Joining the dots - Part 1

This is part 1 of the additional items that go with the Fob a Month - 6 fob that I posted last week. This week I'm giving the pattern for the pincushion. As it needed to fit into a specific space I first measured the available width and depth to make sure it would fit. I didn't want the pincushion to completely fill the slot as I also want a little space to put other things too.

I made mine to have a little green bicone in the centre to mirror what I did with the fob however you could put another dot in the centre instead. As the lid has some brown/orange buttons and embroidery I decided to add that colour into this piece. I loved the backstitch pattern from the August ornament so much that I used that pattern again for the side panels.

I have made 2 different options for the pincushion - the version I made and an inverse version of the top/bottom with a simplified backstitching side panel. I only stitched the front with the polka dot pattern - I left the back empty except for the backstitch lines.

If you wish to make the fob, pincushion and scissor case as a matching set you will need a piece of 18ct Aida or 32ct linen of at least 10" x 15" or 7,5" x 20" - you need to start pretty close to the edge to make sure you have enough fabric left for the rest. You need a 1/4" seam allowance for each piece so the sections must be stitched at least 1/2" away from each other using the back stitch lines as the counting point.

The pincushion is 2" square and 1"high (approx, depends on how full you stuff it). 36 stitches square.

What you need to make the example above:

• 1 piece of 8" x 8" 18ct Aida or 32ct linen if you are ONLY stitching the pincushion - otherwise see above for the amount needed.
• DMC 3347, 3348 and 3827
• Your stuffing of choice
• 2 small crystal bicones

You can download the pdf pattern for the front and sides here: Fob a Month 6 - Pincushion. For the back you only need to do the outer line of backstitching you can see around the square front.

 

Instructions: Fold the fabric in half before starting - on each half you will stitch either the back or the front AND 2 side panels at least 1/4" away from the centre line so you have 1/4" seam allowance for each side. If you are also doing the fob you want to stitch your pieces so they are about 1/2" away from the back stitch lines of the fob. 

 

Once the cross stitching is done do the back stitch outlines.

Layout suggestion (note I noticed that the centres of the side panels in this picture are incorrect, they should be the darkest green)

Press the completed stitching from the back to make sure there are no creases. Then cut the pieces out 1/4" away from the back stitch lines.

Whip stitch the sections together. I found it easier to first stitch all the side panels to the front and then stitch between the sides before adding the bottom. When you have about 1" left to stitch of the last seam take a moment to add some stuffing, you want it plump but not too plump as it would then lose it's shape and become round. Then finish sewing the last bit of seam.

Last of all sew the 2 bicones in place in the same way as you did the beads for the fob.

I hope you enjoy this pattern, please do share a link to yours if you make it!