How to Sew a Mannequin dress form Pincushion - FREE Template
- Jan 7, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 3
A large mannequin-shaped pincushion, perfect for keeping pins and needles to hand whilst sewing!
This mannequin pincushion is a simple project that’s both practical and decorative, perfect for adding a little personality to your sewing space. Made using just a few materials and some basic techniques, it’s a great make for confident beginners looking to build their skills.
The soft, sculpted shape is ideal for pins, while the weighted base keeps it steady on your table. Once made, you can customise it to suit your style, adding details like lace, ribbon, buttons or trims to give it a more vintage or handmade feel.
It’s a small project, but one that feels special when finished, and makes a lovely gift for anyone who loves to sew.
Fabric recommendations: Best suited to quilting cotton or medium-weight woven fabrics.
Finished Size: 7cm x 20cm (not including base)
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 (14" x 11")
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 (12")
Use 6mm (¼”) seam allowance.
Instructions:
1. Cut 2 pieces of fabric using the mannequin template.
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.
4. Turn the right side out through the turning gap.
5. Stuff the mannequin tightly with toy filler.
TIP: Use small amounts of stuffing at a time. This makes it easier to stuff and easier to push the pole in later.
6. Position the dowel in the centre of the pot. If using glue, apply a small amount to the base of the dowel and hold it in place until secure. Check that it is standing straight before leaving it to set.
7. Fill the pot around the dowel with your chosen filling (such as pebbles, rice, or sand), adding a little at a time. Press down as you go to keep everything compact and stable. Continue until the pot is full and the dowel feels firmly supported.
8. If using glue, add a small amount over the top layer of filling to hold everything in place. You can then decorate the surface by gluing buttons or trims over the top for a neat finish.
9. Push the dowel through the bottom of the mannequin to the desired height. Hand-sew the hole closed around the dowel using small stitches to secure it neatly in place.
Once finished, your mannequin pincushion is ready to take pride of place in your sewing space. It’s a simple make, but one that feels thoughtful and personal, especially when you’ve added your own decorative touches.
Enjoy using it, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself making more for gifts too!
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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