Tool Time Tuesday...Thimble Pincushion Necklace

Happy Tool Time everyone! I know the title of this project is a mouthful...Thimble Pincushion Necklace. I couldn't shorten it or describe it any other way. Maybe the title should have been...

TOO CUTE!!!

Want to make one too? It's so easy.

I was looking through one of my sewing drawers and came across this thimble that I've had forever. We all have them, but I don't use the metal kind. I use a leather thimble when hand sewing my hexagons. What to do with this little thimble...let's make a necklace!!

All you need is a thimble, a jump ring and a necklace. I used a silver chain that I had, but you could use a ribbon or cording.

Jump rings come in packages at the craft store in the jewelry section.

For the pincushion, you'll need a small scrap of fabric, stuffing, a needle and thread.

To make the little hole in the thimble for the jump ring, the tools for today are your drill with a very small drill bit or...

an awl and a hammer.

If you are using the drill, start out slow and drill just below the lip of the thimble. Don't forget to drill on an old piece of wood, because you will be drilling right through.

I used the awl and hammer technique. Make sure you are on a sturdy surface and hammer on an old piece of wood, because the awl will be poking through.

Take a small tap to start the hole. Once there is a dink...hammer until it pokes through.

 Here is the hole.

There will be rough metal shavings on the other side. You can clip those with wire cutters and/or file with sand paper.

Now loop the jump ring through the hole.

Squeeze the ring closed with pliers.

You could be finished here, because this is perfect as a necklace.

However, if you want to sew with your thimble necklace...let's add a pincushion!!

I used a spool of thread to trace the circle.

With needle and thread, sew a running stitch around the edge of the circle.

Doesn't have to be perfect, because we are just gathering it up.

Gather up the circle to look like a little bowl.

Fill with a little craft stuffing. Pull thread to gather tightly and knot off to secure.

I used a little hot glue to attach the pincushion inside the thimble.

Glob of hot glue on the bottom of the gathered pincushion...

Insert into thimble.

All Done!!

Oh, wait...she needs pins!!

Just hang around your neck and you'll never lose your pins and needles again.

Ok, I have to say...this is the cutest little thing ever. I'm not patting myself on the back, I just think anything in miniature is adorable!!

Happy Tuesday,
~Karen~