Difficulty level
Beginner
Time to Complete
Evening
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Pattern available!
Click the below link to download:
Instructions - making the pumpkin
Stage 1
Print out the templates at 100% and cut out.
Fold each piece of orange fabric in half along the long edge so they measure approximately 12" x 7". Using the pumpkin template, cut four pieces from each fabric for a total of eight.
Stage 2
Take two pieces and pin them right sides together. Using matching thread, sew together using a ¼" seam, leaving an unsewn gap of approximately 2½" along the bottom edge for turning out. I shortened my stitch length to 2mm. Be sure to take a few backstitches at the beginning and end of the seam to secure. This backstitching is important as it will prevent the seam from unravelling when you come to stuff the pumpkin sections. Turn out and press well. Repeat for the other pieces.
Stage 3
Stack the four pieces on top of each other, aligning the unsewn bottom edges. Using matching thread, stitch down the center of the stack to secure the layers together, backstitching a few stitches at the beginning and end of the seam.
Stage 4
Stuff each section of the pumpkin
firmly, using a pencil or chopstick to push the stuffing into shape. Be sure to use a generous amount of stuffing to give your pin cushion a nice shape.
Stage 5
Use a darning needle and a double thickness of embroidery floss to sew a gathering stich along the bottom edge of the pumpkin. Draw up into shape and secure.
Stage 6
Choose two or three lengths of orange yarn or cord and insert them through the hole on the top of foot #21. Select a zig zag stitch and a width wide enough to cover the yarn. Use a medium length to sew over the yarn, holding it in front and behind the foot. Do not pull the length of yarn, but place enough tension on them so they feed through smoothly and easily. Stich over the yarns again one or more times to get the desired look.
Using the above method, create a length of orange cord approximately 65" long and a length of green cord approximately 10" long. Use a thin piece of florist wire along with the yarns when making the green cord.
Finishing the pin cushion
Stage 7
Cut lengths of orange cord to sew along the ridges of the pumpkin. Use a hand sewing needle and matching thread to stitch the lengths down. Curl a 4" – 6" piece of the green cord around a chopstick or pencil to create a tendril. Stitch this into place at the top of the pumpkin.
Stage 8
Place the 2 green fabric squares right sides together and draw around the leaf template. Stich on the drawn line using a 2mm stitch length, leaving the lower edge unsewn. Backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam. Cut out 1/8" away from the stitched line. Turn out and press well. Topstitch around the perimeter, folding in and securing unstitched edge.
Use Foot #21 to couch lengths of green cord to the front of the leaf. Bend into shape and stitch to the top of the pumpkin.
Glue the stalk into position to hide the ends of the orange cord.
Stage 9
Glue the base of the pumpkin into the saucer. Decorate with moss around the base.
Your pumpkin pin cushion is now complete!
There are lots of ways you can customise this project. The pin cushion can be made bigger or smaller by adjusting the size of the cut pieces. Create a jack-o-lantern by cutting out eyes and teeth from back felt, or use lengths of cord created with the braiding foot to mark out some carving lines. Use lots of different orange fabrics for a scrappier look, or use different Halloween colours for the pumpkin, leaf and moss. Purple and black would work really well.
Suitably spooky sewing room?
Yikes! We hope your Halloweeny pin cushion is keeping all your pins in place and that it brings some spookiness to your sewing room...mwahahaha. We adore ours!
Make sure to check our website regularly as we will be putting out a brand new project, designed exclusively by a Bernina UK team member or Bernina guest contributor, EVERY MONTH!