Bombshell’s Panorama

How to Make Thumb Pin Cushions

February 25, 2007 at 10:57 pm 4 comments

Well, I promised to show you how to make the Thumb Pin Cushions. This is my first “how to”, so if you have any questions, please ask me!

Step 1. Cut a template from cardstock. Template: 3inch circle. Use the template to mark the circles on the fabric. I use a #2 pencil to trace.

Step 2. I like to use small prints. Next run a gathering stitch around the outside edge of fabric, basically you are making a stuffed yo-yo. Gather up the edge but do not cut your thread. Stuff the gathered yo-yo, until firm. Now use the needle and thread to finish gathering and securing the yo-yo.

Step 3. Drill two small holes in the top of bottle cap, approx. 1/4 inch diameter. I have use a electric drill and a hand push-type drill to make the holes. Cut a piece of elastic 5 1/2 inches in length. Insert both ends of elastic into holes, pull through and adjust to your thumb size. Make a knot in the elastic; cut off loose ends of elastic.

Step 4. Put a good size pool of hot glue in the cap and then push the stuffed yo-yo into the bottle cap. Decorate the outside of your bottle cap with matching ribbon; hot gluing the ends on the cap. Then cover the joining ends with a button, bow, or whatever. Now put 4 to 6 small colored ball pins into the finished pin cushion; I use matching ball pins to fabric. It’s done!

Here are some examples of the color themes I have used. Strawberry print with green or red ribbon and a vintage red button, with red ball pins.

A lilac flowered print with either green/lilac flower edging or a lilac bow. Use white ball pins.

A dark green flower print with blue ribbon and a blue ribbon flower/blue butterfly.

I sell these thumb pin cushions for $1.00 at the flea market where I work (in a glass case). When I go to an estate or garage sales, I pick up the little pieces of small print and scraps of ribbon for this project. I sit and make the pin cushions when I am watching tv in the evening.  I usually accomplish some of the steps in mass, such as, drill the holes in a bunch of caps, cut circles, sew and stuff the yo-yo’s,  and cut the elastic. Then I can sit down with the mass of parts and make the finished product. I also use colored elastic, which I pick up at sales or buy in bulk lots on Ebay.

Speaking of Flea Markets, I am currently putting together a small book on the resale trade. The often changed and temporary title is “The Art of Resale by a Insane Crazed Addict”. I grew up following my mother around at garage sales, church sales, etc. in the 60’s, when thrifting wasn’t cool! My daughters grew up following me to garage sales, church sales, etc. in the 1980’s, thrifting still wasn’t cool! However, they were dressed in the latest fad clothes (you know like Guess Jeans, Slouch Socks, etc.) that I picked up for pennies on the dollar (being a single mother and all). And now in 2000’s they are taking their daughters to garage sales, church sales, etc, BUT now it’s cool!! And I think that is fantastic!! Our consumer society throws away too many good items, most which are barely used.

Remember that someone you know needs a smile! Maybe a hug!

Entry filed under: Daily Panorama, How To's.