Clover Pincushion

Lucky four-leaf clovers and pretty posies are adorable on this quick-to-stitch pincushion. Filling the cushion with crushed walnut shells gives some heft to this little gem.

Skill Level: Confident Beginner Materials

• 9"x 9" piece 30- count platinum linen by Weeks Dye Works™*

• One skein each DMC® or Sullivans® USA

six-strand embroidery floss • Size 26 tapestry needle *See Where to Find It on page 62.

Stitch Count: 47H x 47W Design Size: 31/4" x 31/4"

Instructions: Cross stitch over two threads using two strands of floss. Backstitch over two threads using two strands of floss.

Finishing Materials & Instructions

• 5"x 10" piece of coordinating fabric

• Fusible interfacing

• Crushed walnut shells*

• Coordinating ribbon or other embellishment *See Where to Find It on page 62.

Press stitched piece from reverse side, straightening as much as possible. Trim stitched piece to 11/2" from stitching on all sides. Using stitched piece as a template, cut one piece of coordinating fabric for pincushion back and two pieces fusible interfacing. Following manufacturer’s instructions, fuse interfacing to reverse side of stitched piece and backing fabric.

Place stitched piece and backing fabric right sides together and stitch around all sides using 1/2" seam allowance and leaving an opening for turning.

Turn pincushion right side out and press seams; stuff with crushed walnut shells. Using a hand-sewing needle and coordinating thread, blind-stitch opening closed.

Embellish pincushion with ribbon or other decorations as desired.