Easy and Fun DIY Scrappy Pattern Weights Tutorial
Have you ever had trouble cutting something out from a pattern because the pattern kept shifting or didn’t want to use pins because you’re working with delicate fabrics? Yeah, same here, and it can be SO frustrating!
How do we fix this problem? Grab some fabric scraps, and let’s make some pattern weights for sewing. We’ll review some FAQs about pattern weights and then hop into my scrappy sewing weights pattern.
FAQs About DIY Pattern Weights
When looking into making your own weights for patterns, these are probably the most common questions that will pop up. If you have any other questions surrounding making pattern weights, feel free to ask them in the comments below!
How Are Pattern Weights Used in Sewing?
Pattern weights are a handy tool if you use a lot of paper patterns, whether for creating garments, stuffed animals, various types of bags, etc.
The weights hold the pattern in place while you cut the fabric. They are especially helpful if you are cutting delicate fabric that you can’t or don’t want to pin into.
If you would rather purchase pattern weights instead of making your own, these pattern weights here are a great choice!
How Heavy Should Pattern Weights Be?
The weight of pattern weights can vary quite a bit, ranging from 1.5 ounces up to four pounds or more. The four-pound weights are meant to be used when cutting heavy leather or other thick fabrics, so most of us won’t need something that heavy-duty.
For most patterns and fabric, four ounces (113 grams) per pattern weight will work beautifully.
What Do You Fill Sewing Weights With?
You can use pretty much anything to add weight to your pattern weights. I prefer not to use food items like rice or beans because there is potential for mice or bugs to be attracted to them.
Here is a list of pattern weight filler options:
- Rice
- Beans
- Glass or metal beads
- Nuts (the metal kind, not peanuts, LOL!)
- Pennies or other change
- Washers (the flat donut-shaped metal piece that goes along with nuts and bolts)
- Marbles
Are Pattern Weights Better Than Pins?
Whether you want to use weights or pins will be totally up to your preferences and project. Some people prefer pins, and that’s totally fine.
I lean more toward weights because of the following points:
- The pattern is less likely to shift (unless you bump the pattern weight…oops!)
- Pins leave holes in the pattern and the fabric. If you plan on using a pattern repeatedly, it will last longer if you aren’t poking holes in it every time you use it.
- Pattern weights hold the pattern AND fabric in place. This is helpful if you are working with slippery materials.
How To Make Pattern Weights: A Simple Scrappy Tutorial
You can easily adjust this tutorial for my sewing weights pattern to whatever size weights for fabric cutting you would like to make. This would be a fun, quick, and easy project in a couple of hours.
Step 1: Pick Out Fabric
For this type of project, I love to use scraps. Scrappy projects are my jam, but if you prefer to use just one piece of fabric per side, that will work perfectly too.
I have a lot of Kona solids scraps from various quilt projects that I will be using to make the tops and bottoms of my weights.
The finished pattern weights will measure 3” squares and weigh four ounces.
For each weight, you will need 2- 3 ½” squares (top and bottom.)
Step 2: Sew Scraps Together
If you are using whole squares for your weights, you can skip this step and jump to Step #3.
For everyone else, sew your scraps together as you would like. You can do some improv piecing or sew varying-width strips together like me. I ensured all my strips were at least 7” long and varied the widths between ¾” to 2 ½”.
There’s no right or wrong way to sew your scraps together. Be artistic and have fun with it!
Step 3: Cut the Squares
Cut 2- 3 ½” squares per weight. I am making two pattern weights for this tutorial which means I need 4- 3 ½” scrappy squares.
I want my seams to be at a 45°, so I will line up the 45° mark on my ruler with the seam closest to the center of the block, trimming the edges to a perfect 3 ½” square.
Step 4: Sew the Squares Together
Place two of the squares right sides together. Sew around the perimeter of the square, but leave an opening about 2” long for the filler.
Trim the corners of each square pair. Doing this will help the corners not be too bulky. Make sure you don’t cut the stitches.
Step 5: Turn the Pouches Right Sides Out
Carefully turn the pouches right sides out. Use the end of a chopstick or pencil to push the corner out, so they turn out all the way. Don’t push too hard, or you’ll push through the stitches.
Step 6: Fill the Pouches
Use your filler of choice to fill the pouches. I am going to use a combination of pennies and stuffing. I used 42 pennies for each weight to make a four-ounce pattern weight.
Step 7: Finish Off the Pattern Weights
Take a needle and thread and sew the opening closed using a ladder stitch.
How cute are these little weights?! This sewing weights pattern was so much fun to create for you guys; I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. Feel free to ask any questions in the comments below, and have a great rest of your day!
