Pin Cushion Finish

 

Materials

• Thread for backstitching and joining panels (I used 1 strand of WDW Juniper)
• Crushed walnut shells OR alternative filling material
• Lightweight fusible interfacing (optional)
• Linen for the base of the pin cushion (MUST be the same count as the linen used for the top and border)

Step 1

Backstitch a border (over 2 threads if stitching on linen) around the edge of the strawberry design, shown as a solid line on the chart.  Then, repeat on another piece of linen for the base of the cushion.  Ensure the 2 backstitched areas, for the top and base, are exactly the same dimensions (55 x 55 stitches)!  Now, backstitch the border for the side design (also shown on chart as a solid line, 220 x 17 stitches).  Trim the excess linen to leave approximately ½ an inch from the backstitched lines.

Step 2

Add lightweight fusible interfacing to the reverse of the linen, just inside of the backstitched line.  I find this helps add structure and provides an extra barrier for the walnut shells that I use (the interfacing is not strictly necessary, particularly if you use wadding or similar for your filler).  Then, firmly finger press along all the backstitched lines to create a crisp edge.

Step 3

Next, line up one end of the side design with the centre of the top of the strawberry design (either 27 or 28 stitches from the corner).  Whip stitch the seam by looping through each adjoining backstitch all around the edge until the two ends meet.  

Continue whip stitching down the seam of the side panel to complete the top of the cushion. 

Step 4

I find aligning the base with the top is easiest starting at a corner so I counted the same number of stitches away from the join/seam of the side design (27 in my case) before starting my whip stitching again.

Step 5

With approximately an inch to go before your base is fully attached, pack in your filling material.  Then, stitch up the final section.