DIY Pattern Weights

This post is brought to you by Michaels. // Earlier this week, I shared about 7 of my favorite time-saving sewing tips and tricks, which included at the number 1 spot the recommendation to use pattern weights instead of pins when cutting out sewing projects. These truly are a sewist’s best friend when it comes to saving time and energy throughout the cutting process!

Today I am sharing how to make a set of pattern weights of your own using your favorite kicky fabrics. For the set featured in this post (as well as the coordinating bag I stitched up to keep them contained when not in use), I used some great new fabric now available at Michaels.

Wait–fabric from Michaels? Yes, you heard that right! Michaels recently started offering fabric in a variety of patterns, weights and textures for just about any project under the sun. Talk about convenient! For this project, I opted to use some of their cute canvas chevron, not only because of the eye-catching design, but also because the heavy weight of the fabric was just what I needed.

Now, let’s get back to today’s quick and easy sewing project. Stitching up a set of these pattern weights can easily be done in an afternoon (or less!). Let me show you how it’s done.

For this project, you will need…

• Heavy fabric (I recommend something like canvas, or even faux suede)
• Coordinating thread
• Washable ink marker
• Metal BB’s* (found at sporting goods stores/departments)
• Basic sewing supplies: machine, shears, etc.

*Why BB’s? Their small size but high weight make them perfect for creating pattern weights that are heavy but not bulky.

To start, cut (2) 3.5″ fabric squares for each pattern weight you wish you create. A good number to have on hand for a complete set is 6 finished weights, to I recommend cutting out 12 squares.

Place two squares together, right sides facing, and stitch around the outer edges of each with a 1/4″ seam allowance, leaving a 1″ opening at the center bottom of each. Snip the corners and turn the piece right side out.

Use a washable ink marker to draw a 1″ square at the center of one side of the stitched piece. Stitch around this square.

Carefully pour BB’s into the bottom opening, making sure they feed around all four sides of the opening. When the weight is filled around all four sides, carefully hand stitch the opening closed. Repeat the preceding steps to complete the remaining 5 weights.

All finished!

Your weights are now ready to use for any sewing project that suits your fancy.

No more time-consuming pinning of paper patterns to the fabric underneath. Simply place the weights on top of the pattern and fabric to prevent shifting as you cut!

I recommend stitching up a coordinating fabric drawstring bag to hold all of your weights when not in use. My Drawstring Fabric Gift Bag tutorial is perfect for this! I used that tutorial to create a medium-sized (9-inch) bag for storing my weights. Wouldn’t a set like this make a terrific gift for a sewist in your life?

Thanks for stopping by!

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Michaels stores. All opinions are 100% my own.