Originally Posted by d.rickman

I use silica sand (tiny glass beads-each bag of this size will utilize three quarters of the bag) available at most craft stores and I make the cloth cover using 400 count cotton for just the silica sand, and use my pretty material for the outer cover.(therefore 2 layers of material..add a couple of tabs and attach a small bag for scraps and thread scraps....they are very quick to make...the pin cushion is 3" x 3" and 2" high, remember to leave a hole in one corner of the sand bag to pour in the silica sand - using a funnel - then sew this opening closed. The pin cushion also acts as a weight and will stay put on the edge of your sewing table, ironing board or wherever.
The Scrap Bag has a inner lining, with a pocket around the top to hold a plastic tie wrap (strap), which I obtained from packing boxes at our local Wal Mart (they just throw them out), they are stiff enough to retain their shape to hold the opening open. I cut the tie wrap about 4 inches longer than the circumference of the top of the bag and slide the tie wrap inside, until it is all inserted.

You can wash the pin cushion and the bag, just allow the silica sand to air dry on a warm day. The silica sand also keeps your pins and needles sharp.