I use a combination of polly fill and crushed walnut shells. I like the walnut shells as it adds weight to the pin cushions.

I have wrapped an SOS pad with double layer of fabric. Works pretty well. I have a very old pin cushion that I made in 4-H. (won't go into HOW old it is!) We were instructed to dry used coffee grounds and use that to stuff. My pin cushion was a velvet fabric. I still have it and use it. Of course, no coffee smell anymore! And it sure is ugly!

I found them in the pet store but the bag was huge! Don't think I'll be making that many pincushions. I'm going to try sand since I already have some. Do you put it in a separate "bag" inside the pincushion to it from prevent shifting and working its way through the seams?

If its a big one, fish tank gravel in botyom, crused walnut shells, poly fill, steel wool.
Theyre all great.
Can you show us your pc???. Join the pc swap

Don't forget that if you're in a pincusion swap or plan to give them as gifts, walnut shell stuffing can have dire effects on some recipients. It also dulls the pins, as does sawdust or any other wood product. I use emery sand; the stuff that is used in the old strawberries for keeping needles sharp.

A few months ago I made pincushions and for the first time tried the crushed walnut shells.......absolutely loved them!!

I am so impressed that you still use it. That is so sweet. Thank you for sharing that.

I like to use bird gravel; recently acquired GD's excess aquarium gravel and mixed some with the gravel and works great. Love how the pincushions stay put and don't migrate on their own!

I heard at a guild meet to use lizzard litter, found at a pet store and is actually ground walnuts but a lot more economical about $10 for a large bag compared to the small bags at quilt shops that only fill one pin cushion. Have not tried this but I plan too.

I think the old, old ones were filled with saw dust.