Quilty-Louise

I use emery sand to fill pincushions that I know will be used
as a pincushion.

If they are going to be used as a cute decoration than I use
fiber fill.

Neesie

Sheep produce lanolin. Humans produce sebum.

nstitches4u

I like crushed walnut shells. You can buy a 10 lb. bag of them at pet stores---And that will make a lot of pincushions. You can also buy a small bag at most quilt shops, but you pay almost as much for the little bag that will only make a couple of pincushions as you do for the big bag at the pet store. It is what they use to put in reptile cages, if you are into reptiles. lol I'm not a reptile fan, but I like the crushed walnut shells for pincusions.

gale

Just be aware that you should not give them to, or sew anything for people with walnut allergies. Putting pins into walnut shells and then into fabrics will cross contaminate the item.

nhnative

I just use fiberfill. I haven't tried the crushed walnut shells yet.

nhnative

I make a lot of pincushions and I don't even use one for myself.

karate lady

I make pin cushions out of old decorative mugs. Beans in the bottom for wgt and stuff with left over batting.

karate lady

here is a picture

RobertaMarie

This may not work for everyone, but I save the hair from my hairbrush and use my own hair. When I was a kid, we saved our hair when we had haircuts, but the hair is a good, light filler, and costs nothing. Sometimes I weight the bottom with rice just to keep it bottom heavy. Needles and pins slide through so easily!!

Eileen De Ville

I think wool is a good idea. However, I have not made any as get. Will think on that when I make one.