Skip to Content

Embroidered reverse applique snowflake pincushion tutorial

Sharing is caring!

Savor the last weeks of winter and stitch an embroidered pincushion with this free snowflake pincushion pattern! Reverse applique is an easy technique that you can use on clothes as well as quilts and home decor projects like this one. The embroidery design looks complicated but is actually very simple, with basic stitches. This would make the perfect stocking stuffer for someone who sews!

 

Looking for more sewing inspiration?

snowflake pincushion

I’ve previously used reverse applique on t-shirt refashions (see this one); cutting that top layer away always feels like a gamble! I love the extra dimension and layering it gives this pincushion; it is just begging to be squished (and hold pins, too, I guess, since that is the point).

Ready to make one? Here’s how!

How to make an embroidered pincushion

Supplies

  • (2) 5.75” X 5” rectangles of wool blend felt
  • (1) 5.75” X 5” rectangle of woven cotton
  • White embroidery floss
  • Fabri-solvy* or other embroidery pattern transfer method (see more about Fabri-solvy in this post!)
  • Stuffing (I love poly pellets* to add weight)
  • Hand sewing needle
  • Iron
  • Coordinating thread
  • Sewing machine
  • Tiny, sharp scissors
  • Snowflake pattern – sign up for my newsletter and get the free download once you confirm your subscription! If you’re already a subscriber, you can access the pattern with the password in each newsletter, in the resource library.
     

    Steps

    step 1

    1. Transfer the snowflake pattern to one of the felt rectangles’ right side, and center it (see more about Fabri-solvy, the transfer method shown, in this post!). Baste one of the cotton rectangles’ with the right side facing up against the wool felt’s wrong side.

    step 2

    1. Stitch the outer snowflake with a back stitch (both patterns were stitched with the full 6 strands). I used Fabri-solvy, so I then trimmed the inside stitch pattern out and set it aside.

    step 3

    1. Use your tiny scissors and carefully snip through the top layer of felt, inside your stitching. Be sure not to pierce the bottom cotton layer or cut through any of your stitching. Replace or trace the inner snowflake pattern on the woven cotton, and stitch with a combination of backstitch and French knots.

    step4

    1. Wash all transfer markings out/off with warm water, pat gently, and leave out to dry.

     

    step 5

    1. Put your stitched rectangle right sides together with the other felt rectangle and sew with ¼” seam allowance. Leave about a 2” opening, backstitching at beginning and end. Trim the corners off.

    step 6

    1. Turn right side out and poke out the corners, pressing all of the seams. Stuff; I use a combo of poly-pellets, poly-fill, and fabric scraps.

    step 7

    1. Tuck the raw edges inside, press, and use a ladder stitch to close the opening.

     

    snowflake stitching detail

    Enjoy! You can use this technique on all sorts of projects; it’s a great way to use up small scraps and add visual interest. I pushed in some pretty pins to jazz up the snowflake – it’s all ready for gifting!

    IMG_1581 1

    Don’t lose this post – pin it for later, here!

Sharing is caring!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Reece

Monday 31st of October 2016

It's so pretty! Thanks for the tute!

Vicky Myers

Wednesday 19th of October 2016

Its a beautifulpoincshion Stephanie:) Not sure I could put pins in it! your stitching is so neat:)

Stephanie - Swoodson Says

Friday 21st of October 2016

Thank you so much Vicky!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Sharing is Caring

Help spread the word. You're awesome for doing it!