How to make Biscornu

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You'll love this 3D stitching idea. We show you how to make up your beautiful biscornu pin cushions - just follow our simple step-by-step tutorial.

What is Biscornu?

A biscornu is a small, octagonal pincushion, usually made from aida or linen and decorated with embroidery stitches or cross stitch. The cushion is finished in the middle by being pressed in the centre with a button or other notion.

The examples you can see in this post were first featured in Cross Stitch Crazy magazine issue 232, designed by Cheryl McKinnon. These prettiest of pin cushions make great gifts for stitch friends. Read on to find out how to make them.

Step 1

Stitch two of the designs for the top and the bottom of the biscornu. Cut both you front and back pieces leaving approximately 1cm (½in) of fabric from the edge of you stitched piece.

Step 2

Fold back the edges of each design along the square backstitch outline, in towards the ‘wrong’ side of your stitching. This will make the next steps much easier.

Step 3

Use a pin to mark the middle of the top design. Thread your needle with two strands of floss in same color of backstitch outline. Join the corner of the top piece with the middle of the bottom piece.

Step 4

Start assembling your biscornu by passing your needle through the backstitches of both parts from top to bottom, making sure to pick up the backstitches only.

Step 5

Stop stitching when you have completed the seventh side, leaving a 4cm (1½in) gap. Stuff the biscornu, then continue stitching to close the gap. Secure your thread.

Step 6

Sew two buttons at the centre of each side. Keeping your thread taut, pass the needle from button to button, crossing through the centre to create the dimple in the middle.

Biscornu tips

When stitching your biscornu pattern it is important to stitch the backstitch border over only one square at a time.
Use your biscornu as a pincushion or as a scented sachet for your chest of drawers.
Add a loop of ribbon to make a scented hanging

Hannah Fletcher

Hannah has been the Editor of The World of Cross Stitching magazine for 4 years and is responsible for bringing a wide range of cross stitch patterns from the best international designers to the readers around the world. She loves to stitch modern baby samplers for new arrivals amongst her friends and family, but as an all-round crafter, Hannah is just as likely to have a crochet hook in hand as a needle and thread. When she’s not busy crafting, Hannah can be found Irish dancing or running to keep fit.

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