DIY Your Dream Needleminder With This Step-By-Step Guide.
If you’re a cross-stitcher or embroiderer, you probably already know how handy a needleminder can be. But did you know you can make your own from just about any enamel pin? Whether you have a pin you love but don’t wear often or you want to bring a little extra personality to your stitching setup, converting a pin into a needleminder is a fun and simple DIY.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process step by step, so you can create a custom needleminder that’s both practical and totally you!
Why Turn an Enamel Pin into a Needleminder?
There are so many reasons to try this DIY, but here are some of my favourites:
- Self-expression – Your stitching space is yours, and a custom needleminder is a fun way to showcase your personality, interests, and style while you work on your projects.
- Coordination of minder & project – Want your needleminder to match your WIP? Whether it's floral for a botanical piece or spooky for a Halloween design, this DIY lets you create a perfectly themed setup.
- Expanding your collection – Let’s be honest—can you really have too many needleminders? With so many enamel pins out there, you’ll always have an excuse to add another unique piece to your collection.
- Match your interests & fandoms – Love a particular book, movie, or video game? There’s almost certainly a pin for it! Turning a pin into a needleminder is a great way to bring your favourite fandoms into your stitching world.
- Upcycle damaged pins – Have an enamel pin with a broken post? Instead of letting it sit unused in a drawer, turn it into something functional and beautiful!
How to Convert an Enamel Pin into a Needleminder
Tools & Materials:
- Enamel pins you wish to convert
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Small neodymium magnets
(as large as possible while still fitting behind the pin for a stronger hold) - Wire cutters with a flush side
- E6000 adhesive glue
- Pegs or sewing clips
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Remove the pin backing
Take off the clutch, rubber backing, or whatever closure your enamel pin has—it won’t be needed anymore!
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Trim the pin post(s) off
Using wire cutters, line up the flush side against the back of the pin and carefully snip off the metal post. Some pins have a small circular ‘head’ where the post was attached—be sure to remove this as well, not just the spiky part.
💡 Tip: Cut with the post facing away from your body and face, as the excess metal can fly off unexpectedly!
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Flatten the back of the pin
Check for any leftover glue or rough metal where the post was. If needed, trim or file these down to ensure the back is as flat as possible—this helps the magnet attach securely.
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Check the magnet polarity
Take a sewing needle and one of your neodymium magnets. Hold the needle against the front of your enamel pin while placing the magnet behind it. If the needle is attracted to the magnet, you’re good to go! If it repels, flip the magnet over.
🛑 Important: If you’re attaching multiple magnets to a single pin, double-check each one’s orientation to avoid issues with polarity.
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Glue the magnet to the pin
Place a small dab of E6000 adhesive onto the back of the pin where you want the magnet to sit. A little goes a long way! Press the magnet onto the glue, making sure it’s oriented correctly for the needle to stick.
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Secure with a clip while drying
Use a peg or sewing clip to hold the magnet in place while the glue sets. This helps create a strong bond.
Leave your [soon-to-be] needleminders like this to dry. -
Let it dry—be patient!
Leave your needleminder to dry for at least 8-12 hours, but 24 hours is best. Since you’ll be using a second magnet on the opposite side of your fabric, this waiting time ensures the glue is fully cured and won’t be pulled apart by the magnetic force.
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Enjoy your new needleminder!
Once the glue is completely set, your custom needleminder is ready to use. Simply place it on your fabric with a second magnet behind your hoop, and it’ll keep your needle safe while you stitch!
Where to Find Cute Enamel Pins
Not sure where to find the perfect enamel pin for this DIY? There are so many incredible artists and small businesses that make unique, high-quality pins! Some of my favourite sources include:
- Joy Addict's The Stamp Collection - There is more than just this collection, but these stamp pins specifically are just so good!
- Alum & Ink - They have normal sized pins as well as small "filler" pins, which I adore!
- The Confetti Hands - Sweet/cute themed pins, including Art Farm - a bunch of creative characters she created who you can relate to one way or another!
- The Gray Muse - Amazing artistic-themed & floral pins (+ more), including interactive ones!
When choosing a pin, slightly larger designs with a flat back tend to work best. And most importantly—pick something that makes you happy every time you see it!
Final Thoughts
Turning an enamel pin into a needleminder is such a simple but satisfying way to bring more personality to your stitching setup. Whether you're matching your needleminder to your project, repurposing a pin with sentimental value, or just adding a little extra joy to your stitching time, this DIY is a fun way to make your supplies truly yours.
If you give this a go, I’d love to see your results! Share your custom needleminders with me:
or let me know in the comments what pin(s) of yours you might turn into a needleminder.
Happy creating & stitching!
