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DIY Pattern Weights Tutorial

Cutting out your sewing patterns will be a breeze thanks to this guide to how to make pattern weights by Jennie Jones. Read on for our free tutorial.

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Jennie Jones

Published: May 4, 2021 at 9:52 am

These pretty pattern weights are a great way to use up fabric scraps you can't bear to part with and make lovely gifts for friends and family who share your love of sewing.

What are pattern weights? They're a handy way to stop your fabric moving around while you cut out patterns or while tracing out a pattern – trust us, it's a life-changing tip! You'll find endless uses for your sewing weights and you'll soon wonder how you ever managed without them.

Sewing pattern weights is really easy to do, so this is a great project for beginners to try.

Read on to learn how to make your own pattern weights and recycle some leftover fabric odds and ends in the process. This pattern makes 15 pattern weights, so your sewing kit will be stocked up in no time!

Looking for more ways to use up leftover fabric? Learn how to make scissor keeps, turn fabric scraps into Christmas baubles or try our sleep mask pattern.

If you're new to sewing, you might find it useful to take a look at our beginner's guide to sewing, sewing patterns for beginners or best sewing machine for beginners guide.

You will need...

  • 1 fat quarter of fabric (we've used Midnight from the Cotton Candy range by Susan Driscoll for Dashwood Studio)
  • Thin card
  • Aquarium gravel
  • Bright sewing threads
  • Basic sewing kit

Note

Use a 1cm (3⁄8in) seam allowance.

Step-by-step: how to make pattern weights

You will need:

  • A fat quarter
  • Card
  • Aquarium gravel
  • Bright thread
  • Basic sewing kit

Cutting out the squares

Step 1

Draw a grid of 9x9cm (35⁄8x35⁄8in) squares on the right side (RS) of your fabric. You should get 30 squares from your fat quarter, which will make 15 pattern weights.

How to sew your own pattern weights step 1

Step 2

Cut the squares out along the lines.

Stitching the squares

Step 1

Pin two squares RS facing then sew them together all the way around, leaving a 2.5cm (1in) turning gap in the centre of one side. Trim the corners.

How to sew your own pattern weights step 2

Step 2

Turn RS out and press.

Step 3

Draw and cut out a template from card measuring 2x2cm (¾x¾in).

Step 4

Place this card in the centre of your square and draw around it with a white pencil or fabric pen.

How to sew your own pattern weights step three

Step 5

Sew around your drawn square through both layers of fabric. I chose to sew my squares in different coloured threads – picking out the colours in the fabric pattern.

Filling the weights

Step 1

Fill your square with the gravel. I tried using a funnel but found a jug was easier. Fill it to the top and then shake the gravel down so it’s really full and pin the opening closed.

How to sew your own pattern weights step four

Step 2

Hand-sew the opening closed using small neat stitches so the gravel can’t escape.

Step 3

Repeat this to sew and fill the remainder of the fabric squares until you have 15 lovely pattern weights.

 

You’re finished making your sewing weights! Enjoy using your pattern weights whenever you get crafty.

How to make pattern weights

5 sewing weights to buy

Don’t have time to make your own sewing weights? Don’t worry, we’ve rounded up some of our favourites for you to buy.

Pattern weights from ByBridie

These attractive pattern weights from ByBridie on Etsy are sure to bring some style to your sewing space! They’ll keep your fabric where it needs to be and will look great even when you’re not using them.

Pattern weights from ByBridie

BearandBirdSewing handmade pattern weights

Prefer to use fabric pattern weights? This cute geometric set from BearandBirdSewing is just what you need! Add them to your craft stash today.

Pattern weights from BearandBirdSewing

Handmade fabric pattern weights from VickiesfancyCrafts

This fantastic sewing-themed set of pattern weights are both stylish and practical. If you want to be really coordinated, you can order a matching pin cushion too.

Pattern weights Vickiesfancycrafts

Polymer clay donut pattern weights from KiddyLizzy

These colourful sewing weights look good enough to eat (but don’t!). They’re a great way to add a bit of fun to your sewing sessions and your crafty friends will certainly be envious!

Pattern weights from KiddyLizzy

Mixed dotty pyramid sewing weights from HectorsHouseSupplies

Add some vintage style to your sewing sessions with these cheerful pattern weights! They’re both pretty and practical and would make a great gift for a crafty pal.

Pattern weights from HectorsHouseSupplies

Jennie Jones

Designer Maker

Jennie Jones discovered sewing when she had children and her work is featured regularly in Simply Sewing magazine. Her Fast Fat Quarter designs show makers how to craft modern gifts, accessories and homewares using just one or two pieces of fabric. She shares a mix of handmade loveliness with a bit of vintage thrown in on her Instagram @thestitchinghut. Jenny harbors a fairly serious fabric buying habit
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