judykay

I want to make some pincushions but am not sure what to fill them with to keep the needles sharp? I am sure some one on this board knows the answer, it is the first place I come when I need to find out something.

Blue Bell

The new filling seems to be crushed walnut shells that can be purchased at a bird/pet store. I bought some but have not used them as yet. To keep them from falling out while hand sewing the pin cushion closed, place a piece of batting at the closure.

Ginaky

I have used the crushed walnut shells and I'm not happy with them. The ends of the pins seem to dull when you leave them in the pin cushion. I don't think I'll use it again--and I had to buy a large bag, too! Maybe I should give it to my daughter for her chickens!

Tartan

I buy the decorative sand that you can use for doing the sand layer glass containers. It is only about $3 a bag and is very fine. I make a muslin inner bag before putting it into my pin cushion because the fine sand with work it's way through quilting cotton. It gives a nice weight to the pin cushion and my pins like it.

judykay

[Where do you find the sand ?


QUOTE=Tartan;6319148]I buy the decorative sand that you can use for doing the sand layer glass containers. It is only about $3 a bag and is very fine. I make a muslin inner bag before putting it into my pin cushion because the fine sand with work it's way through quilting cotton. It gives a nice weight to the pin cushion and my pins like it.[/QUOTE]

Country1

I also use sand. I buy it at Walmart.

Tartan

I got my sand at the Michaels craft store.

Mariposa

I usually use crushed walnut shells~

novicequiltergrandma

I read somewhere about using sawdust. As my husband is a woodturner, I get it for free!!!! Best deal ever.

lockesnest

I use emery. I get it online. It is not too expensive, can't remember how much. I think less than $20 for a pound. I think it makes a lovely filling and it really does keep needles sharp and clean.