While these might not be quite as good as a box of chocolates, or a dozen roses, they'll last longer than both.

Valentine Pincushion Pattern

Fabrics used for the Heart Pincushions - Holiday Essentials LOVE by Stacy Iest Hsu, and for the Xs and Os - Flirt by Sweetwater.

A couple of things to note about these pincushions:

• For the multiple-block pincushions, I trimmed the alternating strips to 7/8" before assembly.  Then I trimmed the seam to a generous 1/8".  No, I don't worry that it's going to come apart.   
• I use a thin cotton batting to quilt my pincushions, and I do not put anything behind/under the batting.  It's just the two layers.
• I use 50wt. or 80wt. thread for quilting these.  
• After trimming the top and backing to size, stitch across what will be the bottom edges approx. 1/8" from the edge.  This will make filling the pincushion a bit easier, and it will definitely help with stitching the opening closed.
• Stuff to your desired fullness.  Then add just a bit more.  The pincushion will "relax" a bit after it's stitched closed.
• If you're using crushed walnut shells to fill the pincushions, finish stuffing the pincushion with batting "shreds", and a small square of batting.  It decreases the chance of spillage.  
• "Batting shreds?"  Huh?  Using a leftover strip of batting approx. 2" x 6" long, cut 1/8" wide "shreds" using scissors or a rotary cutter.  It's a bit like stuffing, and it uses up batting scraps that might end up in the trash.

Have fun!  

And Happy Valentine's Day.