This pattern requires limited fabric, thread, stuffing, and skills, so it is a wonderful assignment for someone new to sewing. After students create their aprons, they can use scraps of their apron fabric to create a matching pincushion.

Degree of difficulty:  Simple 

Skills Demonstrated 

As students complete this project, they are demonstrating their abilities to

• Watch/listen and follow directions
• Measure fabric
• Transfer pattern markings
• Cut fabric
• Measure and mark seam allowances
• Sew curved seams
• Clip corners
• Turn fabric
• Use stuffing
• Attach button
• Problem solve
• Think critically

 

Easy Pincushion Pattern Tutorial 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znyZ8jr0JtQ

TIP: Consider filling the pincushion with not only stuffing but also steel wool to make your needle-sharpening pincushion.

Historical Connections

Research shows us that students must be able to connect what they are currently learning with the information they previously learned (Deaton, 2021). One way to build students’ schema is to connect current content with students’ understandings is to connect the content of the day with a historical moment or uncovering the origin of the item you are making or using.

5MinuteHistory has a host of five-minute videos covering a plethora of topics related to history including the history of shoes, underwear, and coffee, just to name a few.

 Additionally, researching this day in history on History.com will empower you with information to connect students with historical facts and events that happened on a specific date in history.

Did you know that the pincushion can be dated back to the Middle Ages? Check out this article on the origin of the pincushion. What fun fact did you learn about pincushions that you could share with your students?

References

Deaton, S. (2021). Teaching Apparel Production. Presentation.