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{tiny} Needle Case Tute

Relive The Past

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Pin Head {tUtORiaL}


I've seen darling pinheads made from clay, but I don't know how to manipulate clay.  I do, however, know a thing or two about fabric and paper!


This project is easy but a bit messy.  If you're not afraid of messy - join me!


2" corsage pin(s)
wire cutters
fabric or paper* scraps
needle and thread
mod podge 
paint brush
foil or wax paper

*I got my paper images from a quilting magazine.  You could use scrapbook paper or wrapping paper as well.

* * * * * * * * * 

Cut off the factory heads of the pins (does that sound gruesome?) with the wire cutters.





NOTE:  You may want to tape the head to your surface so when you snip it off, it won't shoot off somewhere where you can't find it - or poke your eye out!





Trim your fabric or paper front and back pieces so they are the same size.  I kept mine around 1/2" to 3/4".

* * * * * * * * * 
For the fabric pin head:
Use a simple stitch to sew front and back piece together.


Insert the pin between the front and back pieces.  Position the top of the pin in the center of the square.


Brush on a generous amount of Mod Podge to one side.  Straighten the pin if it gets skewed.

When front is dry, apply a coat to the other side.

Repeat application at least 4 times.  Make sure each layer thoroughly dries before adding more.

* * * * * * * * * 
If you'd like to add a button:

Sew the button to one of the fabric pieces before you sew the front and back together.  

As you apply Mod Podge to the side that has the button, be careful not to get too much on the button.  You can scrape it off if it's inevitable.

* * * * * * * * * 
For paper pin heads:

Apply Mod Podge to the backside of one of the paper pieces.

Position pin in the center.

Now apply the podge to backside of the second piece of paper and line it up with the other.

Press firmly into place.

Make sure your pin is straight.



When front is dry, apply a coat to the other side.

Repeat application at least 4 times.  Make sure each layer thoroughly dries before adding more.

* * * * * * * * * 

I suggest you make a few pins at a time to make better use of the mess you are going to make!


If your pin gets messy while applying the Mod Podge, wait till you're completely done to remove.  When it's dry it easily peels off the metal.

So, I'd love to see the pinheads you create!  Send me a link!


All pincushions in my photos are Tuffets, a Schnibbles pattern.


13 comments:

Pat said...

Very cute....thanks for the explanation of how you made them.

luv2quilt2 said...

What a clever idea. I may have to try some.

Carol said...

Oh Mel those are just wonderful!! Thank you for sharing with us!

Anonymous said...

Love these!
I'm giving away a creation you may be interested in to store those lovely pins.
I't my i-Pincushion giveaway...come by and take a peek. x

Red Geranium Cottage said...

Very cute Mel. What a fun project.

Rochelle said...

Very creative, I may just have to try that this weekend.

Needled Mom said...

Very sweet, Mel!

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

Must make pins!
Must find time to make pins,
Must buy Mod Podge.
Must buy pins!!!
Must make pins!!!

Trisha said...

This looks so fun but I have never worked with mod podge before. How does the pin in the fabric stay put? Does the mod podge cover the point where the pin goes in? Is that how it is secured?

Dawn said...

Ah Mel, they are darling!!

Nanette Merrill said...

What great gift ideas. Thanks for the tutorial. You are sweet to share your ideas with the world.

Sue said...

Love your stuff! Your ideas make me smile and are things I will definitely give a try. Thanks!

Christy Amular said...

very adorable idea! can't wait to try it soon. Thank you!