Free Pear Pincushion directions are here :)))

I have the directions finished for you. Please make sure you read all of the directions before you make it, just want to make sure everything is understood first.
The cross stitch chart is not free but the finishing directions for the pincushion are. I also have them for you in a PDF format to print from home at the bottom of this post. So lets have fun and good luck. The cross stitch chart is available on my Etsy or your local cross stitch shop.
donna

#1)  Cross stitch the design onto the fabric and make sure you leave enough room all around the design to trace the pattern and center your design onto. Cut out 2 pieces of fabric and pin the right sides facing. Stitch approx ¼ inch in from the edges with a matching thread and use the back stitch. There are many directions on line for these stitches and I also  have links on the side bar.  

I forgot to do that and had to take it all apart and start over.

 LEAVE ENOUGH SPACE OPEN AT THE BOTTOM TO TURN YOUR WORK RIGHT SIDE OUT .  I also used Fray Check to seal my edges because I did have to take it apart and start over. That made my edges fray. So I let that dry for a bit. If you do use Fray Check make sure that you only get it on the edges and that it does not run into the pincushion design . 

#2)  The next step is to stuff the pin cushion with fiberfill and then sew closed. I used a whip stitch over the top, secured my thread but did not cut the thread.

I then made a running stitch around the bottom and pulled to gather and make the bottom of the pin cushion more of a circle pear shape. After you are happy with the bottom, secure the thread and cut. 

#3) the next step is to draw the branches onto the pincushion. I did use a permanent marker but I suggest you use a marker that you can make it disappear with a light spray of water, just in case you are not happy with your layout. I used my cross stitch design as my reference. I made the branches go around the top and down one side, across the bottom, and I made more in the back of the pincushion. I then used a brown perle cotton with a couching stitch and outlined all of the branches. You do need a spot for inserting your needle into the pincushion so I used the top and bottom sections because these areas will be hidden later. 

#4) The next step will be the leaves. I cut a long strip of 1 inch wide wool and then cut it into 1 inch squares. See the photo for cutting directions. I always cut free hand up one side of the square and then around the other side.

I then attach then to where ever I think they will look good. I make a stitch in the bottom of each leaf to make a little pucker and then attach them to the pincushion. (DON’T FORGET YOU ARE RUNNING YOUR THREAD FROM THE TOP OR THE BOTTOM OF THE PINCUSHION)

I have provided photos for you of the front and back so you can see approx. placements. You can decide on your own about your placement because your branches will be in different places than mine.  

#5) The next step is to cut the pears. I once again used a 1 x 1 inch square and folded the square in ½ and cut around to make a pear shape. See photo for idea. I made 9 pears and gathered a stick from the yard. I broke the stick into small pieces for the top of the pears.

Using my hot glue gun I dabbed a tiny bit of glue on one side and held the wool around the stick. Set aside to dry. See photo

When making the larger leaves for the top of the pincushion or if you need larger leaves for the bottom, I cut a piece of wool 2 x 2 inches and cut it out the same way I did for the smaller leaves. With a larger stick I glued the leaf and stick together at one end only. This will be the top of your pear pincushion. 

#6) You are now ready to apply the small wool pears to the pincushion. I just made sure I was happy with the location I was going to place them in and then it is just a dab of hot glue and add them in place. They stick out and look so dimensional. You will be inserting the top of the pear: the stick and large leaf next   I just put plenty of hot glue in the center of the top of the pincushion and inserted the stick with the leaf. MAKE SURE YOU HOLD THIS DOWN INTO THE TOP AND SQUEEZE IT TOGETHER FOR A FEW MOMENTS. You want an indentation in the top like it was a real pear. 

You are ready to glue in onto a base. I used a small white urn that I purchased at a used store for a $1.00. What a deal :)))) I added some larger wool leaves around the bottom of the pear because it did not fit just right into the center of the urn, so I covered  up some spaces with the leaves. I hope you enjoy making this  pincushion and if you would like to share any photos of your finished pincushion please email me at stitchbythebay at g mail dot com  

Thank you 

donna

Here is the link to the PDF for you. This one has the pear pincushion paper pattern