Sew an acorn pincushion: free sewing pattern

'There is something very appealing about the shape of an acorn and these little pin cushions make a useful addition to a sewing basket,' says Sarah Moore. 'Alternatively, stuff them with lavender and attach ribbons to make scented sachets that can be hung in wardrobes to deter moths or on door handles for a decorative touch.'

You will need

● paper templates - click here for Sarah Moore's pattern and templates
● tailors’ chalk or water-soluble sewing pen
● two or three autumn colours of wool, felt or blanket material
● sheep’s wool or toy stuffing
● needle and thread

1 Lay the paper templates for the two acorn pieces onto your fabric and chalk around them to mark a sewing line. Allow an extra 1cm on all sides and cut them out. Cut a strip in a toning fabric for the cup and also some leaves in a contrasting colour.

2 Place the two acorn shapes right sides together and machine- or hand-sew around the U-shape edge. Leave the bottom open and turn the right way out.

3 For the cup, place the short edges together, right sides facing, and stitch along the seam.

4 Turn the cup the right way out, then sew along the bottom edge to make a drawstring. Pull it tight and tie the ends together to form the base.

5 Fill the top and bottom sections with wool, packed tightly into position.

6 Fit the two sections together, placing the acorn just inside the cup before sewing all the way round. Make sure it has sufficient stuffing before adding the final stitches.

7 Sew the leaves to the base of the acorn and attach a ribbon, if you wish.

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Buy 'Homemade Gifts Vintage Style' by Sarah Moore (Kyle Cathie, £16.99)