299559✽
Question of the Day for May 23: what do you use to stuff your pincushions? I ask this because of the recent posting of pin cushions where they put in crushed walnuts that they buy @ a PET STORE! I put long grain rice & sand in a shower curtain liner that I make up & batting of course.
Comments (18)
33580✽
Good question, I have heard on here long ago about some stuff that is black and that is what comes out of my store bought pin cushion when it gets a leak.
Deb
Deb
1 comment
Hi Deb, you are probably talking about the emery sand the pcteddy is referring to. It is used in rock polishing and should be fine to sharpen. I was thinking about trying it on machine needles, but I wont stand around dipping it in! LLDS!
11271✽
I use plastic pellets. Thought the walnut shells idea was interesting. Have also heard of something called "emery sand" that is supposed to sharpen the pins as they go in - have never seen/used it myself.
1 comment
I use the poly pellets,also. I like their weight.
26714✽
i use old pillows stuff when the pillows are getting too old I buy new one but I do not through the old one I recycled it.
2079✽
I have made one with the crushed walnut shells and they work great. They have a nice weight that keeps the pin cushion where you want it. They also aren't very expensive.
951✽
I use play sand and it works well. I also put in a second layer of muslim though to make sure holes from the pins don't give it place to fall out. never been a problem this way.
67271✽
buy the walnut litter at the pet store. The quilt shop will charge you a lot more for the same thing. Now lets see some new pincushions.
1 comment
I checked online, you can get 5 quarts for as little as $3.00
57675✽
I use mason sand. It is like emery sand and almost as good at sharpening the pins/needles except much cheaper and very easy for me to get. Emery sand sells for $7 per pound online. I got 50 pounds of mason sand for $3. Now I can make pin cushions (I need LOTS of practice to make them look good lol) and let all my friends make them too.
7672✽
Have to admit that I've never made a pincushion. I just buy mine, but mostly use magnet holders for my pins. I use the pincushions for needles.
I always have so much to do that I don't take the time for things like pincushions.... but got a lot of ideas if I ever do make one!
MJDG
I always have so much to do that I don't take the time for things like pincushions.... but got a lot of ideas if I ever do make one!
MJDG
11329✽
by
debswebster
23 May 2012
+5✽
I have used linseed. My thoughts are that the rough stuffing may blunt pins and needles. Linseed is smooth and also has a good weight. I do however have the problem of loosing a few needles which go straight through if I am not careful.
122864✽
For some I use soft wadding, the type you stuff soft toys with, others I have used polystyrene balls caut to size and shape.
I also include a section of stainless steel scouring pad, which is used for sharpening and cleaning blunt or rusty pins. It works really well.
Keep up the questions Loralye, it is great reading everyone's answers.
Hugs n roses, Meganne
I also include a section of stainless steel scouring pad, which is used for sharpening and cleaning blunt or rusty pins. It works really well.
Keep up the questions Loralye, it is great reading everyone's answers.
Hugs n roses, Meganne
1 comment
thanks Meganne this is a good answer too! Hugs Loralye
38558✽
by
blueeyedblonde
23 May 2012
+5✽
I've never made one! I have a crocheted one my grandmother made me years ago and one of those little tomato shaped ones you buy. But I usually just use the container that I got some in one time.
I have found the answers very interesting. Might have to try one for myself.
I have found the answers very interesting. Might have to try one for myself.
299559✽
wow ladies some really interesting answers here! If you are going to buy this emery sand locally would you look for it @ a pet store too? Hugs Loralye Also the pellets are plastic right sew would that dull your pins? Just another question I suppose LOL
1 comment
I don't think pet stores would carry it. Just look online.
14208✽
Another great queston! Thanks to everyone for sharing! I learn so much on this site. Charla
15572✽
by
eyeztodiefor10
23 May 2012
+1✽
I use just regular poly stuffing. It works. I've never heard of walnut shells being used to keep pins and needles sharp. I'm getting old, sigh!
Meri
Meri
463429✽
My sewing teacher in college had us all make wrist pin cushions and stuff them with wools scraps. I still have mine. I thought the wool was to sharpen the pins but maybe it was to prevent rusting.
2 links:
[1]
Pin cushion ideas and tutorials
www.artistshelpingchildren.org
[2]
Discussion about pin cushion stuffing
www.flickr.com
360671✽
4586✽
by
fabricfairy
24 May 2012
0✽
I only ever use Steel wool , best thing to use keeps your pins clean and shsrp , I love making puncushions . Cathy
67271✽
I read walnut shells were bad if someone has a allergy to nuts. Something to think about.