Me...oh boy do I have ideas! I just haven't had a chance to jump in...yet!
Until that happens I thought sharing a 'semi-striped down-EPP-diamond-pincushion-tutorial' might be fun. I say this because I didn't exactly take notes while making it. I'll be relying on my memory, such as it is.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNb8lN0MSHcptHXZuP6hOUhM7OKpwRWNlnC_OJ6Xfebf6My29fvSRUWSZ6M46Z8vqliPBSv8CKuH0QHe6OFJVpCTlY0a5cIxX1L3y2auMVOyq2QrQnt0ZwQZXp2K_CWh5YEnoOCsYdZok/s640/DSC_0020.jpg)
I printed 1" diamond templates on card stock from Incompetech. You can buy templates for your English Paper Pieced projects or make your own. Incompetech is a good option especially if you are making some thing small.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_GWxPIQGe3YBU3jW5qLMphq_B9ObdQtdt9jfdSQeNJLKWHrRkVzLLZZb4toAaD8MjqUmDseSXu3g8gvmj1K-Ws_twoCjmXWJ7ijDHjK8hBZkF_KRuF589mErSLnlW9jY0RdEsOrT-4Q/s640/DSC_0001.jpg)
You need 12 - 1" diamonds for the top. I wanted this one to be scrappy, so I picked 12 different fabrics. Diamonds are a fun shape for EPP and there are a lot of great combinations to be had.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDSiFDRUGd1BjpRWzt-jbKWjnTanFB8C1ogrbA4OwoClTQ238OhSi_rokXzBF6OQO-pQCzt417RSLadQEayd8Z2DUy9oSk_QdHoVKXMea2FhAjCYmHsPpJanv7f7Bh5tXLhZo01o-ZvYg/s640/DSC_0002.jpg)
Either method of basting works well, glue or thread. I usually go for the thread when I baste.
Baste your diamonds and stitch the shapes together.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5txyvKhqk2jfby5I6Eo2PKhTUA_Q7fzVKY1-0F2IOhmd0p2IY2fvuZQzGS5i7ALM7wEQT3GGTmhBUHU4fND_Wxzf-U1opdo8bgOAS366sY1nqg8gfDpZpK6yhOLD-lJo5mt-0JRJO6w/s640/DSC_0005.jpg)
For the sides you need six (6) 1 1/2" x 2 1/2" rectangles. Baste your rectangles and then stitch them to the sides of the diamond top.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLp4GlJdlpXwRTJNL49TRE4zuQt0K7v7fMGHS0VkRI3M8BB4XeL9eIXRI7m5HKjKHdH9ZJWVc4LKmje16L563MgsE7nhdLHdSNKUZEBa0XTpa9JIdsnpULHQS9yRkSMjeGOPHnjQw4yy8/s640/DSC_0004.jpg)
Next, stitch the sides of the rectangles to create the pin cushion shape.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGNLNthQKdcza08DYRYbAfTGhzoM3_IxMIMthsUyZheaIdALhYecmuOFjyEZbi-oGkk8Oum5rYAOfZBcbYe7DzovFpVs246nZJBVtEUUWrpswLilR17v5mk-lJRUxfxljffahscvVxP4/s640/DSC_0007.jpg)
Here's where my memory is a little foggy! A pin cushion has to have a bottom and this one requires a hexagon. I used a 5" hexagon which allowed for 1/4" seams.
After removing the paper templates, I turned it inside out. I pressed 1/4" seam around the entire hexagon making it easy to match up with the sides and keep an accurate seam allowance. With right sides together, I stitched the bottom to the top on five (5) sides.
Time to fill and finish! I used crushed walnut shells for the first time and really like how heavy it was. I was lucky enough to find one (and only one) bag at a local fabric shop! Thankfully it was just enough. Do you know that you can get crushed walnut shells at your local pet shop? I didn't either!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7tCUidVPRCwbt8fgUXZnMGICClbDvy58ZilgHnlf4gtsmfGqssQsloDpEVfkQYOnFA_i-8kVpDwIbc28ZORWw9498dw88-WD3_-NsxPLoPyRXUXqCH5THhrzLCp0Fy_A6ZJoI7gaXWCA/s640/DSC_0003.jpg)
If you are new to English Paper Piecing, there are so many great tutorials out there. Jodi @Tales Of Cloth has a great series on the basics. Florence @Flossie Teacakes has a great 'where to begin' post if you are not sure how to start! Two great places to start!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheo4pdFVBw6vDlJK8_sgGm715z6WBIuxOqR9pxF07RCt6U29C2lQsx_BYvJuz0q5uG2MSJnUcZEu3yyLrGGeJ2biR1hfQtCpmhczy_kUUCy9MnXLBI10teNA_D7OQBBxTMrjs_v3s8jyE/s640/DSC_0022.jpg)
I hope you enjoyed my 'semi-striped down-EPP-diamond-pincushion-tutorial'...such as it is!
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