Tricornu Pincusion....

Tricornu by Jody Pirrello

The pincushion barely uses any materials at all and the whole thing can be made in an afternoon.

If you don't enjoy sewing, knit 2 counterpane tops and ask a sewing friend to sew 2 fabric biscornu "inserts". Stuff one with fiber fill and the other with lavender. Your sewing friend gets a pincushion and you get a moth deterrent for you WIP basket.

Size:  Approx 6" around Yarn
Lily Sugar 'n Cream Stripes (100% cotton; 200 yards [184 meters]/4 oz): 

Colour Lime Stripes, 1/4 ball
Fabric:
2 fat eighths - 1 in a coordinating fabric for the bottom and 1 in a matching fabric for the top.
Needles:
US #6 (4.0 mm) or size to get gauge: 24" circular or 5 DPNs
Gauge:
20 sts and 24 rows = 4" in St st
Notions:
Tapestry needle; fiberfill; 2 buttons, button and carpet thread; machine sewing thread
directions 

Chart:

Abbreviations:
Please see our standard list of abbreviations.

Pattern Notes:
The counterpane is knitted first, then the fabric portion is cut to fit the counterpane -- gauge is not important!
All seam allowances are 1/4".

Counterpane:
CO 8 sts evenly onto 4 DPN (2 sts per DPN). Join for working in the rnd being careful not to twist.
Begin working Tricornu chart, working 4 reps per rnd. Work entire chart once and then BO knitwise using the decrease BO.

Decrease BO:
Knit 2, sl sts back onto left needle, knit them tog tbl, *k1, sl 2 sts onto left needle, knit them tog tbl*

Biscornu Lining / Bottom:
Measure counterpane stretching slightly. Cut 2 fabric squares to this measurement plus 1/2" for seam allowances.

Note: Step-by-step tutorial of sewing the biscornu.

Having trouble with the sewing. Here's a step by step tutorial to help you get through the hard part. Step 1: Cut 2 squares the same size. Make 1/4" snips at the midpoint of each of the edges. Step 2: With Right Sides together, align the top square so its top meets the midway point snip of the bottom fabric. Now, move the top fabric up 1/4". Pin in place. Step 3: Sew a 1/4" seam about halfway down from where the 2 fabrics meet. Turn item 90 degrees. Step 4: Rotate the top fabric 90° so the raw edges of both layers meet again. Use a pencil or other small instrument to work the fabric under the presser foot. Step 5: Fold the fabric as pictured to prepare to sew the next seam. Step 6: Sew a 1/4" seam taking care not to sew through the fold (the fold is only there to help keep the fabric under control while you're sewing). Stop the seam 1/4" before the edge of the top fabric. Continue in same manner, sewing along all edges leaving a gap to turn the piece inside out. The final sewn item will look awkward, but once it's turned right side out and stuffed it will take on its final shape.

TIP:

Make scant 1/4" snips halfway up each edge (see grey lines in below diagram). Place squares right sides together as per diagram and starting at top sew seam matching red stitching on diagram.

Rotate top fabric 90°and and sew second half of seam along the bottom panel. Repeat for other 3 panels, leaving a 1.5" gap in the final panel.

Turn biscornu right side out. Firmly stuff with fiber fill and hand sew gap shut.

Hand sew counterpane to top. Attach buttons to center of both sides of cushion using button thread. To attach buttons tightly, sew through each button once and then pinch buttons together with thumb and middle finger of one hand while pulling thread taut with other hand. Sew through both button a few more times while pinching. Push needle through slowly so you can avoid sticking yourself.