How to Make Pincushions

In the 1300's metal pins were expensive and scarce, so people began carrying pins around in special containers. These traveling pin carriers became quite fashionable in the 1400's. In the 1700's the popularity of pin containers was replaced by pin pillows, which are much like the pincushions we know and use today.

PIncushions are a charming and important part of our sewing history. You can learn more about the history of pincushions, as well as see photos of some of these early pin containers on the blog From These Hands.

I just couldn't resist adding this nostalgic tomato pincushion. It's just like the one my grandmother had in her sewing basket for years and years. As a little girl, I used to love using the little emery attachment to sharpen all of my grandmother's pins. Just looking at this tomato pincushion brings back so many warm and comforting memories.

This has become the image most of us associate with the word pincushion. The classic tomato pincushion with strawberry pin sharpener.