Mad About Pin-Cushions

"Wait a minute, you're not my chicks!"

Lately, I have been enjoying myself,
 making pin cushions.
 

Here's a little step by step picture tutorial
 on the Chicken Pin-Cushion.
It is probably the easiest one you will ever make :)
Start out with 2 - 5 inch squares of cotton fabric,
 then cut a triangle beak and a comb from felt or fleece .

Fold over the beak and place them both very close to the corner, 
and pin down.

The trickiest part of this is placing the comb and beak and sewing that corner.

The dotted lines are where you will sew on your square.
Leave a hole at the bottom and be sure to back-tack it to prevent your stitches 
from coming loose when you turn it right side out and stuff it.
Also as you can see, do not sew the left side.

Okay let's sew this part.
Make a nice pivot with your needle down at this corner.

After sewing, invert the head and be sure you get her head pushed out well.
Use a pencil, a knitting needle . . . you know the drill :) 

Then before I sew that last side,
I tuck her head back in, but be careful not to turn it back right-side out. 
Her head will make a great place to grab,
 when you're finished sewing and ready to stuff her.
Oh yum, 
doesn't chicken and stuffing sound good for dinner tonight :)

Now it is time to sew that last seam shut.
Be sure to lay your fabric flat and match the seams.

Now it is time to reach in and grab her head
 and pull it out.

Take that stick, or pencil and get all of your corners turned.

Okay, here is that little hole we left at the bottom.
Stuff it here and then whip stitch it shut.
You are done :) 

Except for adding eyes,
and you can sew or glue them on, I did both.

Ouch! 

Three little white hens. 

Oh, before I forget, 
 it is better to get your beak or comb too big, than too small.
You can trim it after, if needed:)

This project worked well with heavy denim,

As well as lighter weight cotton.
Just as long as it is an easy fabric to stick pins into. 

Have fun & Happy sewing!

Your blogging sister, 
Connie :) 

P.S. that cute little owl pin-cushion tutorial is right here:
 http://agataria.blogspot.com/2011/03/folded-owl.html