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How to Sew a Mannequin dress form Pincushion - FREE Template

Updated: Jul 20

A large mannequin-shaped pincushion, perfect for keeping pins and needles to hand whilst sewing!


Finished Size: 7cm x 20cm (not including base)


Vintage pincushion mannequin with polka dots and illustrations, labeled "Simplicity." Sewing machine nearby; soft background lighting.


Download the template here:

Print the template to 100% scale and cut out the shape. This pattern includes a 6mm seam allowance.


Fabric used: Simplicity Vintage ‘All Dressed Up’ collection – Dots


What you’ll need:

Mannequin template

34cm x 28cm Fabric

Toy filler

Small pot or bucket (I’ve used a pot from a small faux IKEA plant)

Small pebbles

Hot glue gun

Buttons to decorate

6mm dowelling pole, 30cm long



Use 6mm (¼”) seam allowance.


Instructions:


1. Cut 2 pieces of fabric using the mannequin template.

Two dress-shaped cutouts with vintage fashion illustrations on a white background. Features polka dots and "Simplicity Vintage" text.


2. Sew the two pieces right sides together, leaving a small gap in the base for turning. Snip into the curved seams in the seam allowance, avoiding cutting through any stitches.


TIP: Use a small stitch, around 2.2, to make the seam strong and prevent it from loosening when stuffing.




3. Box the base by pinching the corners out so that the side seams sit over the base. Sew straight across.

White fabric pad with blue polka dots and subtle figures, on a plain white background. Edges are frayed, suggesting handcrafted.



4. Turn the right side out.



5. Stuff the mannequin tightly with toy filler.


TIP: Use small amounts of stuffing at a time. This will make it easier to fill and easier to get the pole in later.

White fabric pouch with retro-style women in dresses, blue polka dots, partially torn with stuffing visible, "Simplicity" text on fabric.



6. Use a hot glue gun to glue the rod inside the pot in the centre. Make sure the pole is straight.



7. Fill the pot around the rod with pebbles until the pot is full and the rod is secure in the centre. Hot glue gun the pebbles in place once you’re happy with the layout.

White cup with rocks and clear substance, pierced by a blue stick, on plain background. Neutral colors dominate the scene.




8. To decorate the top of the pot, glue buttons and cover the pebbles.

A white cup filled with various white buttons features a blue stick in the center, set against a plain white background.



9. Push the rod through the bottom of the mannequin to the desired height. Use a small dab of glue if you want the mannequin to be even more secure. Hand-sew the hole closed around the rod.

Mannequin torso with vintage pattern fabric featuring retro figures, labeled "Simplicity Vintage," on a pole in a pot with buttons.



Sewing room with a white machine, mannequin pin cushion, and fabric board with teal ribbons on a wood wall. Calm, creative atmosphere.

Why not make this matching memo board? Keep your work table clear with a wall hanging board to store notes, swatches and more. Find the free tutorial here -


Fabric commissioned for these projects by The Craft Cotton Company

 
 
 

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