Pin 'n Clip Cushion (photo tutorial)

I made a number of pin cushions, and put them at different locations in my studio.  

A pin cushion by the sewing machine, at the layout table, and the ironing station.  

Because I make weighted pin cushions--they are great for using 2-3-4 at a time to weight a quilt on the layout table so the quilt doesn't slip and fall off the table when I am trimming and squaring prior to installing binding.  My queen size quilts are  92 x 104 and weigh about 7 lbs.

I am late to the game using clips instead of pins.  I see lots of reasons to use them, especially when sewing vinyl, or bulk upholstery fabrics to build purses.  No finger picks, for sure!

Photo above is Step 1 - Cut two 7" squares.  

Step 2 - Divide 1 of the red squares diagonally.  Set aside.

Step 3 - Cut a strip of fabric 2" wide.

Step 4 - from the 2" wide strip, cut 7" lengths.

Then, take one of the 7" strips and turn edges 1/2" and press.  The strip is now 6" long.

Step 5 - Fold strip in half lengthwise, and Press the 6" strip 

Step 6 - Lay the 6" strip on top of

the diagonal cut of one of the red triangles.

Step 7 - Place the other red triangle on top.  Stitch 1/4" along the diagonal.

Step 8 - At left, press open.  We are calling this unit "the top".  The top unit at this point will measure 6" square.

Step 9 - 

Place the top unit evenly on top of the other red square.

Step 10 - on 1 side, with a pen make two marks 3" apart.   The 3" opening will make it possible to turn the pin cushion right side out and to stuff it.

Step 11 - stitch 1/4" around the perimeter, except for the 3" opening.

Trim excess fabric, and be sure to leave the 1/4" seam allowance.

Turn pin cushion right side out.

Step 12 - Press the pin cushion

I fill the 3" opening of the pin cushion with 12 tablespoons of crushed walnut shells, (or fill pin cushion half-full).  You may substitute dry rice, or dry beans instead of crushed walnut shells.

Good News About Walnut Shells: bagged crushed walnut shells are available from your pet supply store (reptile bedding material).  Walnut shells add weight, and also keep pins sharp.  

The remaining area of the bag can be filled with fabric trimming scraps, polyester toy stuffing, or hand torn whifs of cotton batting.  

I closed the 3" opening by hand sewing with needle and matching thread.  A whip stitch will do.  Because I am using a finer crushed walnut fill-I stitch the 3" opening TWICE.  

Here is the finished weighted pin n clip cushion.

Other designs on the internet: I especially like the longer rectangle, several strips of fabric were sewn into multiple seams. 

Look at this great mini pin cushion made out of wool.  I probably is attached with sticky adhesive velcro tabs.  I love it!