PIN CUSHION

A pin-cushion is a useful item to have in any needle-work kit. It will come in handy at any time. The following step-by-step instructions on how to make a pin-cushion can be followed by any beginner.
 
The very first step to take is to get the necessary materials which are needed for the making of a pin-cushion. You will need at least three different kinds of cloth. Before commencing, make sure that you have a sufficient amount of each material. The first two pieces of cloth should measure at least twenty-four by twenty-four inches in size. The third piece of material should be either black or white so as to bring out the effect of the contrast of the material. This piece of cloth should be twelve by twelve inches in size. The other required items are a piece of cardboard, cotton, pins, needles, thread and a pair of scissors.
 
Cut out a paper pattern for a circle of two inches in radius. Using the material measuring twenty-four by twenty-four inches, place the paper pattern on it and cut out five identical circles. Repeat with the other piece of cloth of the same measurement. Next, cut out a paper pattern for a circle of three inches in radius, and cut out two such circles from the remaining material measuring twelve by twelve inches. Having done all this, proceed to cut out a circle of radius one-and-a-half inches from the piece of cardboard.
 
Taking one of the pieces of circle-shaped cloth of two inches in radius, fold it into four. Having done this ,place a pin to put it into position. At about one-fifth of an inch from the rounded edge, make running stitches all the way from the beginning to the end. Draw up the stitches together so that the material now resembles a leaf. Fasten firmly with a knot. Do the same with the remaining nine pieces of circle-shaped material.
 
Make running stitches all round the border ( about one-fifth of an inch from the edge ) for the remaining two pieces of circle-shaped material. For one, insert the already cut-out cardboard and draw up. Fasten with a know. For the second one, stuff in sufficient cotton and fasten up too. It should resemble a mini-cushion and should be rounded in shape.
 
Arrange the "leaves" on the cardboard, alternating the two different materials, as follows : Arrange five "leaves" for the first layer. Sew them on firmly. Proceed with the second layer of leaves. Again sew them on to the cardboard firmly. The last step to take is to sew the cushion on to the "leaves" and the cardboard. Great care should be taken so as to place the cushion in the center.
 
Fasten with a knot and your self-made pretty pin-cushion is ready for use !