Directions for Making a Biscornu

Hold a Biscornu and you will agree! You automatically start turning it around and around, studying it at all angles. Biscornus are very popular with stitchers, but what do you do with them? Filled with potpourri, they become sachets. Attach a ribbon loop to one, and it becomes an ornament. They can be used a pincushions, scissor fobs, etc. They can be made in any size imaginable. From tiny palm size, to pillow size. Many stitchers enjoy exchanging them with other stitchers.

Below are directions for making a Biscornu.

Biscornus are made from two pieces of cloth. They must be square and they must be the exact same size.

1) Stitch your chosen designs and backstitch around each using 2 strands of floss.. Please note: Some stitchers tend to pull their stitches tight. Since the backstitching will be a sewing edge, don't pull the floss too tight. Snug, but not tight. You will want to easily slip your needle under the edging while not piercing the cloth.

After stitching, press and trim fabric leaving about 1/2" seam allowance.

2) To make the directions easier to follow, the piece with the cats will be "A" and the piece with the hearts will be "B".

Fold edges under along backstitching. Press if needed. Next, insert a pin in the middle of each side on B.

With floss that matches backstitch edging, and using two strands of floss, attach corner of A to pinned center of B as follows:

Bring floss from back of corner A, loop around backstitching on B, insert needle back into corner of A and secure thread floss in seam allowance. Cut floss. Attach the next corner A to side B in the same manner. Repeat twice more until all 4 corners of piece A are secure.

This step may seem a little awkward, but securing the corners/centers in this manner will assure that all the edges and corners of your Biscornu will line up and match exactly. Once you complete this step, the hard work is done!

3) Again using two strands of matching floss, sew together by passing the needle back and forth through the backstitch edging of each piece. Be sure to sew just through the edging, not the cloth. Also, take care to match the corners of B to the center sides of A. This should be quite easy to do.

4) Like magic the biscornu will take shape with 8 sides. After you have sewn the 6th side, carefully stuff it with polyester stuffing, potpourri, or what ever you choose. Be sure to get the stuffing into each of the corners. Finish sewing the edges, adding more stuffing if needed. Secure thread.

5) To finish, use two strands of floss that matches the center color, knot end of floss, trim ends if necessary to make the knot neat and tidy. Insert needle into center of one side, sew through to center of other side. Pull tight to make a dent in the center. Pass needle back and forth several times. Secure and trim floss.. (Some stitchers prefer to attach a button or large bead in the center of their biscornus.)

Now your Biscornu is done. Enjoy!