DIY Sewing Kit in a Tin

What creative person doesn’t see the possibilities in an empty mint tin? I’ve made hundreds of crafts using these convenient little things, but the one I use most is my diy sewing kit! 

I love being able to throw this and a small project bag in my purse (like my yo-yo toddler toy tutorial) and not worry about my needles or scissors stabbing things or being broken! 

Button popped off my shirt? 

Sewing kit.

Son ripped his pants?

Sewing kit.

I’m really bored in jury duty?

Sewing kit.

Tough and sturdy, my supplies are protected, but embellished with paint, stamps, and scrap paper, the kit is still pretty. I made a sewing kit in a tin probably 5 years ago and it has held up beautifully, but my visual aesthetic and hand sewing skills have improved since then, so I thought I’d make a new one and share it with you 💝

You’ll need:

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To make the tin:

• Small Tin
• Spray Paint
• Paper embellishments (I used Scrapbook Paper)
• Butterfly Hole Punch
• Small Stamps
• Ink
• Mod Podge 

To make the kit inside:

• Wool Felt Sheets
• Bitty Bird Pattern 
• Strong Magnet
• Magnetic Needle Minder (I love this Beatrix Potter one)
• Leather Thimble
• Spare buttons
• Embroidery Scissors
• Spare thread
• Needles and pins

To make the tin, spray paint it and let it dry for 24 hours. While you’re waiting, you can cut out your scrapbook paper embellishments and stamp or glitter them how you’d like.

Once fully dry, carefully coat the top of your tin with mod podge and place your paper décor.

Smooth the paper carefully and let dry for a few minutes, then add a few layers of mod podge—waiting between each layer for drying, to ensure your colors don’t run.

If using card stock, the edges may roll, simply use the wand of your paintbrush to roll it flat, continuing to do this until it sticks, adding more mod podge as needed. 

As your edges stick, you can start adding the smaller elements and painting mod podge over them, layering your papers until you have the look you want. 

Only do one or two thin layers of mod podge on any stamped or ink surfaces to prevent running. 

Once fully dried, your tin is finished.

To Make the Kit Inside

Measure the interior width and length of your tin. Double the width and cut out a piece of felt that size. Use a blanket stitch (here’s a video tutorial for blanket, whip, and running stitches) to create a small pocket. 

Place your leather thimble, spare thread and buttons in the bottom of your tin. Add some needles and pins to the front of your felt pocket. Place your embroidery scissors and their leather protector inside the pocket, and place the pocket on top of your thimble and spare parts.

The lid will hold a weak magnet or needle minder for embroidery projects, and the small, strong magnet will go inside your tiny pincushion. I used my Bitty Bird pattern, as she is the perfect size for being a pincushion in this set! You could also make a simple, round pincushion of your choosing😊

My biggest problem with making these tins is packing them too full! Haha! If you make a tin or a Bitty Bird, remember to tag me @cinderellasews on Instagram or use the “tried it” tab on Pinterest, so I can see your handiwork!

Hugs,