Stash Buster Magic: Using Leftover Yarn in the Cushlet Pin & Needle Cushion Set

I don’t know about you, but I always seem to have a little - or not so little - pile of yarn leftovers lurking in my CurioCraftsRoom corner. I just can't throw away those tiny balls, thinking they may come in handy sometime. But unless I set the intention that I want to make something with them, they'll just stay there. 

That’s where the Cushlet Pin & Needle Cushion Set comes in perfectly. These small, cozy cushions are just the right size for using up leftover yarn, and the simple base shape makes it easy to combine different colors and textures in a way that feels intentional rather than haphazard. So I set the intention to only use leftovers. And guess what, I had enough to complete five matching sets. These cushions don't ask for a lot of yarn and I'm happy that my stash has shrunk a little. Such a shame to use new balls if you have all these odd balls lying around.

The needle cushion is so cute and small that you only need a few yards of each colour. And of course you can use as many colours as you like; you don't have to coordinate them as I did.

One of my favorite things to do is mix and match colors. You can use complementary shades for a subtle, elegant look, or contrast brights for a playful, cheerful set. I like to pick yarns that remind me of a memory — a soft pastel from a blanket, a deep teal from a previous shawl — and see how they work together. It’s like giving each cushion a little story of its own.

Textures are another fun way to play. A smooth, crisp yarn like Scheepjes Catona works beautifully for these cushions and I used it for all of them as I have lots of odd balls. But you can use any sport weight yarn you like. Or perhaps you have yarn that holds different thicknesses or is variegated. There are pleny of ways to experiment with the cushlets.

Because the Cushlet Set comes in two sizes (diameters 14cm and 11.5cm), you can experiment even more: maybe the larger pin cushion is in soft pastels, and the smaller needle cushion is a bright, bold contrast. Or try alternating textures between the two. Each set becomes unique, reflecting the yarns you already have and the personal touches you add.

I love seeing how much creativity a small project like this can spark. Using leftover yarn makes the process playful, sustainable, and rewarding — and at the end, you have a pair of cushions that are both functional and beautiful, ready to brighten up your craft space or become a heartfelt gift for a friend.

So next time you glance at your stash, pick out some leftovers and give them a purpose — the Cushlet Pin & Needle Cushion Set is the perfect little project to turn scraps into something lovely.

                                                Available on Etsy & Ravelry

Love,
Christa xx

Here's a ready-to-pin image. I'd really appreciate it if you could pin it to one of your boards if you like this design. That would help so much in promoting my work. Thank you! 

A charming crochet pattern for a matching pin cushion and needle cushion, perfect for decorating in your own unique style

Today I've released a new crochet pattern for two small items that you can embellish in many different ways. I love making small items that are both practical and very decorative. I've got quite a few small items lined up for publication this year and this is the first one: The Cushlet Pin & Needle Cushion Set.

I designed this small crochet project especially for makers who love crocheting, sewing and other fibre crafting. This pattern includes instructions for two coordinating cushions: a larger pin cushion and a smaller needle cushion. Together they make a charming set for your sewing table or craft room.

Decorate the cushlets in your personal style
One of the special features of the Cushlet design is how easy it is to personalize. The cushions form a simple and elegant base that can be decorated in many different ways and in the pattern I show you three of these ways: A simple star, French knots and of course peacock eye stitches. These are all embroidered on using the same yarn I used to make the cushions. Of course there so many more options besides embroidery: for example, you could add a crochet flower or leaf or small and cute buttons along the sides. Or keep them beautifully minimal.

Stash Busters and Gift Ideas

Because the cushions are small (diameter 14cm and 11.5cm), they are also wonderful quick crochet projects and perfect for using leftover yarn. They don't eat up much yarn and look gorgeous in all kinds of colour combinations, so dive into your stash to find those oddments to create a lovely and practical pin cushion plus needle cushion :) for your craft nook or for someone else's of course. They'd make such thoughtful handmade gifts for crochet or sewing enthusiasts and you can embellish them to their tastes.

If you enjoy creative details and customizable projects, the Cushlet Pin & Needle Cushion Set is a lovely pattern to explore.

Available on Etsy & Ravelry

Please come and join my Facebook Group TheCurioCraftsRoom Community for a 20% discount code for the Cushlet Set

I made the Cushlet Set using Scheepjes Catona, which is available in over a hundred colours. The exact colours I used are listed in the pattern. Below you'll find links to online shops that carry this yarn in case you'd like to look in to it.

Where to shop for Scheepjes Catona and other yarns
Scheepjes yarns are available from WoolWarehouse (International shipping) and Caro’s Atelier (The Netherlands, International Shipping). If you purchase yarn through the affiliate links below, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!*