The idea for this Magnetic Pin Holder didn’t come from some grand plan—it just sort of happened. I was in the middle of sewing, totally focused, when I realized (yet again) that my pins had vanished. Some were on the floor, some clinging to the side of the chair, and I’m pretty sure a few had just disappeared into the void.
I got up to grab a snack, more out of frustration than hunger—and while staring at the fridge, something clicked. Those magnets were holding up photos, notes, even a pen. So why not… pins?
I grabbed a magnet, tried it out with a handful of pins, and honestly, it worked better than I expected. A bit of glue, a small dish, a few adjustments, and suddenly I had this neat little magnetic pin holder that actually made sewing less annoying.
It’s such a simple thing, but I use it all the time now. And the best part? They’re super easy to make, which means they’re also great little gifts for your crafty friends.
Materials
You’ll Need:
- 1 small bowl or shallow dish
- 2 to 3 magnets (½ inch each)
- Hot glue gun or a strong adhesive like E6000
Step By Step Guide for Magnetic Pin Holder
This project’s so simple, I almost feel silly writing out the steps, but hey, sometimes it’s nice to double-check. So here we go:
Start by adding a small dab of glue to one side of each magnet. Press them firmly onto the bottom of your bowl or dish (underside facing out). Give it time to dry completely, no rushing, even if you’re excited to try it out.
And honestly… that’s it. Really. Simple, quick, and surprisingly satisfying.
If you’re working with a bigger bowl or dish, it’s worth adding a few extra magnets. The more you use, the better the coverage — and the stronger the grip. Pins tend to scatter, so having magnets spread across the base helps catch them wherever they land. It’s a small tweak, but it makes a noticeable difference.
You don’t need anything fancy for this — cute little bowls or dishes are everywhere. Michael’s, HomeGoods, Target, Hobby Lobby, Amazon, Walmart… take your pick. But honestly, some of my favorite ones came from thrift stores. A vintage or secondhand dish adds that bit of charm you just can’t buy new. Each one feels a little more personal, a little more you.
I’m honestly a little obsessed with my foxy magnetic pin holder. It sits right next to my machine and gets used every time I sew. When I’m mid-project and don’t want to deal with poking pins into a cushion, it’s the perfect spot to just drop them without thinking. Simple, tidy, and oddly satisfying.
If you sew even occasionally, you’ll get so much use out of one. And if you’ve got crafty friends? Make a few extras. It’s the kind of small, thoughtful gift they’ll actually use — and probably wonder why they didn’t think of it first.
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FAQs
What can I use as a magnetic pin holder?
You can use a small dish or bowl with strong magnets glued to the bottom to create a simple and effective magnetic pin holder.
Do magnetic pin holders damage pins?
No, magnetic pin holders do not damage pins. They simply attract the metal, making it easy to grab and store pins quickly.
Can I use hot glue for magnets?
Yes, a hot glue gun works well for lightweight magnets. For a stronger, long-lasting hold, try industrial adhesives like E6000.
How many magnets do I need?
Two to three magnets are usually enough for a small bowl. Larger bowls may need more to ensure full coverage.
Where can I buy cute bowls for this project?
You can find decorative bowls at Michaels, Target, Amazon, Walmart, thrift shops, or even use a vintage dish from home.