How to Sew Up a Cross-stitch Pincushion

In Waldorf grade 4, the Handwork theme is cross-stitch. Unlike purchased counted cross-stitch patterns and kits, Waldorf children create their own symmetrical designs. You can do one line of symmetry, two, or even four!

plant-dyed silk embroidery floss

plant-dyed wool felt

6 count Aida cloth

Of course, children can also create patterns of their own design, like this adorable chicken!

Important Note:
Waldorf teachers buy a special size of Aida cloth for children: 6 count.

After you've cross-stiched the pincushion top, sew on a piece of sturdy wool felt backing using this stitch:

make a stitch in the Aida cloth from one hole into the next

put the needle into the BACK of the felt

come out on the front of the felt, then go back into the same hole
in the Aida cloth before heading to the left again

We like to stuff our pincushions with natural fiber yarn odds-and-ends that are leftover from knitting projects. They are perfect for this! I also like to insert a square of cardstock in the base before stuffing it (to keep needles from traveling through, sticking out the bottom, and poking the children).

In my Handwork teacher training in July 2021, we also made 4 1/2 x 7 inch sewing kits out of wool felt with a cross-stitch cover (and sweet felt pockets designed for all the different little items). I decided to make a toiletry kit instead! It has a nail file, clippers, tweezers, and a pocket for a small comb.

A few ambitious teachers created very large cross-stitch journal covers. They're wonderful.

Here are some beautiful pictures I would like to share from that training:

Nicole placed gems on a board to help us visualize the lines of symmetry