Canning Jar Pin Cushion or Treasure Jar
Using the new little Half Pint size, make a super sweet and easy pincushion or “treasure jar” for Mom.
Find this project, and many more, in our free eBook, 20 Crafts with Mason Jars: Wedding Ideas, Centerpieces, Decor, and More.
Materials:
- Fabric Scrap of your choice
- Jar with lid and band
- Cotton balls or fiberfill
- Card Stock
-
Glue gun, not pictured
Instructions:
-
Using the lid of the jar, cut out a circle of the same size from the card stock
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Using the lid of the jar, trace around it on the wrong side of your fabric. Increase that circle’s radius about 1” and cut out the larger circle.
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Layer the fabric, cotton balls, and lid then place the “sandwich” inside the band.
-
Press the lid down so that the cotton balls and fabric form the pincushion on the opposite side of the band. Check to see if you need to move the fabric to avoid creases. Make any necessary adjustments and then fold in the fabric and hot glue it to the underside of the lid.
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Trim away any excess fabric and hot glue the cardstock over the fabric edges.
- Line the band with a small bead of glue and insert the pincushion into it, pressing firmly. Add the lid to the jar and YOU HAVE A NEW PINCUSHION!
Other ideas and suggestions: Monogram the top and use it as a “treasure jar”. Add ribbon, paint, and other embellishments to the band to give it even more personality.
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Crafty lady 007
Jan 24, 2017
I really like this idea. However I wish you could get plastic mason style jars for non-food storage purposes. The likelihood of them breaking is high for me. And they can be costly. I preserve good and my chipped jars find unusual homes. As for the cushion, I would add a bit of wax wrapped in steel wool and topped with the cotton to sharpen and cost the pins for smoother pinning.
jobers77
May 09, 2016
Genius! A pin cushion plus storage! These jars are pretty easy to find when canning season begins in late summer. You can also find them at garage sales sometimes. I'd spray paint the rim to match my material.
quanahs 5032097
Mar 10, 2016
This is really a cute idea for a pin cushion, you could use a taller half pint jelly jar so that you have more storage. Also try your canning lids on a variety of small jars like the ones that come filled with condiments for a nice variety. I think filling the jars with colored sand or shells or even pretty rocks would add weight to keep the pin cushion firmly in place.
betsysargent 93403 06
Aug 17, 2013
Try using a steel scrubbing pad (not with soap in it) inside the cotton batting. It sharpens and cleans the needles and pins.
jeromeunderhill 52 12968
Oct 22, 2012
Awesome idea put beads in jar to give as gift to a beader
strawgal66
Aug 17, 2012
SHAZAM! this wll make a great bingo/white elephant next month. i need one for me, too & will make it tall enuf so it won't get buried among the pattern/cloth, stuff. IDEA-weight to use as a pattern weight-put child's 1st sewing kit inside-or to send away with college-bound students, etc. Also, my grandmother saved hair from trimmings to put in cushion--said oils kept needles polished & rust-free.
Swanky Lady with P osh Designs
Apr 08, 2012
I loved this... I really like things that give it a homie feel... it became one of my favorite scrap ribbon containers!
crankin 9062868
Jan 04, 2012
I think this is a great idea. I am going to make one, but I am going to keep my extra feet for the sewing machine in it. I purchased a well loved machine and have extra feet. What a p[perfect place to keep them! Thank you!!!!!
taurusborn61 56652 75
May 22, 2011
You can also use wide mouth Mason jars. It would be a great idea to use some wool fabric as stuffing, wool actually lubricates your pins. You could even mix wool and a little bit of brillo pad; this way your pins are lubricated and sharpened!
kimklunsford 74709 97
Mar 21, 2011
What a cute idea. I don't have any cardstock so I think I will use felt instead. Thanks for such a cute idea!
amelialou 1356479
Jan 22, 2011
I made this and had a little difficulty at first with getting the lid on. After a bit of fiddling with the stuffing (to make sure none was trapped and it was all where it should be) and moving the fabric around, it is fine and looks really lovely. I'll be making more!
Eppie
Dec 20, 2010
This is a GREAT gift idea, and very quick to do. I too had trouble with the 1st one I made; couldn't get the lid on. The fix: 1. I made the fabric TWO inches wider than the lid instead of 1 inch. 2. When you're gluing down the fabric to the underside of the lid (step 4), put the glue in the middle of the lid, not around the edges--anything you can do to keep bulk away from the edges. 3. Make sure the cardstock circle is a smidge smaller than the lid--you don't want it to curl up on the edges. I couldn't make mine look as nice and neat as she did, but it still looks fantastic on the outside and I'm very pleased.
ivaruth44 1678873
Dec 09, 2010
I haven't made one yet but I know I can. I just love it when the pictures are so simple and explanations are clear. Thanks!
haw 8933654
Nov 04, 2010
great idea. You just showed me how to do it, now I plan to make lots with my extra jars. Aileene
Crafter 7541554
Nov 02, 2010
I too made this pin cushion and could not get the lid to screw onto the jar. What a disappointment! I even tried different mediums such as felt instead of cardstock and still wouldn't work. :(
Ame369
Oct 16, 2010
well, i made it, but now i can't get the lid to screw onto the jar. *sighs* fail.
AZNAN
May 15, 2010
I have done this with the larger cookie tins (roundsquare). I have pin cusion on top, and other things like 6" ruler, tape measure, scissors, thread, etc. It helps to recycle those cookie tins that you get so many of during the holidays.
Crafter 2497896
Apr 01, 2010
SOOO! GREAT! (especially for those (like myself ) who don't have alot of sewing skills! thanks a bunch!
Member 4474139
Mar 02, 2010
This is a great idea and you could use the jar to store extra pins in when not in use. My puppy loves to take the pins out and put them in the chair and play with the pin cusion.
Crafter 1993433
Feb 18, 2010
Love this idea with the little jars, going to make alot of these for friends and family.
Beth R
Feb 15, 2010
Great idea! Simple and easy for anyone! Cute gift idea for anyone that sews!!
buttersmom
Feb 15, 2010
I have not tried this, but am very interested in making them for an upcoming mothers day craft show. thank you for your idea!
Crafter 16189
Feb 05, 2010
This is a splendid idea, and so cutesy. I can also see myself using these canners for my beading projects. Thanks for the share.
Crafter 17570
Nov 18, 2009
Something else that worked great for this is to use an SOS pad (or Brillo pad too) in place of or with the cotton balls for the actual pin cushion part. You can cut them to fit whatever size you need. The SOS will keep the pins and needles sharp and clean, as well as give it some grab so they don't fall out as easily. You probably will want to wrap the SOS with the cotton balls, or just use batting, to give it the plumpness (is that even a word? LOL). Very cute AND functional!
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