Place a red square in the centre and your pincushion will represent the fire in the hearth.


Measurements: 13cm square

Gather your supplies
Scraps of 72 or 13 cotton prints
75cm square backing fabric (optional)
Two 15mm buttons
Sewing thread
Polyester fibre filling (or sand and fine shell grit).

Here's how
Note. If you wish to make both sides of your pincushion the same, make 2 lots of log cabin segments. Alternatively, back it with a plain square.

Step 1
From 1 cotton prinl, cut a 5cm square. From remaining prints, cut twelve 3cm-wide strips, the longest about 18cm.

Step 2
Following the template below left, with right sides together and allowing 6mm seams, stitch a fabric strip (1 ] to the top of the 5cm square. Cut off excess strip in line with edge of square. Press seam allowance towards strip.

Log cabin template

Step 3
Stitch a second strip (2) to the side edge of the square as shown, then trim and press as before. Continue in this manner, sewing strips around the edges in the order given, until all 12 strips have been attached.

Step 4
With right sides together and allowing 6mm seams, stitdi front and back together, leaving a small opening for turning. Trim excess searn allowance and corners, and turn right side out. Fill cushion with fibre filling or sand and shell grit. Slipstitch opening closed.

Step 5
Thead a needle with double sewmg thread and stitch a button to the centre of each side of the cushion, pulling thread firmly, drawing the buttons towards each other. polyester fibre filling (or sand and fine shell grit).

Source: Better Homes and Gardens August 2003