The pincushion thread catcher that my mom gave me years ago is my sewing table’s best friend. Yeah, I know it seems a little grandma-ish but it’s no surprise that I’m a big fan of things that are both clever and cute.
A pincushion thread catcher is basically a weighted pincushion on top like this…
…that anchors your own little trashcan for stray threads and empty thread spools that you throw in here like so…
Convenient, yes?
I made this red pincushion thread catcher thank you gift for my friend Susan who let me deeply dip into her fabric stash while getting ready for the 2008 Renegade Craft Fair. Yep, I said 2008. That makes this thank you gift 18 months late. Terrible, I know. But better late than never.
I reverse-engineered my mom’s pattern, doubled the pin cushion size, and voila! An easy free tutorial for how to make a pincushion thread catcher. Keep reading to make your own!
Supplies for how to make your own pincushion thread catcher:
- 1/2 yard outside fabric (Susan’s is red, white and black flowers)
- 1/2 yard lining fabric (Susan’s is black)
- Thread
- Good fabric scissors
- Pillow stuffing
- Two metal door hinges to use as weights (from the hardware store)
- Plastic clothes line to use as boning (optional)
- Wire cutters
(if you use the clothes line boning)
- Self-healing mat
, rotary cutter
and clear plastic ruler
- Good iron like Rowenta
- Sewing machine
NOTE: All seams are 1/2″.
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Cut your pieces
NOTE: All seams are 1/2″.
Use your self-healing mat, rotary cutter
and clear plastic ruler
to cut out the following pieces:
Outside fabric (the red flowers)
- Pincushion: Cut one 9″ x 10″ rectangles
- Straps: Cut two 4″ x 3 1/2″ rectangles
- Bag: Cut one 17 1/2″ x 11″ rectangle
Lining (black)
- Bag: Cut one 17 1/2″ x 11″ rectangle
Make the pincushion
Fold the straps in half and sew a 1/2″ seam.
Maneuver the seam to the center and press the seam open. Turn right side out and ensure the seam is on the back of the strap (rather than on one of the sides or the front).
Put the pincushion piece face up on your table. Place the straps 1.5″ from each side of the pincushion piece on one of the 9″ long sides.
Fold right sides together, sandwiching the two straps inside.
Sew the pincushion shut, leaving about 3″ open on one of the short sides so that you can turn it right side out. Trim the corners a bit but not too close.
Turn the bag right side out through the opening. Press your fingers into the corner.
Press flat and set aside.
Make the bag
Fold the bag in half right sides together. Sew the side seam.
Press the seam open and move it to the center like you did above for the straps. Sew the bottom seam.
Make your thread catcher basket bottom by creating a triangle where the side seam meets the bottom. Your triangle should be 1 1/2″ wide with the seam flattened open. Mark with a pencil and sew across the bottom of the triangle.
Turn the bag right side out to see how it creates a soft bottom.
Make the bag lining
Basically you do the same thing here as the bag outside with one important difference: You leave a hole in the side seam so that you can turn all of this stuff rightside out.
Like the bag outside fold right sides together. But instead of sewing the entire seam, starting from the top, sew 4″ of the side seam. Backstitch.
Then go to the bottom and sew 2″ of the sides seam.
See the hole? This is important later.
Now just repeat what you did for the bag outside to finish off this lining. Sew the bottom seam.
Sew 1-1/2″ triangles on the bottom to create a soft bottom.
Stop here though …leave the lining with the right side in, wrong side out.
Attach the pincushion to the bag
Line up the pincushion straps on the back of the bag. The back of the bag should be facing (touching) the back of the straps (so in other words, the seam-side of the bag and the seam-side of the straps should be touching each other).
Sew the straps to the bag.
Attach the bag outside / pincushion straps to the bag lining
So your bag is right side out and your lining is right side in. This is going to sound weird, but put your bag inside your lining matching up the back seams, and pin. See how the right sides are together? Eventually you’re going to pull this through the lining hole that you made.
Make sure your straps are tucked between the lining outside and lining inside. Sew all the way around to attach the bag outside to its lining.
Pay no attention to my messy sewing table 🙂 Turn the pincushion right side out through the lining hole.
Add in the clothesline boning (optional)
So while this step is optional it helps your thread catcher bag stay open and generally makes the whole thing look nicer.
Cut a 17″ piece of plastic clothes line using wire cutters.
Make a circle with the clothes line and secure raw edges with a piece of tape.
Slip the circle inside the lining hole and work it up to the top of the bag. Secure with pins.
Sew around the bag close to the “boning.”
It looks great like this!
Stuff and weight the pincushion
Now my mom’s pincushion was filled with sand, but I’ve read that sand can dull pins. I picked up a couple door hinges for 89 cents each at the local hardware store to use as weights. Then I secured them together using floral wire.
Slip the hinges into the bottom of the pincushion.
Stuff the pincushion with polyfill, keeping the hinges on the bottom as weights with the polyfill on top and on the sides.
Hand sew the pincushion closed using a slipstitch.
Close the bag
Hand sew the opening inside the bag closed using a slipstitch.
Be sure to pin it for later:
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Love to sew? Here are more top free sewing projects:
How to sew a fabric headboard slipcover with a fun little pocket
Baby sunhat free sewing pattern with ruffles and ties
Extra long baby bib free sewing pattern for toddler-sized spills
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Copyright stuff: You’re more than welcome to use this free project and tutorial for personal use. Contact me for commercial use and etsy sales.
Hi i am turkish. your handmade workings very nice.I am interested in sewing. I liked his ideas. My English is not very good sorry.
This is smart and beautiful. Well done.
Whoa… this is fantastic! Thank-you so much for sharing this. What a great gift! I’ll be linking.
Thanks, Rachel! I love your site and appreciate the link!!
Very lovely and functional too!
Thanks for this great tute! I might have to make one soon. Like tonight. 🙂
I’ve seen these and think they are wonderful and so useful! I always move my trashcan right next to me, so how great to have it attached to the pin cushion! Great idea using hinges, too! I will have to dig though the garage for things I can reuse! I think I’ll be making one for myself and several others for gifts! Thanks for the great tutorial!
Wow! What a great idea! That’s so convenient! I’m always trying to find a quick way to stash pins and throw away random piece of thread without making a mess. Love this!
I made my mom a similar one for mothers day. She’s been admiring mine for months! I have sand, hadn’t thought about it dulling the pins. The one my friend gave me has buttons to hold the straps to the bag. It might be something to think about adding. I like that I can un-attach the bag and take the pin cushion to the couch or ironing board. Here’s a picture of it: http://mamabeefromthehive.blogspot.com/2009/12/gift-from-my-neighbor.html
I like the buttons, and thanks for sharing the link. Where in Southern Indiana are you from?
What? You mean you’re not just supposed to sweep your threads and scraps down on to the floor to deal with later???
I linked to your tutorial on Craft Gossip Sewing:
http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-make-a-thread-catcher-pincushion/2010/05/14/
–Anne
Thanks, Anne! That’s fantastic 😀 I appreciate you helping to “pass it on”…
This is brilliant! I was just thinking the other day while I was at my sewing machine that there ought to be a way to discard all the little threads without having an obtrusive trashcan sitting there (my sewing machine sits at my dining room table). This is DEFINITELY going on my “to make” list!
Very nice idea. Love the one with the buttons added too, easier to empty the trash lol.
This is exactly what I need! Thank you so much for sharing. This tutorial is very nicely done and I am looking forward to making this, and also to reading through the rest of your site. Thanks again for sharing!
Thanks, Millie! I appreciate your comment and welcome your feedback on the tutorial when you use it. I checked out your blog and maybe I’ll have to dust off my serger and try it again …never seem to get the tension right. Thanks again!
Thanks for posting this! I just made one for my mom, and I have another one on my to-do list for myself b/c I liked it so much:
http://helbyshatch.blogspot.com/2010/07/keeping-clean.html
Thanks again!
Love the fabric, Helby, and I’m sure your mom does too! Thanks so much for telling me about it 🙂
My husband would love for me to make this! Every time I sew anything, I never get my thread tossed in the waste basket! This would give me no excuses 🙂
My husband would love for me to make this! Ever time I sew, my threads never seem to make it into the waste basket and more often than not, collect on the floor! This would give me no excuses 🙂 Thanks 🙂
I love this idea, great tutorial too. I am going to make this for sure!
I want to try one of these. it would work great to replace the gross one I have now.
Thanks for posting this tutorial. I had one of these many years ago but somehow someone sometime got rid of it for me. I’ll be making one and let you know how it turns out.
I also put a magnet on the pad for needles.
Hi Charlotte, I love your magnet idea. Would love to see how you work that piece of it out.
I made one of these last night and I love it. I didn’t have clothesline and didn’t want to wait to finish it so I used a cool whip container lid lip (the part that goes over the bowl to give the bag structure and keep it open. Works like a charm. Also used some pea gravel from the garden in a snack size ziplock bag for a weight. Just had to make sure to get the stuffing in pretty good so I dont try to stick a pin in the rocks.
I have a smaller version and I believe this will work better. It does not look complicated and I think the larger size will work much better. Thanks for sharing.
I have been unable to download the web site page with all the info on how to make the pincushion, which is darling. Is there someway you can send me the tutorial.
Thanks
La Velda B
Hi, Thanks for the great pattern. It will be really useful. I have been looking for something like this for some time. I usually just have a plastic shopping bag taped to the table and a piece of felt stuck on my work surface for the pieces of cotton. Your idea is so much better. Thank again Janet
Fine sand will not dull a needle or pin, but will instead help to keep it sharp. I have a very old pincushion that is filled with fine sand and it helps a lot to keep the pins in good condition. Ifyou want to include a magnet, I would make a removable one by glueing a round magnet to athe bottom of a large button and after sewing the bag, but before you turn it, use fabric glue to glue another magnet near the corner before you turn the pincushion. Then the magnet can sit on the corner of the pincushion and be right at hand. Or ifyou have a strip magnet, use that along the seam edge of the cushion.
I plan on trying this when I get my machine back from the shop.
Thanks for the tip, Toni. Do you have any suggestions of the best kind of fine sand to use? Happy sewing!
I would imagine you could use that fine sand found in craft shops for those colored sand designs – you know the ones where you pour layers of colored sand in a clear container and poke it down the sides to make a design. Aquarium shops sell sand for marine tanks that is a bit finer, also..not the gravel for freshwater tanks as that may be a bit coarse. Also sand would provide some weight. I also had a thought that you could use the sand and add some of those glass rocks or even the pebbles that are used in vases and see if that woud add weight if you can’t get to a hardware store and want one right away. 🙂 Have fun.
this is just about the best idea ever!!!! i usually just let my thread fall on the floor, but this looks much better.
Your pattern calls for 2 – 9X5 for the pincushion piece. I only see you using 1 piece. What do you do with the second one.
Thank you
@Pat: Ack! It’s a typo. I have corrected it. Thanks for pointing it out and enjoy your pincushion!
I am having a really hard time fixing the pincushion part. I just can’t figure it out. I cut it 9X5 . I really don’t know what I am doing wrong. It just doesn’t look like yours it is smaller. HELP!!!!
Hi Pat, I re-read it and the issue is all me. You see, I was going back and forth about (1) cutting two rectangles for the pincushion and sewing them together or (2) cutting one large rectangle and folding it in half. I do these during my daughter’s nap times across days, and it looks like I wrote the “cut pieces” part for two rectangles but did the directions for one rectangle. Sigh. It is corrected now.
So here’s what to do: Cut a piece 9×10 and follow my directions. OR, if you’re running short on fabric, use your seamripper and unfold your 9×5 rectangle. Cut another 9×5 rectangle and when you sew the side seams they will attach together. So sorry about the confusion and when you’re done, please share a photo with me via email or on Flickr at http://www.flickr.com/groups/merrimentdesign/ Thanks!!
Thank you so much for this pattern! I made these for all my sewing friends for Christmas! Now, just need to make time to make one for myself:) Your directions are super clear, thanks for posting such good pictures along with it. The only modification I made was that I used sand in the pillow instead of hinges. Thanks again for the useful pattern!
Hello. I was so happy to stumble upon your excellent site. I am not computer savvy, but the treadcatcher helped me focus on small steps to reclaiming my creative mind. I took fabric, sand and clothesline to my quilt group and we all made one, hands on. You are a hit! Our pincushions were smaller and we used
heavier home dec fabric, so no lining was required. This is my first venture into cyber sewing, but I’m hooked. We cut the rope with scissors. Thanks.
Hey Sandy, that’s great! Thanks so much for letting me know – it’s a great way to end the day today. Please come back again soon 🙂
Love your tutorial. I received a similar one as a gift. It is smaller, but does the job. Mine has that “footie pajama” rubber fabric on the bottom of the pin cushion to keep it from slipping off the table. Will be making one using your pattern, but adding the rubber fabric. Thanks.
Hi Lois, I like the idea of the rubber fabric on the bottom. Would love if you would share a photo on our brand new flickr “I made it!” group :: http://www.flickr.com/groups/merrimentdesign/
Found your website and used your pattern to make a thread catcher for when I go to scrapbooking classes!
You can see the finished article here
http://debs14.blogspot.com/2011/02/creative-afternoon.html
Hi Deb, thank you for sharing – very cute. Would you please link to my pattern in your post? Many thanks! You’re also welcome to upload to our brand new flickr “I made it!” album: http://www.flickr.com/groups/merrimentdesign/
I love the fabric you used and who would have guessed – door hinges! I’m including this in my Friday Favorites this week!
I love the fabric you used for this. And who would have guessed – door hinges! I’m including this in my Friday Favorites this week!
that’s a great idea!
Thanks for pattern.
funny way to weight !
Bye
Thanks for your super easy tute! I did it in a day and it looks marvelous! Giving it as a birthday pressie to the lady who taught me sewing! 🙂
Pictures on my Tumblr!
Thanks, Ruth! I tweeted your tumbler post – would love if you posted your pic to the Merriment flickr group! http://www.flickr.com/groups/merrimentdesign/
Thank you so much for the free pattern. It is very easy to follow and I am very happy with my final product! Thank you again 🙂
I just made one of these for my mom for Mother’s Day. It was super quick to finish. The instructions were pretty good, as long as you used a bit of common sense and had a little bit of sewing experience.
Your tutorial is excellent and so much fun! I just finished my threadcatcher / pincushion and I can’t wait to put it to good use. Thank you very much for sharing.
Thanks so much for this. I was at a shop last week and I tried to buy this pincushion but was told it was not for sale. I would love to make it but I’m new to quilting. Is it difficult?
It’s pretty straightforward – hardest part is probably deciding what you want to weight it down with. There are also some tips in the comments from other readers. Give it a try!!
Thanks for the great clear tutorial! I’m making mine without the pincushion because I need it to sit under my serger which is already on a mouse pad as a silencer. So I just won’t stuff it and will tuck the flat part under the mouse pad. I’m also hunting a substitute for the clothesline to hold the bag open. Some kind of plastic strapping would work well – if I can find it! Or maybe coat hanger wire…
Hi,
I just wanted to say THANK YOU!!!!!!! You did a GREAT job on the tutorial!! I’m a VERY VERY VERY VERY (did I mention VERY!?) visual learner and usually can NOT learn how to do things unless someone actually shows me. ADD to that that I’m BRAND NEW to sewing. I’ve actually taken one quilting class and done the one quilt that I just finished.
Your tutorial is FABULOUS and I was totally able to make this (and in fact, made two more today! LOL)
I hope you feel it was worth it for you to take the time to do this (and I know it must have taken a lot of time) because *I* sure do. You totally made my day!! (By the way, I’m turning 40 next week… You CAN teach an old dog new tricks!! lol)
I loved this project! It’s so cute and useful! Here’s a link to my Deviant Art page where I posted a picture. Thanks!
http://ahngee.deviantart.com/#/d3k3t5l
Hey Angie, it turned out great! Thanks so much for sharing the photo. Wanna put it on our flickr group too? http://www.flickr.com/groups/merrimentdesign/
I’m sewing one right now! if you’d like to see pics when I’m done check out my blog later on today!!
Steph
I just found this and it’s EXACTLY what I’ve been looking for! I can’t wait to try it. Thank you!!
Í liked the idea of a thread cather very much. So much that I made one for my own. I’ve put a picture of my version on my blog http://nynkestone.blogspot.com/2011/02/thread-cather.html with a link to this post.
Thank you for sharing this wonderfull idea and tutorial
I made one of these today!!! I didn’t use the pattern just the concept. It was a re-purpose of a shirt that my daughter outgrew. I loved the print so much I knew I’d want to make something out of it. The sleeves were these wide asian type style perfect to make the rectangle for the pillow. I cut the shirt at the rib cage and made a square for the bag. The bottom hem became the top edge of my bag saving me that extra step. Next I lined the bag with a clear plastic sheet protector because I hate when threads stick to the inside!! Which also kept me from needing to put in any boning or wire to hold it open. Lastly I used the shirts ties as the straps. Fast, easy and oh so handy 🙂 I’ll post a pic!!!
Wow Aleta, that is super handy of you. And such a nice memory too. I would LOVE to see it – you can post it on our flickr group: http://www.flickr.com/groups/merrimentdesign/
wow…just started another sewing course, and wanted a thread catcher! Found your pattern yesterday and just finished making my holder using 2 fat quarters in my stash. With not quite enough material to make a one colour pin cushion, I made the back to match my lining. Lined the pin cushion with muslin, and filled with rice. Raided my husband’s workshop and used a plastic cable tie around the top of bag. It wasn’t quite long enough, so I just put it around the back, sewing the ends shut at the front. It was 14″ long, and it holds the bag open with no problem!
Thank you for this pattern! It is perfect.
Hi Deborah, your pin cushion sounds really cute! And nice idea for the plastic cable tie for the top – clever. Would love if you would share any photos on our flickr group: http://www.flickr.com/groups/merrimentdesign/
Thank you so much for your great tutorial I have a few sewing buddies that I will be making these for for Christmas. Thank you again.
Exactly what I have been looking for! Made it up yesterday, used rice as a weight and funky fat quarters from my stash. Didn’t have enough to make pin cushion all one fabric, so back of pin cushion matches my lining.
Thank you for the awesome pattern. Of course one just won’t do….now I need another for my knitting area to catch those pieces of yarn!!!
Hi thanks so much for your free pattern. I love it and you are so generous for sharing.
Cheers
Tori
Thank you…thank you… thank you!!! I’ve seen these on several sites but I’ve found yours to be the simplest to make! Thank you for sharing your idea and for providing a great tutorial! =)
LOVE IT!!! I saw something similiar at a crafts fair… but didn’t like any of the fabric choices. Just made one in an afternoon!!! (Okay I need to follow directions better because I went to the store a few times. hehe)
Love that I can make it from left over scraps I have. I’m going to sew one for my mom and friend for Christmas! THANKS SO MUCH!!!! 🙂
Thanks so much for this tutorial. I am certainly going to make one of these to put beside my sewing machine. I hate having threads all over the place!
Thank you so much for this lovely tutorial.
I found it yesterday morning and pinned it on my Pinterest board. Seems very popular as its had lots of repins.
I managed to make one last night (although I cheated and machine stitch all the gaps rather than hand stitching them). Its fab and a very welcome addition to my sewing station. xxxx
Hi Liz, glad you could use the pattern and thanks so much for pinning! What is your name – I’ll follow you. And if you want to tweet me a photo of your pincushion I’ll share it with my twitter and Facebook followers. Thanks so much for commenting!
Many thanks for the Tutorial. I finished it today. I’m really pleased with how it turned out.
I’ve put photos of it on my blog if anyone is interested in taking a look: http://www.silverthimblescraftroom.blogspot.com
Lovely idea, very pretty ans useful. I made myself a pincushions for the arm as a voodoo doll, is funny. Hope you like!!
http://diyymas.wordpress.com/diy/alfi-voodoo/
Thanks for sharing this handy (and easy) tutorial! I am basically a beginner and I was able to put this thing together in just a short time. I wanted to find something that was on the easy-side, yet I still had to think (it took me a little while to figure out the triangles for the bag bottom). Then I cheated a little and had my husband weld the hinges together for me rather than tie them together with wire. Worked out great! For the outside fabric I used Amy Butler’s Trumpet Flowers in Pink. As I said before, I’m a beginner (this was my very first project) so I don’t have ANY scraps yet, so I had to buy some new fabric. Love it!
Hi – hope you don’t mind but I put a link to this thread catcher pattern & tutorial on the Friends of DMC Creative World Facebook page. I loved the easy tutorial and the fabric is so bright and cheerful.
Loved this! I blogged about how I upcycled materials around my house to make this and then submitted it to a contest for home decor. Cross your fingers for me! http://sew20something.wordpress.com/2012/05/18/we-all-sew-challenge/
I’m gonna guess that your mom’s pincushion wasn’t stuffed with sand, but with emory dust… it’s the same stuff as is found on emory boards. The emory dust actually cleans and sharpens your pins and needles. It’s the same stuff that’s in the little “strawberry” that’s attached to the classic tomato pincushions
Hi Katrina, thanks, you’re probably right …and now I’d love to find some for myself 😉 I googled it and am not seeing where to buy so if you have any shopping suggestions please let me know.
Made this the other day and just love it. What a great idea 🙂
I made this today (my first sewing project!). Instead of using clothesline I used zip ties with the ends cut off and stickytaped them together.
Im really chaffed after making this thread catcher. My first project since going back to sewing. I used the cable tie tip which worked a treat. I strip patched material from my old stash which turn out well. Thankyou very much for the tutorial.
My daughter sent me this link and begged me to make it. I haven’t really sewn much and not for many years. I took the challenge! It really came together nicely. You directions were easy to understand. I didn’t have any clothesline but while I was digging around to see if I had any hinges laying around I found some flat speaker wire – it worked wonders. Now I think I will make a few more for Christmas as well as one for myself as I can use it for threads, etc when cross stitching or other projects! Thanks for the wonderful project!
Hi Alise, that totally made my day! Thanks so much to both you and your daughter. And I’d love to see a picture if you want to share it on my Facebook page — http://www.facebook.com/merrimentdesign — it’s great to see how you’ve made the project your own. And thanks for commenting. Love to hear how projects turn out! (p.s. my daughter’s name is Elise)
Instead of clothesline, I used plastic cross stitch canvas. You can also use template plastic. Used aquarium gravel in the pin cushion – no weight needed.
I made this, this afternoon, they were made in a workshop at our quiling quild, but I didn’t belong yet, So I made one of my own and simple love it. Thank you soooo much
oops quilting not quiling
Love this, strong parcel strapping – the sort used on heavy parcels – is ideal for the top of the thread catcher. Thank you for a great tutorial.
I love this project and now have done it myself. I just blogged about it too. I am so happy with it. I have already started using it, right after I finished it, actually.
http://agardendersart.blogspot.com
Hello I saw this on Pinterest and just had to try it. I’m really new at sewing but was able to do this project. Thank you so much for the tutorial.
Thank you for this tute. I made one as a birthday gift for a sewing friend this afternoon. I used a leftover cut tile…was just right size…wrapped it in batting then filled with polyfill. Works for me.
Just finished making the thread catcher, your tut was very easy to follow, thank you! I used an old pocket from something I had taken apart and filled it with cat litter, a couple bolts …sewed the end up and wrapped in batting instead of hinge. Works great!
Hi Nanette, thanks for sharing! It makes me happy that you were able to use it and the cat litter and bolts is a creative filler. Feel free to share any photos of your creation at http://www.facebook.com/merrimentdesign
I absolutely love your tut! VERY EASY to follow. I have been wanting one of these since I saw them 2 years ago when I was introduced to quilting! I really was glad to find your site and glad that you made it so easy to make! I may re/up cycle my older pin cushions into the pincushion part. I don’t want to dull my pins with gravel or litter. Thanks again for making this available! You are very creative!
Wonderful !But I improved it a tad. I added emery sand to the pin cushion(this will weigh thepin cushion but most important emr sharpens your needles) Also I use an empy soda pop bottle about 10 oz.(cleaned and cut to fit the bag)this way I just pull out and empty when needed. Bottle should reach the top of bag emery sand and crushed walnut shells can be found at most large hardware U can also use crused walnut shells but emery sharpens best.
I used rice in my pin cushion, and on the bottom of the cushion I used rubberized material like shelf liner, it gives it a good grip on the table surface.
I do like your closeline boning better than the stuff I used.
Loved this tutorial! I just got a sewing machine for Christmas, and this was the first project I ever attempted. The finished product looks great, and I can’t wait to continue my sewing. 🙂
I have had this bookmarked for a while. Got my new Bernina for Christmas, and decided this would be my first project. Used crushed walnut shells to fill the pincushion, and put an plastic container inside to make it easier to empty. Thank you for a great tutorial
I read the instructions over and over and over again and was worried I’d screw it up. I spend a lot of time ripping out stitches in general.. lol… but this was super easy once I got started!!
Thanks for commenting, Megan! Glad that it all worked out in the end 🙂
I just saved the project. First time I have seen this. I think it is a great gift to pass around at quilt retreats. I just may make a handful of these for our next retreat..
Thank you Kathy for sharing your pattern, design & tutorial with us. I appreciate your generosity. 🙂
Thanks, Donna! Made my day to see your comment. So nice of you!
Thank you for this tutorial. A friend of mine has one of these. As soon as I laid my eyes on it I knew I needed one. Definitely going to make one. =)
Got this done w a minimum of difficulty! I used a really pretty bird fabric, and managed to get it upside down once! So my tip would be, think before sewing if you are using a directional fabric! I used a craft cord for the bag opening, which worked great, and I already had a spool of it. Not sure how I’m going to stuff the pincushion, I feel like rice might attract insects and sand would eventually begin working thru the fabric…. going to try hinges I think! Sure that the next one will go quicker than the first! Thanks!
I used rice in my first one. I put it inside a snack size baggie. Perfect fit and won’t attract bugs. If I ever need to wash the bag, I will just reopen the seam and remove.
I made this as my first ever sewing project and it took me about an hour and a half, I found the triangle quite tricky as I didn’t understand it at first, I did the first one and turned it out to take a look and then it became clear. I did sew my straps the wrong way so they were long instead of chunky – but that was ok too as I just chopped a bit off 🙂 I am now moving on to make an apron – thank you for the instructions as I have some much needed confidence and practice. I will add the pictures to the facebook – mine was the Basset Allsorts fabric mmm yum!
I would like to print this pattern out – so that I can make this wonderful craft – please send me a printable copy – Thanks
Hi Val, thanks for reaching out. Were you able to print it from your browser? Some printers let you “print to fit” so it will go on a page. I am in the process of re-designing my blog and part of the redesign is adding a way for my tutorials to print more easily. Thanks for the feedback!
I have one of these pincushion/tread catchers…and it is filled with white sand. It sits better and the sand helps to keep the pins more secure. It will hold more pins with the sand.
Hi Rebecca, thanks for the tip about the sand. Did you sew it up? I’m curious how you did that with the sand, if it’s tricky or straightforward?
Thanks so much for the pattern. I also found the triangle a bit tricky, but turned out okay. I made one of these today, 7/24/14. I used a rectangle sandbag covered in thick plastic, for my weight and an old thick computer cord instead of the plastic clothes line. It’s what I had and it worked well. I covered the sandbag in pretty red, black and white design cloth and the basket and straps as well and used black for the lining. I love it.
Hi Belinda, glad that the pattern worked for you! I like the sandbag idea, and using the computer cord is clever. If you’d like, please post a photo of it on facebook.com/merrimentdesign and I will share it with the group. I’d love to see it!
Kathy, The easiest way to use the sand for the pincushion is: Sew the pincushion part all around leaving about a 1 1/2 inch opening. Pour in the sand through a large funnel…making sure it is almost overfilled. Then proceed to close opening with very close hand stitching. To be really secure…stitch over opening twice.
I also used 3/8 in. flat boning instead of clothesline. It’s easier to sew the space first and then slide boning into the bag. I found this pin cushion and bag are great and I use it with my serger, all my machines, etc. It sits on any table and does not get in the way….
it’s really beautiful
Thank you, Hediye! Made me smile today 😀
Have one these made at a patchwork weekend. Had forgotten how to do it, so thankful when I came across this just now.
Mine has wheat filling pincushion ) provides weight, & the pins don’t seem to object.
Thanks for super clear instructions – grateful to have them again.
I have been wanting one of these for so long. Was going to try it on my own but I’m glad I didn’t. Your tute is great and I’m going to try it. I have been sewing for 70 tears, started sewing when I was six. Right now I am making clothes for kids in the Dominican Repulic and loving it. I am going to take a break and make this for myself. Thank you so much you are very generous.
Thanks for posting such a great tutorial. I am new at sewing and am teaching myself as I go. I found this project relatively easy and was extremely proud of my result. Thanks again!
Read the full article here.
thanks for the great tutorial. Been wanting to do this for a while. Just finished it in pink and brown zebra stripe. I live in South Africa and found the fabric appropriate. Sunday afternoon project. Done.
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I just love your site! So many fresh and easy things to make.
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I use sand for the pin cushion, but make an inner bag out of some left over cotton sheeting. It is safer this way as you would have to tear/cut through two layers before the sand leaks ;). Sand keeps your pins sharp. Also I used boning for stiffening the edge but the clothes line or cable tie is a good idea.
I made a similar bag from a pattern I got from a resale source. It was a bit different. Had a weighted 5 inch square that the pincushion was glued to and a magnet strip glued between the pincushion and the edge. The attachment strips had velcro to attach the thread bag and plastic aquarium tubing was used to hold the top of the bag. I also made one without the pincushion and magnet to use under my serger. I used 4 to 6 large washers and then metal wood connectors for weights, both inexpensive by the package. I made a set of them for both of my daughters, need to make one with a pincushion for my grand-daughter.
Still learning so cannot send photos.
I made one of these for a class I taught at JoAnn’s Fabric yea about 2008. Used sand as my weight and cushion. Sand will keep your pins sharp and clean. Great idea. Thanks for a trip down memory lane.
Great tutorial!! Just recently began sewing again after a 13 year break from it. I had forgotten just how much I love sewing. I finished it in about 1 1/2 hours and it will make a wonderful additon to my sewing room Love your site!
Have made two of these but one has tubing and the other does not, both have rice in the pin cushion. Works well, the rice wicks any moistness away from your pins. Love the thread catcher cause I am a pig. I am getting ready to make daughter-in-law some for her new sewing room. Thank you for this neat and easy pattern!
Hi Bev, thanks for the feedback! I never thought of rice before, interesting and I’d like to try that. Thanks so much for commenting!
Thank you for the pattern. Our quilt group of friends made these recently and we used a package of ground nut shells (12 0z. bag) purchased at a quilt shop, instead of sand. Also, one lady went to the pet store and purchased several dog leashes. She cut these into 18″ lengths for straps to go inside the thread catcher, instead of clothes line. We made a loop with the strap, overlapped it by 1/2″ on both ends, and sewed it a little. Her idea worked well, looks very nice, and the top edge can bend without breaking when we take our thread catcher to workshops.
Thanks Judy, for that idea! The dog leashes is a great idea, super smart and clever to use that. If you want to share any photos of your thread catchers, please post them at facebook.com/merrimentdesign Also, I am just about to sew my first quilt! Any tips you have, pass them along 🙂
Hi! I am making one of these. The instructions are great but I would like to make a suggestion. Could you please add which sides are the sides and top? Something like, “put the long sides together for the top and the short side for the side seam”. I am having trouble deciding which sides to use as top or bottom and sides in the little wastebasket. Someone may have already posted that but I haven’t seen that anywhere as of yet.
Thank you!
Thanks, Karla! That’s a great suggestion, thank so much for sharing that and yes, I will add it in. Please let me know if you have more ideas! Kathy
I love this pincushion thread catcher, it’s so handy and cute! It’s really cool you used your mother’s pincushion thread catcher to make your own pattern. It’s even more cool that you made it into a free tutorial, so we can all try to make it! Thank you for that 🙂
I featured your tutorial on my blog, click here to see it.
Oh wow…the plastic clothesline idea is worth the pin alone!!! I’ve been using embroidery hoops from the thrift stores and they are starting to get hard to find in the right size!!!
My girlfriend and I made these today from scraps. We didn’t have clothesline but did have some underwire from an old bra. We used the glass beads used by florists to give weight in vases. Worked perfectly. She made hers 17.5 x 9 as she wanted it a bit smaller. We r thrilled. Thanks for this flawless tutorial.
You could also use a small subway tile for weight in your pin cushion
I love using the hinges as the weight! When stuffing the pin cushion use steel wool. Every time your pin goes in. it gets sharpened by the steel wool. Thank you so much for the How To.
Hi Linda, thanks for the steel wool tip! I didn’t know that so thanks and I’ll try that next time I make a pincushion. If you want to share your own creation, post a photo at facebook.com/merrimentdesign and I’ll share it with the group.
I got this pattern several years ago, however with a few different steps. I used sand in the pin cushion so it was weighted with sand and used to sharpen and smooth pins at one time. It worked great. I have also enlarged for a friend that scrapbooks and it was real handy for her. I love the pin cushion with the thread bag attached.
I forgot to add, I used the strapping that comes on postal packages. It worked great and gave the bag great support.
I keep turning around to drop my thread in the trash can. Can you say pain in the you know what?
I also use a small magnetic bowl for my pins as I pull them out of the material as I sew. This will work out just fine. I hear sand paper or Brillo pads will work as a sharpener. As far as weight? Maybe a small sack of crushed corn or rice with some fragrance to make it smell nice?
Hi Jack, I love the idea of a magnetic bowl! Where did you get it??
Hi
Thank you so much for the threadcatcher pincushion pattern. I’m going to make one for myself and one to give away.
Thank u once again. Looking forward to more patterns.
Dr.
Thank you so much for the pattern I made one and I love it. I didn’t use the clothesline boning but wish I had and will make another with the boning. But I still love the pincushion thread catcher. Thank you again.
So glad that pattern worked for you, Beverly! If you want to share any photos of your thread catcher, I’d love to see them. Tag me (kathybeymer) on instagram or post them at facebook.com/merrimentdesign
Just (almost) finished one of these as my first ever machine sewing project, still need to fill the cushion, but really pleased with how it turned out. When you say to fold pieces in half, you dont say which way to fold them, along long edge or shor edge? Not a major problem, but makes it a bit more difficult than it needs to be. Happy to send a pic, but I don’t do social media stuff.
Looking for my next project, something practical, not into girly frilly stuff, any ideas?
Thanks for the great tutorial,very easy to follow
Thanks for saying that, Evelyn! Happy to hear that it worked for you!
Wow is this a great project… I love what you have done. This is the first project I have made in 20 years! I am hooked on sewing again. Thank you for sharing and the tutorial is brilliant.
Kay, I’m so glad that you’re sewing again! Thanks for your sweet words about the pincushion tutorial. I’d love to see it – you can post it at facebook.com/merrimentdesign or tag me on instagram (kathybeymer). What are you going to make next??
Hi Kathy, I made one of your pincushions a few years back for a good friend of mine, but i’ve just blogged about it on my new blog 🙂 Thanks for the inspiration, and i’ve linked back to this site for your tutorial! Thanks, Meagan
Thanks for a really great tutorial. I am teaching someone to sew & this will make a great beginner project. The question is: do I use up some of the mountains of old leftover fabric & be economical or buy something really cute for my sewing room. We recently remodeled & replaced our hardware, using the hinges was pure genius as I have a whole pail of them. Sand versus stuffing dilemma. My favorite pincushion that I have had forever is stuffed with poly- fiberfill. I only use Clover quilting pins which are very thin. I stuff them at a fast & furious rate as I sew in my nice & soft pincushion. I have a firmer pincushion which often bends their very thin shaft, so I think I’ll pass on the sand.
Genius move using the door hinges and plastic clothesline. Thanks for the tute!
Thanks, Wanda! How did yours turn out?