Working with wool offers quilters versatile options. Designer Pat Sloan felted the wool for her pincushions because felted wool doesn't fray.

To felt wool, machine-wash it in hot-water wash, cool rinse cycle with a small amount of detergent; machine-dry and steam press.

Download the Pincushion Patterns

• 2--5" squares of navy felted wool for pincushion
• 1--4-1/2" square of teal felted wool for dragonfly appliqué
• Scrap of dark blue felted wool for dragonfly appliqué
• Polyester fiberfill
• Embroidery floss: navy, blue, and cream

To make the best use of your fabrics, cut the pieces in the following order: (Do not add seam allowances.)

• 2 of Pattern A

• 1 of Pattern B

• 1 of Pattern C

• 2 each of Patterns D, D reversed, E, and E reversed

 

1) Referring to the Dragonfly Placement Diagram, layer all of the pieces atop one of the navy wool A circles. Baste in place.

 

2) Using two strands of coordinating embroidery floss, blanket stitch around each wool shape. To blanket stitch, see the diagram. Pull your needle up at A, form a reverse L shape with the floss, and hold the angle of the L shape in place with your thumb. Push the needle down at B and come up at C to secure the stitch.

3) With right sides together, layer the appliquéd navy wool circle with the remaining navy wool circle. Using a 1/4'' seam allowance, sew together the circles, leaving a 2'' opening for turning, to make the pincushion. Turn right side out.

4) Stuff the fiberfill into the opening until the pincushion is full. Slip-stitch the opening closed.