Say goodbye to pin pricks and hello to stress-free cutting with your own set of homemade pattern weights! Unlike other DIY pattern weights, these are smaller and heavier making them ideal for cutting out patterns.
This blog post will guide you through the process of making your very own pattern weights, step-by-step. We'll be using readily available materials you might already have at home. So, grab your scissors, unleash your inner crafter, and get ready to transform your sewing experience!
Materials:
- Fabric scraps in various colors and patterns (quilting cotton works well)
- Copper BBs, 6000 count jar (Do not use lead BBs. There is no gunpowder in BBs so they can not accidentally shoot.)
- 3/8” ribbon or tags (optional)
- Sewing machine or needle and thread
- Scissors or rotary cutter
- Ruler
- Marking pen (optional)
Instructions:
- Cut your rectangles. Using sharp scissors or a rotary cutter, cut out nine rectangles measuring 3 inches wide by 6 inches long. Remember to be mindful of your fingers if using a rotary cutter.
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Fold one of the 6-inch-long sides inwards by 1/4 inch towards the wrong side of the fabric. Imagine you are creating a narrow hem along the long edge. Press.
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Optional: If adding a tag or ribbon, position the ribbon on the side opposite the pressed fold and approximately 1 ½ inches from one corner and on the right side of the fabric. Baste in place.
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Fold your rectangle in half, bringing the short sides together so that the 'right sides' (the patterned or colorful sides) of the fabric are facing each other. Sew two sides together. Backstitch at the beginning and end of your stitches Remember to leave the pressed edge open: This is where you'll be adding your weight filling.
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Turn it right-side out: Push out the corners, using a blunt object like a chopstick, pen, or knitting needle.
Now comes the fun part - filling your weights and giving them some heft!
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Time to fill! Carefully spoon in the BBs. Don't overfill the pouch. Aim to leave about 1/2 inch of space at the top to allow for easy closing. As a reference, I used approximately 2 1/2 tablespoons of BBs to fill each of my weights.
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Pin the opening closed, by bringing the seam to the center of the edge. Pin with several pins to keep the BBs from escaping. Keep the pressed ¼” inside the pouch.
- Sew close to the edge, using a zipper foot. Be careful to avoid hitting a BB while stitching. Backstitch at the beginning and end of your stitches. If you are uncomfortable using the machine for this, you can sew the opening closed with needle and thread using small, invisible stitches.
Congratulations! You've successfully created your very own set of DIY pattern weights. You can now enjoy using your personalized DIY pattern weights for all your sewing projects! Feel free to customize the fabric choices, and add embellishments. Happy crafting!