Needle-Sharpening Pincushion

Whether you make your own pincushion, or you buy one, a pincushion is just a pincushion, right? There's nothing that defines what the perfect pincushion is. Different people have different tastes, even when it comes to such an ordinary thing. But is one pincushion better than another? You might be able to say that one pincushion is prettier than another, or that one is larger or smaller than another, but better? Is there such a thing as a pincushion that actually improves the state of your pins and needles? Makes them sharper? If you could find such a pincushion wouldn't it be the best one for you? Of course it would, and you might be interested to know that you can easily make that perfect pincushion.

When you use steel wool you create a pincushion that will keep your pins and needles just as sharp as they can be. You can purchase steel wool at a home improvement store and it's not expensive. Another option is to purchase boxed steel wool pads - but not the type that has soap. Using ordinary steel wool pads makes it quick and easy to create the sharpening pincushion.

If you're using a steel wool pad, use one or more. If you're using other steel wool, wad some up to create the size you want for the pincushion. Use lightweight or medium-weight fabric and set the steel wool on it. Draw around the steel wool, making it slightly larger than the actual pad, and cut out two of these pieces.

Stack the two pieces of fabric so that their right sides face each other. To sew it, start on one long side, a few inches from the corner. Sew over to the corner, and around all the other corners. When you turn the fourth corner, sew an inch or so, then stop. Use the opening remaining to turn the steel wool cover right-side-out.

Stuff the little pillow with the steel wool pad or wad and then sew the opening shut. After that, the pincushion is ready to use. Just stick hand needles, sewing needles, and pins, into the pincushion to sharpen them. The steel wool works well to not only remove oils or any stickiness, but to actually sharpen the metals, too. Now, when you sew, you'll have the most perfect needles and pins you could possibly have.