Fri-DIY-Day: Magnetic Pin Cushion

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To celebrate launching our spiffy new custom shift pattern beta test (only 1 spot left!), I thought it might be fun to do a little DIY project that will add both functionality and cuteness to your sewing workspace -- a darling little magnetic pin cushion. I like these because, to me, regular pin cushions are kind of annoying. All that pulling and pushing! And you can lose needles in them! And they're always tipping over and rolling around my sewing table! Argh! So much futzing!!

In addition to being somewhat particular about my pincushions, I'm also rather cheap, so I couldn't bring myself to spend money on an ugly plastic one at Jo-Ann's. Especially when they are this easy to make. Seriously, this is going to take you about 3 minutes, but it's surprisingly satisfying!

Materials needed:

  • A small side plate or a saucer. I got mine at the thrift store for 50 cents. There are so many cute lil abandoned plates in the world and I only wish I could have them all.
  • 3 or 4 little black magnets. I forgot to take a picture of mine before I glued them on, but I used cheapie ones like these. You don't need the super strong ones and I kind of fear what might happen if you use them so stick with the kiddie magnets, kids!
  • A nice strong adhesive -- I used Gorilla Glue

Instructions

  1. Glue a magnet to the bottom of the plate
  2. Press the magnet down for 30 seconds or so to let the glue adhere
  3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for all your magnets, spacing them out around the bottom of the plate
  4. Set aside and to allow the glue to dry
  5. Toast yourself with a flagon of champagne cause you just made something adorable and useful in like 3 minutes! Go you!

I like mine with 3 magnets, which makes it hold the pins pretty well but not in a death grip -- again, I am lazy, and do not want to have to pull very hard to retrieve a pin. If you want a stronger hold, FINE! You may use another magnet or two.

These little guys are also really good at holding coins, bobby pins, or any other small metal objects you are always losing around your house. So make a bunch and put them everywhere and give them away!

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend!

Xo Madge