here is one link

when I make pin cushions I add some steelwool to the filling. It sharpens the pins every time you push them in

nice site to make a pin cushion...........*4u

Mickey that is something I never thought about making. Daughter bought some kind of wool specially for a pin cushion I believe it was felted but not sure. I ;like Raelene's idea steel wool. Now if it was many yrs. back I probably would have gone to the aquarium sand at the pet store since it comes n small boxes. this is going to b interesting to see what others do *4U

The stuffing the dogs tear out of the new toys I buy them, it's in good condition the toys are less than 5 minutes old when I retrieve the stuffing.

believe it or not found a cute cupcake pin cushion on martha stewart

You can use toy filler or the thread ends from your embroidery threads. Using these stops the pins from rusting.

Try batting for quilts and put a 2 or 3 layers.

You have all given me some good ideas. Raelene, do I put the steel wool in the middle with batting around or does it matter? I thought of sand like Lillian said, it also keeps the pins sharp. I could only think of 2 places to find my answer - Here and Martha Stewart site. Thanks everyone.

Good luck - hope you share your pin cushion in the projects. I have used fiber fill (pillow stuffing) in mine - but do sorta like raels sugguestion. Sounds good! *4U

I use the poly stuffing beads to weight down the bottomand then a small piece of soap so it smells good and keeps the pins sharp. Never tried steelwool but it's a good idea. I have some steelwool so I will try it out.

I am not 100 % sure on this, but didn't they use to recommend the use of silica sand ( was it the gel, it is supposed to be like little beads)? It was supposed to keep the needles and pins sharp and rust free. I have never made a pin cushion, but that was a tip that I read a few years ago.

I have used sand, birdseed and sawdust. You can also use cat litter and emery powder. Batting can pull through the pin cushion and I think it is too light in weight. *4U

lots of tips here thanx for sharing ladies Jo

I've heard of bird seed or rice.

The best product to use for making useful longlasting pincushions that keep your pins and needles both sharp and rust free are made with 100% cotton or wool outer and 100% cotton lining. Any synthetic materials and stuffings will blunt the pins and needles in the same way that plastic blunts scissors. I have always used sawdust that is free of chemically treated wood for stuffing my pincushions, and find that they are still going strong after 45 years of hard use. When I make them for general use they are made in the shape of a brick, hard to misplace when large.