I would think that you could melt the bar of soap into a shape that you could cover easily.

I've used soap on the runners when drawers are sticking. Never tried it on my pins tho. Will have to give it a try. I think if I was going to put the soap in a pincushion, I'd make one of the pin cuchions in a votive holder or some kind of a little container. That way the soap couldn't go too far.

It sounds like a good idea if perfected, meaning practice it a few ways. I think if you cut the soap in small pieces it may just break up after a bit of use and then would be no good for sharpening.

I am wondering if the soap really sharpens the pin or just lubricates it?

Wow! I've never hear of this before...sounds like a great idea to me.

I give my (WM) customers the tip of running the pins through their hair to help them go through fabric easier. Haven't tried the soap idea.

Sounds like it's worth a shot. I just took up making soap to. It will be a good room freshener to.

I alwys rub pins in my hair to make them glide. I do wash my hair every day and condition it. Mybe that's why it works so well. I did that when my babies were babies now 44 and 42.

I think I don't want any kind of extra "gunk" on my needles.

That is also what the strawberry is for that comes attached to the tomato pin cushions. It has emery sand inside it and it helps remove adhesive from pins and helps them glide through fabric easier.JMHO and personal experience. Motto: If the soap works, use it.