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DIY Pattern Weights

"Ouch!" I screamed for the second time in 30 minutes.  I'd, once again, stepped on a sewing needle in my sewing space.

This was not a typical problem, but my 4 year old had found my pin cushion and kindly removed the pins onto the floor.  It was time to pull out my shoes and start the process of collection all those sewing pins.

pattern weights
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It was a hassle but I did it.  However, I had to come up with a different plan.  That's when I started researching diy pattern weights.


diy pattern weights

I'll admit, I didn't get right on the bandwagon of using pattern weights.  I've always loved using sewing pins.  It's what I learned to do when I first started sewing.  It was tradition.

And if I didn't want to pin something, most of the time I would just find some toys, Legos or maybe my 20 pairs of sewing scissors to use as weights.  (Don't make fun of me, I'm sure you've done it too!)


sewing pattern weights


But the time to change that was now.  Making pattern weights was not complicated but it would make my pattern cutting a bit faster and less stressful.


The best part about this project is that I already had all the supplies on hand.  Just some fabric scraps and some dried rice and I was ready to go.



Make cutting out sewing patterns easier by making your own diy pattern weights.

Which means it won't take much for you to make your own diy pattern weights either.  Simply follow the tutorial below and get sewing those pattern weights today!!




DIY Pattern Weights



Materials Needed
  • Pattern Weight Pattern - get free at the end of post by clicking the peach colored button
  • OR  Cut
  • Matching Thread
  • Dry Rice
  • Paper Funnel


pattern weights
Step 1
Take the 3.5" x 1" tab and press both sides in towards the middle of the tab lengthwise.






diy pattern weights
Step 2
Fold the tab in half making sure the raw edges are enclosed inside the tab.  Stitch down the side of the tab.  Press.





sewing pattern weights
Step 3
Fold the fabric for the pattern weight and fold it in half.

Fold the tab in half, matching the raw edges.  Place the tab about 1.5" from the top of the pattern weight.  Pin.






making sewing pattern weights
Step 4
Fold the pattern weight fabric up to match all the edges.  Pin in place.




diy pattern weights
Step 5
Stitch down the two side seams, but leave the top open.  Trim the corners of the pattern weight fabric.





pattern weights
Step 6
Turn pattern weight right side out.  Press.





sewing pattern weights
Step 7
Fold the top edge a 1/4" to the inside of the pattern weight.  Press.  





diy pattern weights
Step 8
Fill pattern weight about 2/3 - 3/4 full of dry rice.  Create a paper funnel to add rice to the weight.








diy pattern weights
Step 9
To make the triangle shape, find the two side seams and match them in the middle of you seam.  Pin across the fold.






making sewing pattern weights
Step 10
Stitch along the folded edge using a sewing machine or you can hand sew closed if you prefer.






pattern weights

Tada!!  You did it.

Look how cute that little pattern weight is?!




diy pattern weights


Now repeat the process so you have a small collection of matching pattern weights.  Once you have the amount you want, you can start using them instead of pinning.

And be grateful that these cute little weights will save you from stepping on anymore pins kindly scattered by small children.



sewing pattern weights


Want the free diy pattern weights printable pattern?  Simply click the button below to download.





Make cutting out sewing patterns easier by making your own diy pattern weights.


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