Thimble Container Cactus Shaped Pincushion

The Missouri Star Thimble Container Cactus Pincushion from Missouri Star LIVE!
The Cactus Pincushion from Missouri Star Live displayed in a terracotta pot.

Long gone are the days of your grandmother’s red tomato pincushion! In the latest installment of Missouri Star LIVE, Courtenay demonstrates how to make a unique cactus shaped pincushion that will not only add a modern elegance to your sewing room, but will keep all of your pins safely tucked away for future use. Whether you’re “planting” your cactus pincushion in a traditional terracotta pot, or celebrating your love for Missouri Star by using a Thimble Container, this handy project is a must-have addition to your sewing studio.

PROJECT SUPPLIES

• (1) 9″ x 12″ green felt square
• Felt scrap for blossom—approximately 1½” x 3″
Fiberfill
Missouri Star Thimble Container or terracotta pot
• 3½” – 4″ styrofoam cube
• Gorilla Glue or similar glue for styrofoam
Wonder clips or binder clips—optional
• Aquarium rock—optional

The Missouri Star Thimble Container Cactus Pincushion from Missouri Star LIVE!
Add your pincushion to a Missouri Star Thimble Container and share your love of Missouri Star!

CUTTING

  1. Use the petal template to trace and cut 6 petal shapes from the green felt.
  2. Cut out the paper cactus blossom template. Use the template to trace and cut 2 cactus blossoms from the accent felt scrap. Set these aside for the moment.
    • Hint: Because you are sewing through layers of felt, you may need to change your needle to a larger size and sew slowly to ensure even stitching.
  3. Lay 1 petal shape atop another, right sides out. Using a medium zigzag stitch, sew around the curved edges, leaving the bottom edge open. Repeat with pairs of the remaining petal shapes to make 3 units.
  4. On only 1 of the sewn units, measure 1¾” from the widest point of the curved edges and mark a vertical center line.
  5. Stack the 3 sewn units, aligning the edges, with the marked unit on top. Use Wonder Clips, binder clips, or pin as needed to hold the stack together. Sew the 3 units together along the marked center line, backstitching at the beginning and end.
The Missouri Star Thimble Container Cactus Pincushion from Missouri Star LIVE!
Pin a fabric flower to the top of your Cactus Pincushion for a beautiful final touch.

FINISHING

  1. Stuff each of the 6 tubes you just created with fiberfill.
    • Hint: The eraser end of a pencil or small dowel comes in handy to stuff the skinny tubes (Don’t forget you may find a wooden rod in your Poly-fil bag!).
  2. Lay 1 cactus blossom atop the other at a 45° angle so that the ends of all 8 petals are visible.
  3. Sew the blossoms together by hand, slightly gathering the top petals so they have 3 dimensions.
  4. Sew the cactus blossom to the top of the cactus.
  5. Cut the styrofoam cube as needed to fit inside the thimble container. Use the glue to adhere the sytrofoam to the inside of the pot. Use additional glue to adhere the cactus to the top of the styrofoam. You can fill the pot around the styrofoam with aquarium rock or even glue some rocks around the base of the cactus to finish “planting” your cactus.
  6. Stick in some of your favorite pins and your cactus pincushion is sure to prickle your fancy!
Watch the Latest Tutorial from Missouri Star Quilt Co!

Needing some more help? Download our Free Printable Pattern or Join Missouri Star’s very own Courtenay Hughes as she demonstrates how to create this adorable, quick and easy project on the replay of Missouri Star LIVE!

10 Quick and Easy Handmade Gift Ideas!

Have you bitten off a little more than you can chew this year with your holiday projects? We all love giving homemade gifts, but sometimes we forget how much work goes into making them! Well, jump right into the festive MSQC spirit, watch a few fabulous tutorials, and in no time you’ll be full of holiday cheer and ready to tackle that gift list you’ve been avoiding!

10 handmade gifts pinnable

Here is a list of ten simple projects that are truly quick and easy. You’ll be able to finish any of these gifts just in time to sneak them under the tree! And here’s the bonus: Each one has a FREE VIDEO TUTORIAL to teach you how to make it step by step!!

1. Classic Zipper Pouch #dontfearthezipper

If you’ve never used zippers in your projects before, you’ll be amazed at how easy it truly is! Watch the tutorial once and you’ll find yourself making little pouches of all shapes and sizes for the whole family! It takes so little time you could practically make them on Christmas Eve!

2. Drawstring Gift Bag

gift bags straight on

This tutorial is so much fun and you won’t believe how awesome the results are! It takes about half an hour to make one of these cuties. Fill them up with something special (or yummy!) and give them out to a dozen of your friends!

3. Fabric Catch-All Box

holiday boxes 1

These little fabric boxes are so simple to make! Make them big or little! Fill them with anything you’d like! They are great for gifting and for organizing clutter around the house.

4. Burrito Pillowcase

Sewing a beautiful, personalized pillowcase is such a thoughtful, fun project and it doesn’t take much time at all! Make the holidays even more special with pillowcases for the whole family and you won’t have trouble pleasing everyone on your gift list.

5. Tech Case

ipad cover tutorial

Everyone seems to be getting new technology for Christmas, but what will they put their tablets in? That’s where you come to the rescue! It’s a practical and thoughtful gift for the techies in your life!

6. Fabric Scrap Dog Bed

Don’t forget man’s best friend! This simple pet bed is like a pillowcase stuffed with all your fabric scraps! It’s the perfect way to use up all the excess fabric and batting you have around the house. It will keep your pet comfy and cozy all winter long!

7. Improv Tote Bag

tote5 copy

This great tutorial teaches you how to make a stunning tote bag from a jelly roll! Once you get going, you might not be able to stop! You’ll be finding any excuse to make another! They are a lot of fun to put together and take less than a couple hours to finish!

8. No Sew Blanket

Don’t have time to sew a quilt this Christmas? Jenny Doan’s got the perfect solution for you! Quick, personalized, no sew-blankets will help you survive the holiday rush! Everyone loves cuddling up with their favorite blanket. This is a project even the kids can help with!

9. Action Figure Holder

action figure holder

Do you know a child with loads of action figures? Control the clutter by making a special place to keep them! This handy action figure holder has clear pockets on the front and holds 24 figurines. That’s 24 fewer to step on! It hangs on the wall or folds up for easy storage. 

10. Crocheted Headband

crochet headband for blog

Make cute headbands for all the ladies in your family, and a few for yourself too! They are super easy to make and customize!

Find more quick and easy projects here: