Upcycle A Votive Into A Pin Cushion

From “Tacky” to Terrific: Turning Candle Holders into Pin Cushions

Upcycle & Reuse Thrift Store Trash Into Treasure

I was strolling through our local thrift store when I spotted them—bright, unapologetically hot pink candle holders. I’m sure most people walked by thinking, “Taaacky!” But me? My eyes lit up and my brain whispered, “How much? I’ll take them!”

This is one of those super easy projects that turns something overlooked into something adorable and useful. Now you, too, can be on the lookout for beautifully “tacky” tea candle holders just waiting for a second life in your sewing room.

Here’s how to make one:

You’ll need:

• A tea candle holder (2″ is perfect)
• A piece of fabric (I used Jennifer Paganelli’s Dance with Me – Kalya in Tea)
• Strong thread (silk works beautifully)
• Needle
• Polyfil
• Hot glue
• Ribbon (optional, but oh-so-cute)

Instructions:

1. Cut your fabric: Draw a 4.5-inch circle for a standard 2-inch tea candle cup and cut it out.
2. Stitch around: Thread your needle with strong thread, tie a knot at one end, and stitch 1/4″ from the edge all the way around.
3. Form your cushion: Once you reach your starting point, gently pull the thread to form a pouch.
4. Stuff it: Add a small handful of polyfil, pulling the thread tighter and tighter until you have a nice firm ball.
5. Secure it: Put a dot of hot glue in the bottom of your candle holder and press the fabric ball in place.
6. Add ribbon: Tie a pretty ribbon around the base for a finishing touch.

That’s it! In just minutes, you’ve transformed a forgotten thrift store find into a cheerful little sewing companion.

May your stitches be straight and your pins always handy,
Aimee ✂️💖

I hope you enjoy this post. It’s from my older blog, homespun-threads.com