Friday, May 1, 2009

Biscornu pincushion

Here's another quick pincushion tutorial,this one is called a biscornu, a french word meaning irregular. Mostly they are small and there are some gorgeous ones done with embroidery but this one is a simple fabric one. They are best made small because the larger they get, the more distorted they look.
This one is for you Crispy Cut two 4 1/2" squares in contrasting fabrics.
Draw the sewing lines 1/4" in from the edges on both squares. Also mark the mid points of the squares. At this point, you can snip half way only into the seam allowance on the halfway points you just marked.
Lower your stitch length down and pin the squares right sides together as the photo shows below. The edge of the top is pinned to a halfway point on the bottom square.
Do not sew into the seam allowances. Start by back stitching at the start and end of the seam allowances. You can click on the pictures for a closer view.
Now if your a whiz, you can pivot when you get to the end of this first seam. If you are not so good at that like me, back stitch, take it out of the machine and pivot and pin again to the next seam.
Keep going around the square the same way until you get to the last one which you will leave open. Trim off the corners about 1/8" from the seam.
Turn it right side out and stuff.
Hand sew the last seam closed.
Find the midpoint of the pincushion and mark with a dot or a pin and sew two buttons on, one on the top and one on the bottom. You will need a long needle like a doll sculpting needle and strong thread such as quilting thread. Pull on the thread as you sew the buttons down to create the indentation in the middle

22 comments:

jean said...

Tres Bien Janet, I have to say that Biscornu are not my favourite pincushion but I think that has been mainly because I have seen them cross stitch/Backstitched with beads ete etc but I love this one, elegant with its simplicity.

Crispy said...

Wow thanks Janet!! I'll have to give this a try. I bookmarked this posting so I can refer back to it. It really did turn out cute!!

Crispy

amy said...

Thanks, Janet. I love the shape and will have to give this a try.

Unknown said...

I agree the shape is great! I have never seen one like this before. Thanks!

Shari said...

This is a very interesting shape and sewing technique... very intriguing. Will have to give it a try...

When it comes to stuffing pincushions, how firm do you make them? And tricks to keep it smooth?

Anonymous said...

I have to tell you that fabric choice really made that one a keeper!!

Crafts a la Mode said...

Hi, Janet. These are darling. They look kinda difficult but I suspect once I'd get started on it, it would work itself out. :) I have made about 5 of the little origami thread holders of yours. I FINALLY figured that out. Thanks for the tutorials again. Linda

*karendianne. said...

I really love these little biscornu's. The ones with the embroidering or cross stichwork are pretty neat but this is a great tutorial. If I could, if I had the skill, I'd try it. But as it is, cryin' shame and all that, my talent is limited.

Stuck in the box, *karendianne.

Browndirtcottage said...

Oh Oh...this is soooo w-a-y cute!!!
thanks for the tut!!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for this tutorial Janet, I will give a try !

Thimbleanna said...

Oooh, those are cute -- I love the fabric that you used on your stitching example!

Carrie P. said...

Very very nice. Thanks for sharing.

Kaaren said...

I've seen these but never knew what they were called. Of course now I just HAVE to make one!

Love it and thanks so much for showing us how to make one.

Vickie E said...

I want to try this!

Anonymous said...

I will have to make one or two or...
What a cute pincushion.

hugs
Christine

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the tutorial - the instructions are helpful.

Andi said...

Made one of these today.
Love it!!
I've blogged about it too.
Thanks,
Andi :-)

I Purr-Furr to Craft said...

this is really lovely. I have seen these with embroidery abut this is so delightful. Love the fabrics

Diane said...

Cute, cute, cute! I am going to a retreat in a couple of weeks and need some gifts, this will be great. Thanks!

Fiona said...

I've just finished making two of these, one for myself and one for a friend. A great little project with easy instructions. Thankyou!

Grandma Shell said...

Just looking at these, they look rather complicated. Not so. Easy-peasy! If I can do it without messing it up anyone can LOL Thanks for the great tutorial and photos. Now I need to find a group doing a pincushion swap! BTW, what does biscornu mean?

Anonymous said...

I know you made this months ago but I just found you. I've never seen a pincushion like this and, of course, that means I MUST make one! Thank you; it's lovely.