Spool Party Pincushion Tutorial

Happy Friday, everyone! To celebrate, here's an easy tutorial just perfect for some fun weekend sewing.

I've gotten lots of requests for the spool pattern I used on the Liberty runner I shared last month. The directions below will show you how to make the spool block itself and then how to turn it into a sweet little pincushion that you can sew up in as little as 20 minutes. These are perfect for sewing swap extras, beginner projects, or maybe even a sewing themed Easter basket. (I'm always thinking ahead to the next big holiday...)

Let's have a Spool Party this week! If you make one of these pincushions -- or even a bigger project with this spool block -- share a photo on Instagram along with the hashtag #spoolparty and make sure you tag me too @fabricmutt. I think this pattern is especially fun for fussy cutting, and I'm hoping to make a pillow with lots of cute spool centers!

Here's the pattern:

Spool Party Pincushion

Notes: All seams are 1/4". Press seams open or toward the darker fabric.

1. Sew a 3/4" x 2 1/2" background strip to the right and left edges of a 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" feature square.

2. Sew a 1" x 3" spool end strip to the upper and lower edges of the block. This is a finished spool block which you can use to make pouches, table runners, quilts, etc. But if you want to make the Spool Party Pincushion, keep going!

3. Sew a 1" x 3" background strip to the upper and lower edges of the block.

4. Sew a 1 1/4" x 4 1/2" strip to the right and left edges of the block. Use adhesive basting spray to fuse a 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" piece of batting to the wrong side of the block and quilt as desired. Fold a 2" piece of twill tape in half with wrong sides together and center it on the left edge of the pincushion top. Baste it in place.

5. Place a 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" piece of backing fabric right sides together with the pincushion top. Sew all around the outside edge, leaving a 2" gap on the side opposite the twill tape loop. Trim the corners and turn the pincushion right side out.

6. Stuff the pincushion with the stuffing of your choice and hand sew the opening closed.

I can't wait to see lots of cute spool projects showing up in my feed. Be sure to share this tutorial with friends so we can get this #spoolparty started!