Sewing Weights… do you use them?

I was just testing a new pattern and I used my cute sewing weights to hold the pattern in place on top of the fabric, and I thought: this is a good occasion to share this useful little sewing project on my new blog page!

Pattern weights are a simple but essential tool that makes sewing much easier and helps you achieve more precise results without damaging your fabric

Picture this: you’re getting ready to sew an exciting new project, you’ve just ironed your fabric, laid it on the table, placed the pattern over it and you’re going to start tracing it out… but the pattern doesn’t stand still, and you realize you need to put some weight over it to hold it in place or you’ll eventually compromise your sewing project…

Now I have always used whatever was at hand to serve that purpose: my cell phone, the remote (yes, the tv remote!), a scissor, a rock (!) but then I decided to use something pretty and with some fabric scraps, so I sewed some sewing weights!

I am sure you have a few fabric scraps over there - well, only a few or are you like me and have like an infinite bin of them? You will also have to get a bitt of rice to fill them and if you add some dry lavender it's the perfect combination! Let’s see how to make them:

Materials needed:

2 fabric scraps with 10 cm x 10 cm / 4 inch x 4 inch;

Piece of ribbon with about 10 cm / 4 inch (totally optional);

Rice and some lavender (lavender optional but it brings a nice scent!);

Sewing Instructions:1.       

Pin the squares right side together (leave one corner unpinned). Place the ribbon like the image shows on one of the corners:

Pin all around, including the ribbon in place - in the middle of the squares. Sew on 3 sides of the square:

Trim the corners and turn to the right side using a sharp object to turn the corners (I use a thin crochet hook):

Then make a little hem to the inside on the open side (same as the seam allowance). Iron it well. Fill the bag with rice, I added a bit of lavender. The scent of lavender is not only relaxing but also helps keep your sewing corner fresh and cozy.

Pin the unsewed edge but making a pyramid shape – pin it it with seams close together - and then hand stitch it with invisible stitch. You can machine sew it also – close to the edge – but it won’t make the same finishing. You are done!

I am sure you will feel much more inspired in your sewing with some pretty pattern weights then if you were using the phone, or the remote like me 😉

I must tell you that I always love to see your creations so please do email me a photo – allthatsewing.info@gmail.com – or tag me on instagram to show me your makes @allthatsewingcom.

These little sewing weights also make a thoughtful handmade gift for a sewing friend – practical, personal, and crafted with love.

Happy Sewing

Catarina