I decided that I needed a cheerful little pin cushion to stop my pins from rolling around the table whilst I was sewing and knitting, so I set about trying to find an inexpensive one that would be cute as well as functional.
Whilst searching I discovered something slightly strange about myself. I seem to have very particular ideas about what a pin cushion should be. Now, phobia would be putting it far too strongly, but I noticed a trend in the designs I did not like. I wasn’t too fond of pincushions shaped as creatures, but specifically creatures with hard shells: tortoises, crabs, snails, lobsters, etc. My brain seemed to reject the idea of sticking pins into hard-shelled animals made of cloth. Hedgehogs and porcupines were fine, as they had spines, so that’s what the pins could represent.
Whilst I came to terms with how my mind could wander at times, it wandered into the obvious realm of making my own pincushion, and I decided on a cactus to add spines to.
This little desert-dwelling chap certainly doesn’t mind having pins stuck into him. In fact, this cactus is practically begging for some pins as it is pretty spineless (ahem) without them. Add a few of your sewing supplies, however, and it is suddenly a very happy cactus indeed.
Finally I have somewhere to store my pins close at hand, as well as a little greenery for the sewing room, with the added bonus that it doesn’t even need watering.
I decided to write up the pattern as it could be a handy quick knit for anyone who either wants a cactus but can’t be bothered to care for one, wants a pin cushion and doesn’t want to stick pins into a tortoise or wants a quick and handy gift knit for a crafting friend: Free Cactus Pin Cushion Knitting Pattern.
Have fun knitting your own little cactus friend!
It is really cute, and practical too. Thanks for the free pattern. And well done for your space redesign.
Wonderful th best cacti I have seen For sending to me
Love this! I understand your feelings of “appropriateness” for a pin cushion. I have one knitting friend who also sews, so maybe a great gift idea – thanks! (sjn821 on Rav)
Cute! My pins are well corralled but I’m tempted to make this so I have a cute (if fake) succulent to put in my window.