
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!

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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.

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.

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!

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.

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.


For more quilting inspiration, check out:
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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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. 🙂
Isn't that the best feeling, Izzy! Especially when the happiness is stemming from something you created yourself 🙂
Cushions will utilize froth, water, gel and air, or a mix thereof to fill their need. FR Base Valance