Embroidered Pin Cushion DIY (Vintage Fabric Sewing Project)

There’s something quaint about a handmade pincushion, especially when it’s made with vintage fabric and simple embroidery. This embroidered pin cushion DIY is a small sewing project, but it’s one of those easy crafts that feels both useful and a little bit special.

I’ve had this piece of linen tucked away for a while, waiting for the right project. It wasn’t quite large enough for anything big, but it was too pretty not to use. Turning it into a vintage style pincushion felt like the perfect way to give it new life while creating something practical at the same time.

This easy sewing project combines a soft embroidered linen top with a small jar base, turning it into a simple pincushion and storage container in one. It’s ideal for keeping a few sewing essentials together, whether you’re working at your table or bringing a small project to the couch for the evening.

If you’re looking for a beginner friendly sewing project with a cottage core feel, this embroidered pin cushion is a lovely place to start.

How to Make an Embroidered Pin Cushion

This pincushion has two parts: a soft embroidered linen top and a fabric covered jar base. Together they create a simple little sewing kit, perfect for keeping a few essentials in one place. It’s especially handy if you don’t sew often, or if you like to keep a small project nearby while relaxing in the evening.

For the base, I used a leftover hair treatment jar that I washed out, but you can use any small plastic container you like. I recommend choosing your jar first so you can size your embroidery design to fit the lid.

Supplies Needed

Step 1: Add the Embroidery

For the pattern, I used a simple piece of clipart to create my own embroidery design. Linen has such a vintage feel, so I chose a small vintage sewing machine image for the motif.

Once you have your pattern, trace it onto your linen using carbon paper. To do this, sandwich a piece of carbon paper between the linen and the clipart, then trace the outline.

To embroider the vintage sewing machine, you will need four colours of embroidery thread: blue, soft pink, soft green, and grey.

Outline all the lines on the sewing machine using a simple back stitch. There is a little bit of satin stitch on the heart shape, and the simple leaves are a single lazy daisy stitch. It embroiders very quickly, I did mine while watching a movie.

The image below shows the placement of the colours and stitches used in the design.

Step 2: Make the Pincushion Top

Center the top of the jar over your embroidered sewing machine motif. Draw a circle about two inches wider than the jar lid and cut it out.

Make a small rolled seam all around the edge of the circle. You want to do this as neatly as possible, but since it will be covered with lace later, you don’t need to be too fussy. Just make sure the edge is finished well.

Apply glue to the top of the lid and press on a small amount of polyester stuffing.

Iron the embroidered linen to remove any wrinkles. Starting on one side, attach a portion of the linen to the lid, then attach the opposite side. Continue working your way around until the fabric is fully secured and evenly attached.

My first plan was to crochet a simple border around the edge of the pincushion, but it didn’t look right once I placed it on the base. I removed the thin crocheted edge and replaced it with a one inch wide strip of cotton lace instead.

Step 3: Cover the Jar Base

The bottom of the jar is covered by wrapping fabric around a plain container. My jar has a rounded base with a flat bottom and a smaller neck. I could have used Mod Podge with strips of fabric, but I wanted a softer look to match the linen top.

Start by making a fabric circle. To find the correct size, measure from the top rim of the jar, down around the bottom, and back up to the opposite rim. Add about one inch to that measurement.

Fold your fabric into quarters to find the center point, then mark it with chalk.

Using a piece of string or a pipe cleaner with chalk attached to one end, measure out from the center (half of your total measurement). Hold one end at the center point and draw a circle by moving the chalk in an arc.

Cut out the fabric. Place your jar over the center mark to make sure the fabric circle is large enough.

Using Mod Podge, coat the bottom and the outer rim of your jar.

It can be a bit of a challenge to neatly wrap the fabric around the rounded shape of the jar, but this method works well.

Start by folding one side of the fabric up and over the jar, making sure it adheres to both the bottom and the top edge with Mod Podge. Repeat on the opposite side. You will be left with two extra fabric flaps.

Next, coat the inside ridge of the jar with Mod Podge. Starting on one side, fold small pleats as evenly as possible, pressing each one into place before creating the next. Continue until the fabric is snug against the jar. You may notice some excess fabric inside or a few uneven areas, but those can be adjusted.

Repeat the same process on the other side.

Once all the fabric is attached, trim away any excess on the inside. Add a little more Mod Podge where needed to secure the folds and smooth everything out. I had to fix a couple of small spots to get it looking just right.

I originally thought the linen top would fully cover the seam where the two pieces meet, but the edge stuck out slightly instead of laying flat. I considered leaving it as it was, but I wanted the pincushion to double as a small sewing kit. To finish it off, I added a one inch wide ribbon around the edge for a softer, more finished look.

To attach the ribbon, place the jar together and use a hot glue gun to secure it along the outer edge. Make sure the top of the ribbon is firmly attached and that it lays down smoothly around the jar.

This little embroidered pincushion is one of those easy crafts that feels both practical and a bit special. I love that it keeps a few sewing essentials together while adding a soft vintage touch to my craft space. It’s a simple project, but one you’ll reach for again and again, whether you’re mending something quickly or working on a small creative project in the evening.

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