Summer Sunflower Craft Series Part 1: DIY Sunflower Pin Cushion Tutorial

As I was writing about my top 6 sunflowers varieties, I was inspired to create a summer craft series with the same theme!

First up…a sunflower pin cushion! This one is super easy and would make a great hostess or birthday gift for all your sewing and flower loving friends.

Let’s get started!

Sunflower Pin Cushion Supplies

Supply List

  • Yellow stiffened felt

  • Cotton fabric for flower center and back of petals

  • 2 inch wooden egg cup

  • Embroidery floss to coordinate with your felt and fabric (I used pearl cotton)

  • Bee buttons and black ribbon

  • Small piece of iron-on-adhesive for fabric

  • Poly stuffing

  • Glue gun, needle, scissors, paper and pencil, heat removable ink pen, iron

Trace and Cut Out Petals

Draw a simple petal shape on paper and cut out the pattern. The petals should be approximately 2 inches long. Trace nine petals on felt with a heat removable pen. Cut out the petals. Press with an iron to remove your trace lines.

Add Embroidery to Petals and Flower Head

Choose two different colors of floss and stitch lines in the petals. Don’t worry about knots on the back of the petals because you will cover them with cotton fabric

When your petals are finished, cut a 4.5 inch circle for the flower head. Stitch french knots in the center of the fabric circle.

Add Backing Fabric to Petals

Adhere felt petals to cotton fabric. You can either glue them together or use iron-on-adhesive for fabric.

Add Whip Stitch Around the Petals

This is an optional step. I did not add the whip stitches around the petals until I finished assembling my pin cushion. I think the stitches added a “finished look” to the project and it would be much easier to stitch them at this stage in the process!

Make Flower Head

Stitch a draw string around the outside edge of the circle. Pull the threads to draw the circle up to form a bowl. Fill the fabric bowl with stuffing to form the shape of the flower head.

Tie the threads securely to hold the stuffing. The flower head should measure about 2 inches wide.

Assemble the Pin Cushion

Hot glue the petals to the egg cup.

Stuff more batting into the center of the cup.

Glue the flower head on top of the petals.

Add Embellishments

This is where you can let your imagination run wild!

I had three cute little bee buttons in my stash so I cut the shank off the back and hot glued a straight pin to the buttons. I also added orange and yellow headed pins to the pin cushion.

For the finishing touch…a black and white checked bow held in place with an orange pin!

The possibilities are endless! I can’t wait to see what you come up with!

Happy sewing! If you enjoyed this project…I’d love to hear from you in the comments!


Download our free embroidery guide here!

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