Handy Pincushions

To keep your needle nearby when hand-sewing, add a pincushion to a thread spool. Cut a 3-1⁄2"-diameter fabric circle and turn under the edges 1⁄4". Use a running stitch to hand-sew 1⁄8" from the edge (as you would to make a yo-yo). Gather the circle slightly and stuff it with a couple of pinches of fiberfill. Pull the thread to gather the fabric tightly, then tie a knot. Secure the pincushion to a thread spool with hot glue.

-Karen Spearing

Unionville, Missouri

Share your tips for a chance to be featured: E-mail your tips with your name, address, and daytime phone number to apqtips@meredith.com; type Tips in the subject line.