If you’ve stitched a beautiful biscornu design and are wondering how to turn it into that charming, puffy little cushion, you’re in the right place! ✨
What Is a Biscornu?
A biscornu (pronounced bee-skor-noo) is a small, decorative pincushion made from two square pieces of cross-stitch or embroidery. It’s a fun, surprisingly easy finish – and a great way to show off your stitching.
Here’s how to assemble your biscornu step by step:
🧷 What You’ll Need:
- Two stitched square pieces (same size)
- Matching sewing thread or embroidery floss
- Needle
- Pins or clips
- Stuffing (polyfill or wool)
- Optional: button(s) for the center
✂️ Step-by-Step Finishing Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Stitching
- Ensure that both squares are the same size and have at least 2 rows of fabric margin.
- Optional: Backstitch a border around each square (1 stitch from the edge) – this will help with alignment when sewing.
- Trim both parts, leaving ½ ½-inch seam allowance all the way around. Measure from the back-stitched line on all sides.
2. Align the Corners – The Biscornu Magic!
- Place one square flat with the right side up.
- Take the second square and line up the corner of this piece with the middle of one side of the first square.
- Pin or clip it in place — this offset is what gives the biscornu its unique shape!
3. Start Whipstitching
- Use matching thread or floss (1–2 strands is ideal).
- Starting where the corner meets the middle of the opposite square’s side, begin whipstitching through the edge stitches or backstitch borders.
- Continue sewing all the way around, matching each corner of the top square with the midpoint of the next side on the bottom square.
4. Stuff It!
- Leave a small gap once you're nearly sewn the edges.
- Gently stuff your biscornu with fiberfill or wool — don’t overdo it, but make sure it’s nice and puffy.
- Finish sewing the remaining edge closed.
5. Add the Button (Optional but Recommended!)
- For that classic biscornu shape, sew a button through the center, from top to bottom, and pull it snug to pinch the middle.
- Tie off securely and trim any threads.
🌟 Tips & Extras:
- Use coordinating fabric for the back square if you only stitched one side.
- Add a ribbon loop before closing the edge to turn your biscornu into a hanging ornament.
- Try beads, tassels, or hand-dyed threads to make your biscornu even more special.
And that’s it! Your biscornu is ready to show off, gift, or keep by your side as a lovely little companion while you stitch 🧵💖
Have you finished a biscornu recently? I’d love to see it – feel free to tag me or send a pic!
