How to Make Felt Cactus Pincushions

Cut a circle, 20 centimetres in diameter, from bright green felt. Mould the felt into a dome shape using steam; place a small ball (polystyrene will do) in the centre of the circle, pulling the felt up over it. Using the steam from an iron, stretch the felt and set the shape – take care not to burn yourself.

Repeat the process on the four remaining pieces. Take two of these connected pieces and match the outer edges together from the point at the top to the base. Edge stitch together to create one of the six fins of the cactus. Repeat this process around the edge of the remaining pieces.

You will find that two fins are not secured and will need stitching together through the centre of the pieces, but this will have to be achieved by stitching through all the layers to seal the fin. This will become much more apparent once you have stitched all the pieces together.

Stitch tiny tufts of pink thread along each segment to resemble spines. Using a pink glass-headed pin, secure a felt flower to the centre of the dome. Stick a disc of pink felt over the inside of each heart shape in a bucket. Using a hot glue gun, secure the cactus to the rim.

Using the template, cut out a pair of shapes in pale green felt. Machine stitch together, sewing near to the edge. Stuff the cactus shape until it's firm.

Using the template, cut out six shapes in a dark green felt. Press the shapes in half lengthways with an iron. Machine stitch two of the shapes together through the fold lines, making sure that the outer edges of the folds are matched together.