Sunny Heart Pincushion
Here's a quick easy make if you are looking for a Valentine's Day gift for a quilty friend.
Sunny Heart Pincushion
To begin, you will need:
Copy of the Sunny Heart
Two 5" squares for the top and the bottom
A 4" scrap of fabric for the heart
Four 3" X 5" rectangles for the sides
Batting or fiberfill for stuffing
Perle cotton or embroidery floss for embellishing
Using your favorite disappearing marker, trace the heart template on the right side of your 'heart' fabric. Cut around the shape leaving a little more than an 1/8th inch seam allowance. Using needle turn applique stitch the heart to the center of one 5" square.
**note: If you would like to skip the applique, you may cut on the drawn line and top stitch the heart in place using the sewing machine. This leaves a raw edge around the edge of the heart.**
Embellish the appliqued heart with perle cotton or embroidery floss. I prefer Valdani Perle Cotton either in size 8 or 12 and I use Fons and Porter Utility needles when stitching with perle cotton.
Next, take all four 3" X 5" rectangular sides and stitch them together along the short end. This will make a loop of the rectangles. Most likely, you have used this method in making boxy pincushions or decorative cushions for your home.
With right sides together, match one of the sewn rectangles to an edge of the top of the pincushion. Using a 1/4 seam allowance, begin a 1/4 inch in from the corner. Stitch to the other edge and stop a 1/4" from the corner.
Beginning and ending 1/4" from each corner will help to turn out the corners when you turn the cushion right side out. I recommend taking a few back stitches at the beginning and ending of each seam.
Sew around each side of the pincushion top with the rectangular sides in the same fashion.
Repeat this with the square bottom, leaving an opening in one side on the bottom for turning right side out. A 2 -2.5" opening should be sufficient.
Turn your pincushion right sides out and push out the corners.
Fill the pincushion with pieces of batting, wool or fiberfill. Stuff the pincushion until it is full, but not too full. We will be pinching the sides and stitching, so you will need to leave enough room to pull up the sides.
Stitch the opening closed.
Thread a Fons and Porter Utility needle or an embroidery needle with perle cotton or floss. For the sides, I pulled my perle cotton all the way through the needle and knotted both ends of the thread. In effect giving me a double strand of perle.
Pinch up the side and top of the pincushion and stitch. It's okay to leave the knot showing...it just adds charm.
Go around the perimeter of the top pinching and stitching. Repeat the process on the bottom of the pincushion.
And there you have it! A sweet Sunny Heart Pincushion! Perfect for your quilty friends!
Be sure to tag us if you make our pincushion - we love to gush over them!
Happy Valentine's Day!
