A dedicated holder for storing straight pins and hand needles point-down so they remain organized and accessible during a project. Traditional versions are small, tightly stuffed fabric pads often filled with emery sand or crushed walnut shells to sharpen the metal and prevent rust. Magnetic versions use a shallow dish to grab and hold the metal shafts flat.
Heard on the job
Grab the tomato pincushion so I can start pinning this hem in place.
Insider tip
If your pins are feeling dull or snagging the fabric, stab them repeatedly into the tiny strawberry attached to a classic tomato pincushion, which contains abrasive emery powder.