Looking for a quick sewing project that’s both useful and gift-worthy? A mason jar pin cushion is an easy DIY you can make in under 30 minutes using simple materials you likely already have.

In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to turn a basic mason jar lid into a soft, functional pin cushion—while using the jar itself for smart storage of pins, clips, or small sewing notions.

This is one of my favorite notions. The pin cushion holds my pins and needles, and the jar holds some of my threads, buttons that need to be sewn on, and more – all in one handy container. Mason Jar Pin Cushions are super easy (and fun!) to make, and perfect gifts for the stitcher in your life.

All you need is a mason jar (any size works) that has the two-part lid, a scrap of fabric, scraps of wool batting or filling, and a small piece of felt! Pull out your needle and thread, heat up your glue gun, and you’ll have a pin cushion in less than 30 minutes – that you will love!

What you’ll learn

How to make a pin cushion that fits perfectly inside a mason jar lid
The best materials for durability and function
How to get a smooth, rounded top (no lumps)
Simple ways to customize your jar for gifts or storage

Quick start

Time: 20-30 minutes
Skill level: Beginner
Tools needed: Hot glue gun, scissors
Best for: Scrap fabrics, gifts, organizing sewing supplies

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One (1) Mason Jar Pin Cushion

How to Make a Mason Jar Pin Cushion

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Active Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Quick, easy, and super simple project to keep your pins, needles, and supplies all organized!

No sewing machine is needed! Perfect project for scrap fabrics!

No Ratings

Materials

Scrap of fabric that is about 3" larger diameter than your jar lid
Felt that is about the size of your jar lid; either acrylic or wool felt works
One mason jar with lid, lid ring and jar, to make a mason jar pin cushion, it needs to be a jar with the two-piece lid system
Wool batting (preferred) or cotton batting; do not recommend poly batting
Thread for hand stitching

Tools

Glue gun or other fast drying permanent glue
Fabric scissors
Needle for hand stitching
Fabric marker; I used a Frixion pen. Always test on your fabric before using.
6-inch sewing ruler with guide

Instructions

Step 1: Gather your supplies

Start by pulling together your supplies.

Step 2: Cut fabric

Take the lid from your jar and place on your fabric scrap. I like to mark on the right side, but you can mark on either side. Using your fabric marker, draw around the lid, leaving at least 1-inch of fabric around all sides so we can make the fabric circle bigger in Step 3. I used a Frixion pen which disappears with heat. Always test on a scrap of fabric first!

Using your sewing ruler with guide, mark around the drawn circle to extend it 1-inch around all sides.

Connect the dots and draw a circle. It doesn't have to be perfect - mine sure isn't! Cut the larger circle out of the fabric.

Step 3: Sew around edge of the fabric

Thread your needle. I'm using a high contrast thread so you can easily see it. But, you'll never see the stitches so it doesn't matter what color thread you use. You can use a single thread or double your thread, if you'd like. Knot the end of your thread, and start a running stitch about 1/4-inch in from the raw edge of the circle.

Here is stitching in progress.

Continue sewing all around the circle with the running stitch. Leave your needle in your thread, do not tie it off (yet).

Step 4: Add batting

Cut a circle from your wool batting. Trace around your lid and cut it a little smaller than the lid. Again, this doesn't need to be perfect as we are going to squish it into the cap for the pin cushion. Place it on the wrong side of the fabric circle. Add enough batting to fill the "dome" of your pincushion. Place your lid over the batting layers as shown.

Pull on your thread to ease the circle around the lid. TIP: Tuck in the batting to be on the top of the lid as much as possible, and not around the edges. This will make it easier to place in the ring securely. Once it is tight and the fabric evenly distributed, knot your thread several times so that the fabric stays taut on the lid.

Step 5: Insert the lid into the ring

Place the lid inside the ring. If you are having some issues with the lid fitting inside the ring, gently push the batting to the top side of the lid.

Step 6: Attach backing to the inside of the lid

Mark a circle the size of your mason jar lid on your felt. This will cover up the stitches on the inside of the lid. Cut out the felt circle slightly smaller than the marked circle. Squeeze a bit of glue from your glue gun around the edge of the fabric

Place the circle of felt on the glue and press gently.

Step 7: Attach the lid to the jar

Put your lid on your jar, add some pins, and enjoy your new mason jar pin cushion!

Notes

Most mason jars have the exact same size lid, whether they are pint or quart size. No matter the lid size, it is best to only cut your circle of fabric about 1-inch larger than the lid, so you don't have too much bulk in the jar ring.

Recommended Products

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Common mistakes

Too little batting – results in a flat cushion > pins and needles may fall out
Fabric cut too small – hard to gather and secure
Loose fit in lid – add cardboard backing or more stuffing
Using slippery fabric – cotton fabrics hold shape best

What size jar can I use to make a mason jar pin cushion?

You can use any size jar. The important part is the jars need to have the two part lid system, the lid and the ring, so that you can cover the lid with fabric that you fill with batting.

A great source for mason jars is your local thrift store. They usually have singles of a variety of sizes – from pint mason jars to quart-size! Wash them well when you get home and make a few mason jar pin cushions.

What is the best stuffing for pin cushions?

I prefer wool batting. The lanolin in the wool conditions your pins and needles and the natural fiber doesn’t dull the points. If you can’t get wool, use a cotton batting or filling, as it is also a natural fiber. We do not recommend using poly-fil or polyester batting, as they can dull your needles.

Frequently asked questions

Can I wash a mason jar pin cushion?
Spot clean only. You can wash the jar, but I wouldn’t wash the lid.

What fabric works best?
Quilting cotton is ideal. Avoid stretch or slippery fabrics.

What can I store inside the jar?
Pins, clips, thread, needles, small scissors, or thimbles.

Make it your own

Add embroidery or applique to the top
Use seasonal fabrics for gifts
Fill the jar with coordinating sewing supplies
Add a ribbon or tag for gifting

Why you’ll love this project

This is one of those projects that’s small but mighty. It’s quick, useful, and makes a thoughtful handmade gift—perfect for using up fabric scraps while organizing your sewing space.

Ready to try it

Grab a jar, pick your favorite fabric, and you’re just a few steps away from a practical project you’ll actually use every day.

Use your mason jar as a sewing kit! Keep your threads and small scissors in the jar, needles, and pins in the pin cushion! It’s the perfect size for embroidery thread on a bobbin!