Bitty Bug Pincushion

Looking for a quick fix? This pincushion is the perfect answer for Mother's Day or when you need to make a little somethingsomething to give to a crafty friend. It's so super easy you'll squeal! (And not in a "Eek, it's a bug and it's flying at my face" kind of way).

Get it:

• 2 circles of linen or plain fabric for tummy and back. I used a jar lid about 3" in diameter as a template

• 2 circles of print fabric for wings, same size

• 1 darker circle of linen or plain fabric, slightly smaller

• 2 antennae--I used jute twine cut into two 3" pieces, knotted on one end

• Optional ribbon loop (ribbon about 5" long) for hanging or attaching to scissors

Do it!:

• Get your pieces cut and laid out. Fold calico pieces in half and place, fold side towards middle on one of the plain pieces. Fold dark circle in half and place perpendicular to wings, fold side middle, as well. I know, it sounds kooky in writing--just look at the picture!

• Iron pieces flat. Pin to keep in place, if needed. Place antenna on top of darker folded circle, knotted ends towards the middle. I left a lot of the length hanging off--easier to cut it off later than to have them too short and pop out.

 

• Fold ribbon in half. Place loop inwards and cut ends on the side. I put mine off to the side a bit, so it doesn't look like he's pooping. I know, I think about these things way too much.

• Place other linen circle on top and pin all around, making sure you've got all your pieces where they will be sewn in nice and snug. Nothing's worse than having to go back, turn it again and sew a seam that didn't catch the first time. I back-tacked over the antennae and ribbon loop to make them extra secure.

• Sew all around edge, like a fabric Moon Pie leaving a thumb-sized hole for turning. Trim off excess twine or fabric, turn and stuff. If you'd like a little heft to your bug, add a few of those glass gardening pebbles to weigh it down. Stitch closed. Add french knots for eyes. Voila!

These would also make a fun gift for a child--sew a "hatch" of three or four without the ribbon loops and put them in a small floral drawstring bag. Or fill them with lavender for a sweet-smelling sachet.  If you decide to make some, be sure to post some pics to the goody-goody Flickr group. I'd love to see what you come up with.

thanks for stopping by!

*btw, pincushion design and pattern is for personal, non-commercial use only. Please do not sell items made from this tute. Thanks!

Comments

[Skelekitty]

OMG! So cute!

[Tamie Snow]

super cute!

[Michelle]

How unbelievably wonderful are you to give us this cute tute? Thanks so much! My daughter's class is currently *very* into studying ladybugs, and this will make the perfect end of school year gift for them! I'll send you a picture when I'm done with all 21... :0)

[Muddlepud]

This is adorable! Thank you so much for sharing the tutorial. It's perfect!

[Amy Cluck]

OMG.ADORABLE.

[Christine]

omgosh this is darling!

[Silvia]

Very nice pincushion! Thanks for this tutorial!

[La Mañosa]

Thank you so much for sharing this! I love it!

[Rachel]

AWW, it's DARLING! Thanks so much for sharing this little guy. I'll be linking.

[Carrie]

Love it! I need one to go with my hedgie pin cushion =)

[Nesa]

This is so cute, thanks for the simple to make tut.

[sandra]

I am only few day before going into labours, but will certainly try to sew that cutey!

[Linnaea]

So adorable and so easy too. What a wonderful idea. Thanks.

[paLLina]

i love it!!!!

[Crafternoon]

so cute! i'm going to make one for my best friend.

[My 1st Bambina !]

Very nice and super cute !!! Thanks for sharing !!!

[yoli]

Girl, I already made three! (sachets) I'll post pics soon! I am also going to link you bloggy!

[Regina]

Hi,

thanks you very much for this great design! I loved it so much I blogged about it at www.hipnhandmade.com!

[tara]

thank youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

[Penny]

very cute!! Thank-you so much for posting this tutorial!

[Lutine]

So Cute !

[Lindsay]

I posted a link to your lovely tut on my blog! http://skylakdawn.blogspot.com/
Does it track back automatically, or do I need to do something special to make that happen for you?

[Ione Melim]

CUTE!!!

[Doan]

Your ladybug is so cute, I think thaht I'll make it for my best friend's birthday. Thanks for the tutorial.

[sandra]

beautiful!