Sewing Pattern Weights (Tutorial)

Make your own Sewing Pattern Weights. They are quick and easy to stitch up and make a great sewing project for first-timers. Happy Sewing!

Ask anyone who sews and they will tell you that the pattern cutting part is not nearly as exciting and fun as the actual sewing part. That’s why I always try to finish the cutting part as quickly as possible (to save time AND frustration!) by using Sewing Pattern Weights. They serve the same purpose as pins (to prevent puckering and shifting) but the whole process of laying out and removing only takes seconds (yay!). Simply place the Sewing Pattern Weights on top of the sewing pattern and fabric to prevent shifting as you cut. Do you need some more convincing?

• They don’t leave marks on fabric and sewing pattern pieces
• They don’t bunch the fabric as pins do (which can cause assembly issues)
• Sewing pattern and fabric can easily be re-adjusted while cutting

I recommend using the Sewing Pattern Weights in combination with a rotary cutter and a mat because sometimes it can be tricky to keep the sewing pattern in place while cutting with scissors. Other than that, they are AMAZING to use.

I thought I would share how to make your own Sewing Pattern Weights using fabric scraps. They are quick and easy to stitch up in an afternoon and a great sewing project for first-timers (as is the matching Pin Cushion). For 10 Sewing Pattern Weights, you will need:

Materials

• Fabric scraps (e.g., cotton, linen, denim, felt)*
• Matching thread
• Filling (e.g., rice, lentils)

Tools

• Sewing machine (obviously!)
• Needle (for hand-stitching)
• Ruler (for measurements)

Instructions

1. Measure, mark, and cut out 10 “2.5 x 2.5” (inch) squares from both the front and back fabrics.
2. Mark a 1-inch opening on the wrong side of the top fabric piece. This will be the opening to turn your sewing pattern weight right side out. It’s also where you’ll insert the filling.
3. Place one front piece and one back piece with right sides together, lining up along the raw edges. Pin well.
4. Machine-stitch around the edges, starting at one end of the opening mark, and pivoting at the corners. Reinforce well with extra backstitching. Press.
5. Turn sewing pattern weight right side out and press, tucking in the raw edges of the opening to the wrong side. Then use something pointy (e.g., point turner, pencil) to poke out the corners.
6. Using a funnel, stuff the sewing pattern weight with the filling (I recommend rice or lentils) until you have the desired thickness. It should be rather full/dense.
7. Use regular sewing thread and needle to hand-stitch the opening closed, tucking in the raw edges as in step 5.
8. Repeat the preceding steps (2 – 7) to complete the remaining 9 Sewing Pattern Weights.

*Notes: You can either use the same fabric for the front and back pieces or two different ones. I used printed fabric for the front pieces and plain fabric for the back pieces (see picture). Instructions are for two different fabrics but can easily be adjusted to using only one (simply cut 20 identical fabric squares for front and back fabric pieces instead of 10 each).