How to make sewing pattern weights

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.

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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.

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!

You will need

• 1 fat quarter of fabric
• Thin card
• Aquarium gravel
• Bright sewing threads
• Basic sewing kit

Notes

Use a 1cm (³⁄₈in) seam allowance.

How to make pattern weights for sewing

Cutting out

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

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.

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 6

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.

Step 7

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

Step 8

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.

Speedy sewing room storage

If you’ve enjoyed making these pattern weights and are looking for more quick and easy projects to enhance your sewing space, then try our how to make fabric baskets tutorial – it uses just one fat quarter and is great for storing your paper patterns.

Read more

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• 10 easy things to sew that you can make in a weekend
• Make your own messenger bag pattern

Jennie Jones

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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