used crushed walnuts shells ... interested to hear more as to the pros/cons there!
While we are on pin cushion stuffings ... my Mother always used sawdust!!!
Was that just a post-depression thing? Or was there a reason to use it?
Again, the pros/cons for this one if anyone knows.
#4
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 157
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In my experience, the steel wool will rust very easily. I would use wool with the walnut shells. Wool is very light and has natural lanolin, so that would keep the pins sliding smoothly. I have a little wool laying around here from an old quilt that died. Never throw something out that might have a use later.
#5
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 157
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I've heard it both ways .... use the steel wool to sharpen, as you have mentioned.
And don't use it, for the rust-fear factor.
Really don't know your answer. So guess you have to make your own conscious decision!
Though ... you could do your own trial ... make one out of each and see what happens.
Have never used crushed walnuts shells ... interested to hear more as to the pros/cons there!
While we are on pin cushion stuffings ... my Mother always used sawdust!!!
Was that just a post-depression thing? Or was there a reason to use it?
Again, the pros/cons for this one if anyone knows.
And don't use it, for the rust-fear factor.
Really don't know your answer. So guess you have to make your own conscious decision!
Though ... you could do your own trial ... make one out of each and see what happens.
Have never used crushed walnuts shells ... interested to hear more as to the pros/cons there!
While we are on pin cushion stuffings ... my Mother always used sawdust!!!
Was that just a post-depression thing? Or was there a reason to use it?
Again, the pros/cons for this one if anyone knows.
#6
Power Poster
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 17,798
#7
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Dakotas
Posts: 3,014
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Today I passed by (slowly I might add) Hobby Lobby’s clearance rack & there was a book written by Carrie Nelson called “Pin Pals”. 40 pin cushions. Just the pictures are “eye candy”. Quilt stores have them for $23.00 and this was $5.49 so I have a new book !!
#9
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Davenport, Iowa
Posts: 3,851
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I've taken a nylon knee high stocking and stuffed it with a light to medium layer of walnut shells, knotted it closed and used it as the top layer of a pin cushion and stuffed the bottom portion with polyfil. It's still light weight and sits on the sewing table nicely.
#10
Power Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 16,278
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I fill the bottom of my pincushion I make with poly beads then I stuff it with 100% pure cotton balls. I find the balls stuff better. I use this pattern for most of my pincushions to give away. I make them extra large and fill them with colored glass head pins for gifts. It really makes a gift. Super easy.
https://www.fatquartershop.com/homes...ts-pincushions
https://www.fatquartershop.com/homes...ts-pincushions
Last edited by QuiltnNan; 01-23-2020 at 11:57 AM. Reason: shouting/all caps