Felted Apple Pincushion

Felted Apple Pincushion by Marie Mayhew Designs

Project Overview

The Felted Apple Pincushion is a charming knit and felt decoration project designed by Marie Mayhew Designs. This back-to-school themed pincushion stands 3.5 inches (8.89 centimeters) tall and combines traditional knitting techniques with felting to create a functional and decorative accessory. The project is ideal for crafters seeking an intermediate-level knitting challenge that yields a finished piece perfect for seasonal decoration or as a thoughtful handmade gift.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a three-dimensional apple-shaped pincushion suitable for holding decorative pins. The design includes multiple components: a solid-color apple option and a two-tone apple variation, along with a coordinating leaf. The finished pincushion is embellished with decorative mini pins from the School Days set by Just Another Button Company (item #jpm-476), making it a complete back-to-school decoration that celebrates the September season.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The pincushion is constructed using knitting as the primary technique, with felting applied to finish the piece. The felting process transforms the knitted fabric into a dense, sculpted form that gives the apple its characteristic rounded shape and finished appearance. This combination of knitting and felting allows crafters to create dimensional, three-dimensional forms from flat knitted pieces.

Stitches and Pattern Details

While specific stitch-by-stitch instructions are contained within the full pattern, the project employs standard knitting stitches appropriate for intermediate-level crafters. The construction method allows for the creation of both solid-color and multi-colored variations, demonstrating versatility in color work and yarn combination techniques.

Yarn and Materials

• Solid-Color Apple: Cascade 220 worsted weight yarn in color #8895 Christmas Red
• Two-Tone Apple: Cascade 220 sport weight #9404 Ruby and worsted weight #8895 Christmas Red, knit together as a single strand
• Leaf: Cascade 220 worsted weight two-tone yarn in color #0980 Pesto
• Embellishments: Mini decorative pins from the School Days set (#jpm-476) by Just Another Button Company

Yarn Weight Specifications

This pattern utilizes aran and worsted weight yarns, with one variation incorporating sport weight yarn combined with worsted weight for a unique two-tone effect. The yarn weight selection contributes to the density and drape of the finished felted piece, ensuring proper structure and shape retention after the felting process.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this project is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to explore felting techniques and three-dimensional construction. The combination of knitting and felting introduces crafters to finishing methods that transform simple knitted fabric into sculptural forms.

Designer Information

This pattern is created by Marie Mayhew Designs, an independent designer. The pattern is protected by copyright and is intended for personal use only. Commercial use, reproduction, or electronic transmission of the pattern is prohibited without written permission from the designer.