Tip: Filling Pincushions with Vase Filler

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Pincushion-1I wanted to share a little tip I have for filling pincushions. I seem to give away almost all of the pincushions I make, and a few of the recipients have asked me what I fill them with, because it has a nice feel and weight. Now, I know it is common to fill pincushions partially with crushed walnut shells, but, because of allergy concerns {many of my pincushions go to swap partners, and swaps often ask for allergy info}, I looked for a risk-free alternative. My favorite: vase filler.

pincushoin-1These plastic beads, called Colorfill are great for pincushions. They have a nice weight and texture, are affordable, and won’t have any potential allergic reactions.

pincushoin-2Here’s a look vase filler a little closer. I stuff my pincushions half full with poly-fill and then put the beads in the bottom. I’ve never had a problem with the vase filler surfacing to the top.

I have heard that crushed walnut shells will help keep your pins and needles sharp, so that is one great advantage to them. I do have one pincushion filled with the walnut shells that I was given in a swap, and it’s lovely. I just find these vase filler beads an easy alternative to have on hand, especially since a swap partner or someone I’m gifting a pincushion to may have allergies.

What do you fill your pincushions with? Do you have a favorite way to weight them? Do I not know what I’m missing by not using the crushed walnut shells? I’d love to know!

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15 Comments

  1. I have also heard that steel wool is good to stuff them with and keeps your needles and pins sharp as well. What other material do you fill yours with besides the vase beads?

  2. Not to be a downer… But plastic is so bad for the environment. I love walnut shells – are allergies to the shell that common?

    1. Linda, I’m not sure how common the allergies is, but for someone who has them, they are a big deal. I’m not trying to discourage anyone from using walnut shells, just sharing an alternative (and I us pins with plastic heads and wonder clips too…my sewing is definitely not great for the environment…).

  3. I use white rice to weight base my pincushions. I buy large bags of it inexpensively and it works great. Yes there is a large population of folks who have nut allergies and I am one of them. So I make all of my own pincushions and don’t buy them anymore because I cannot be sure what they are stuffed with.

    Plus they are fun to make.

  4. I use crushed glass. It is crushed to a fine sand feel. Gives the pin cushion some weight plus keeps pins and needles sharp. I do like the rice idea. Thanks for sharing.

  5. I would think the plastic pellets would dull your pins over time.
    I have use crushed walnut shells or, both environmentally friendly and they keep your pins sharp.
    You can also buy emery online which is nice for a “strawberry” feature on your pincushion… it actually sharpens your pins and needles.
    I worry about the safety of ground glass around small kids and pets.

  6. Thanks for sharing this great idea. I have been concerned about allergies and been hesitant to use the shells in my pin cushions. I will have these on hand for when I am not sure about the shells.

  7. When rice is used, do i need to put another filler on top or just use the rice?

    Giving to my ladies in my sunday school class and a couple do have nut allergies.
    Thanks for the jnfo.

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