Sweetheart cushion

sketchfab

This lovingly handmade pin cushion would have been crafted during WWI by a brave soldier as a form of therapy while recovering from their injuries on the battlefield. They are affectionately known as 'sweetheart' pin cushions because they were then sent home by the soldiers to their beloved loved ones. The hearts were carefully produced from pre-cut kits contained within a template-cut cardboard box which would have also included all the necessary materials, such as fabric, beads and pins needed to create the cushions. The widespread production of these kits ensured that standard patterns emerged, allowing for personalization to an individual or to reflect a soldier's regiment, as this example proudly displays at its center an image of their fellow soldiers in uniform.