Scrappy Pincushion

Inspired by "Get Scrappy" from designer Roseann Meehan Kermes

Project Maker: Mary Pepper

• Scraps of light and medium prints (block, backing)
• Polyester fiberfill
• 2--1"-diameter buttons

Finished pincushion: 4" square

Measurements include 1/4" seam allowances. Sew with right sides together unless otherwise stated.

Cut pieces in the following order.

From assorted medium prints, cut:

• 1--4-1/2" square
• 1--1x4-1/2" rectangle for position 12
• 1--1x4" rectangle for position 11
• 1--1x3-1/2" rectangle for position 8
• 1--1x3" rectangle for position 7
• 1--1x2-1/2" rectangle for position 4
• 1--1x2" rectangle for position 3
• 1--1-1/2" square

From assorted light prints, cut:

• 1--1x4" rectangle for position 10
• 1--1x3-1/2" rectangle for position 9
• 1--1x3" rectangle for position 6
• 1--1x2-1/2" rectangle for position 5
• 1--1x2" rectangle for position 2
• 1--1x1-1/2" rectangle for position 1

1. Sew together a position 1 rectangle and medium print 1-1/2" square to make block center (Diagram 1).  Press seam allowance toward rectangle.

2. Add a position 2 rectangle to left-hand edge of block center (Diagram 2). Press seam allowance away from block center.

3. Add a position 3 rectangle to top edge of block center; press as before (Diagram 3).

4. Referring to Diagram 4, continue sewing rectangles to block center in a clockwise direction to make Log Cabin block. Press all seams away from block center. The block should be 4-1/2" square including seam allowances.

5. Layer Log Cabin block and a 4-1/2" square right sides together; stitch around all edges, leaving a 2" opening along one edge for turning. Turn pincushion to right side. Stuff with fiberfill. Slip-stitch opening closed.

6. Center one button on pincushion top and a second one on the bottom. Taking long stitches through the center of pincushion, sew buttons firmly in place.