Occasionally, I find myself pondering over the most unexpected things. While cross-stitching recently, I reached for my trusty tomato pin cushion to store my needle and wondered, “Why a tomato?” Of all possible shapes for a pin cushion, why has the tomato become the most iconic?

Another opportunity to go down the rabbit hole of history.

And darn it all if I didn’t discover some interesting traditions of the pin cushion. (More tradition than history; there isn’t enough documentation and sources to verify this information.)

What I found: It appears that the pin cushion didn’t start out as a “cushion” at all.

The Middle Ages

It should be mentioned that needles themselves have an interesting history, from antiquated needles handmade from bone and bronze to manufactured needles in the 1800s.

In the Middle Ages, steel was beginning to be used for needles, making them stronger and lasting longer. Back then, pins and needles for sewing were precious, and losing a needle (especially in a haystack) would be costly. Therefore, cases were made, usually of wood, to keep the precious items safe until later use.

The earliest recorded instance of a pin case dates back to 1376, when Jehanne de Mesnil was given a silver pin case. Such a lavish gift suggests the recipient was of considerable importance. No other information on this person is given, and after some searching, I found that a potential match could be Jeanne de Mesnil, married to Robert Malet, Lord of Pretz and Coupigny, presumably in France. Given the era and the expense of the gift, this silver case would be fitting for the wife of a Lord.

The Renaissance

During the Renaissance, tradition says that placing a tomato on the mantel of a new home became a common practice to guarantee prosperity and ward off evil spirits. If tomatoes were not in season, one would be created using red fabric filled with sand or sawdust. It could be that the “fake” tomatoes became a convenient place to hold pins and needles.

However, another more likely tradition is that by the 16th century, pin cushions were made from simple fabrics and were round like a tomato, therefore called a “tomato pin cushion.” There are cushions from various parts of Europe that have survived and showcase elaborate embroidery. Small porcelain baskets with pin cushions also became trendy.

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The Victorian Era

Social changes began in the Victorian era, and homes with posh parlors became popular in Europe and the United States, symbolizing status and wealth.

Used mainly for entertaining guests, this room, located at the front of the home, was designed with beauty and elegance. As the central area of entertainment, it was a place for music and games and a space where women could gather and socialize with each other. (One of the past times for women? Sewing.)

In this era, pin cushion dolls gained popularity. These small dolls, frequently with detailed attire and accessories, were used not just as pin cushions but also became sought-after collectibles. Victorian parlors were often used to showcase collections for guests to admire.

Besides dolls, pin cushions have been crafted and collected in various shapes, including vegetables. It is likely that the tomato, with its convenient round shape, became a favored design for pin cushions.

Even today, people continue to search for and collect vintage pin cushions through antique websites, eBay, and Etsy.

The pin cushion is now a widely recognized tool. The popular tomato-shaped pin cushion now features an attached strawberry filled with emery dust, which cleans and sharpens needles upon insertion. Dritz is the company most popular for selling the iconic tomato pin cushion today, offering them in red and various other colors.

For those who sew, the pin cushion is a common tool, one which may not be given a second thought. The next time you’re working on a sewing or cross-stitch project, you’ll appreciate the “seamingly” true history of this essential accessory!

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Make Your Own Pin Cushion

Numerous online resources offer free patterns for creating pin cushions. These websites provide a variety of designs, ensuring that you can find a pattern that reflects your unique style.

12 Free Pincushion Patterns | thesprucecrafts.com
40+ FREE Pincushion Patterns to Sew | The Birch Cottage
45+ Pin Cushion Patterns (Free!) | AllFreeSewing.com

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