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Shannon Fraser Designs

Spreading quilty joy one stitch at a time!

Big Stitch Hand Quilted Pin Cushion

February 21, 2017 by Shannon 3 Comments

Turn your fabric leftovers into something sweet and meaningful! This big stitch hand quilted pincushion uses scraps from the Playtime quilt made with the Playground fabric collection, transforming treasured remnants into a cozy, functional keepsake. It’s like a scrapbook in pincushion form—a perfect reminder of past makes and a fun way to play with fabric scraps. Ideal for scrap sewing, hand quilting projects, and anyone looking to make the most of their stash!

Ever need to break free and just have a fun sewing session? Well, this is exactly what this adorable big stitch hand-quilted pincushion was all about for me! A fun, no hassle, give things a trim and just go with my gut kind of a sewing session.

That’s what today’s post is all about – sewing for the fun of it, and using up your fabric scraps!

Inspired by the joy of playing with fabric scraps, this handmade pincushion is a mini quilt project full of personality. Featuring big stitch hand quilting and pieces left over from the Playtime quilt (using the whimsical Playground fabric collection), it's a playful reminder of creative moments past. A perfect DIY sewing idea for scrap lovers and slow stitchers alike!

This post contains affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission.

The story behind the big stitch hand-quilted pincushion

It all started back in the fall of 2016 when I designed my Playtime quilt. I had some little scraps left over that just kept calling my name. They were so cute and so irresistible I just had to stitch them up.

Playtime Quilt by Shannon Fraser Designs featuring Playground fabric collection by Amy Sinibaldi for Art Gallery Fabrics. #quiltsinthewild #quilting
Shown above is the Playtime Quilt I made featuring the Playground fabric collection.

Quilting without a plan

There was absolutely no plan!

I just grabbed my little scraps and started sewing them in pairs. Then I sewed the pairs together. I thought they needed a little frame, and so I added the top and bottom strips.

  • It was simple.
  • It was carefree.
  • And it made me ridiculously happy!

I added it to my design wall (learn how to make your own in this tutorial) and that’s where my little patchwork sat for…months.

Use up your leftover quilting fabric in the sweetest way! This hand sewn pincushion features big stitch quilting and scrap fabric from the Playtime quilt. It’s a charming, mini quilt project that brings new life to old favorites.

Mulling my quilty options!

I would look at it and think “oh, such a cutie! What am I going to do with you?”. Yes, I talk to my blocks! Don’t tell me I’m the only one?! 😉

I couldn’t fathom how I was going to use her up. Would I create more just like her? Or add her into some sort of larger scrappy quilt?

And then, last week in the midst of lots of pattern testing, I just needed some fun sewing. I needed to break out of all the quilting math and precisely following instructions and just let loose – quilty style.

The little patchwork caught my eye and had me wanting to create a project that would just focus on her simplicity; on the sheer joy that little block was giving me. That’s how this little pin cushion got started!

Create something sweet with your fabric leftovers! This hand quilted pincushion is made with scraps from the Playtime quilt using the Playground fabric collection. Big stitch quilting brings texture and meaning, turning scraps into a sentimental sewing room accessory.

Adding texture with big stitch hand quilting

I decided to add some texture and detail with some bit stitch hand quilting detail using 12wt Aurifil thread in the colour Pale Pink #2410.

On the back side, I stitched together some linen scraps and added some more big stitch hand-quilting details there. Using 12wt Aurifil thread in the colour Pale Pink on the beige linen and DMC pearl cotton thread #8 in the colour Ecru on the coral linen.

A pincushion that tells a story—this quilted beauty is made from fabric scraps saved from the Playtime quilt, featuring the Playground fabric line. With cozy big stitches and handmade charm, it’s a perfect small project for scrap lovers and hand sewing fans.

Finishing details

From there, it was just a matter of stitching the front and back together, leaving a little opening for the filling. I finally got to use some of the crushed walnut shells I bought wayyy back in early 2016! Plus I added some small cotton batting scraps to give her a soft pillowy feel. Not sure if that is even appropriate or whether it will dull my needles, but it seemed more in line with a scrappy project than pulling out some fresh poly fill. Ever tried that yourself? Let me know if there is a reason it shouldn’t be done.

For all my top tips on making your own pincushions, check out the DIY Pincushion Tutorial.

I really don’t need this pincushion, but it’s currently sitting on my sewing table bringing me immense joy! What can I say, it’s yet another example of how it’s the little things that mean the most.

Tiny scraps, big memories. This hand quilted pincushion was made using remnants from the Playtime quilt, sewn with big stitches for a cozy, homespun vibe. A perfect project for quilters who want to keep the joy of past makes close at hand.
This big stitch quilted pincushion is a patchwork of memories! Made with leftover Playground fabric scraps from the Playtime quilt, it’s a beautiful example of slow stitching and sustainable sewing. Turn your fabric stash into something meaningful!

For more quilting inspiration, check out:

  • DIY Pincushion
  • DIY Quilt Label
  • DIY Dish Drying Mats
  • DIY Needleminder
  • DIY Design Wall

All in all, for me, the moral of the story is that sometimes your creative soul just needs a fun, impromptu sewing session to let your creativity shine through. And that’s what this cute big stitch hand-quilted pincushion meant for me!

I would love to hear about an unplanned project that has brought you tremendous joy and reminded you of the importance of just having fun!

Happy quilting my friends!

xo

Shannon


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Filed Under: Notions, Quilting Tagged With: Art Gallery Fabrics, Fabric Scraps, Hand Quilting, Notions, Pincushions

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Comments

  1. Izzy says

    February 25, 2017 at 1:11 pm

    She is indeed a cutie!! Love the hand quilting – such a fun and personal detail. I did a couple of pink mug rugs on a whim one day and I have to say, they make me incredibly happy! I use one of them every time i go to my sewing room and just setting my coffee cup on it makes me smile. 🙂

    Reply
    • Shannon says

      March 2, 2017 at 5:42 pm

      Isn't that the best feeling, Izzy! Especially when the happiness is stemming from something you created yourself 🙂

      Reply
  2. Jenni says

    December 27, 2017 at 10:07 am

    Cushions will utilize froth, water, gel and air, or a mix thereof to fill their need. FR Base Valance

    Reply

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Hi! I'm Shannon. A modern quilt pattern designer based in Montreal. My quilting journey started by stumbling upon a half square triangle tutorial and I've been hooked since. I'm now spreading that quilty joy to you! Read More…

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