Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Pattern Weights

There's nothing quite so useless as a paperweight. Just a heavy object to take up space, right? But a pattern weight - well that's a whole other story.


I had seen this idea a while back and wanted to make some for myself. Pattern weights are used to hold pattern pieces down on your fabric so pins are not necessary. They're also really handy to use to hold your fabric down nice and securely when using a rotary cutter.

I suppose they could be made out of any small heavy object, but I chose to use washers from my local hardware store.

Want to make some of your own? Here's what you need:

-Washers - I used 2 1/4 inch washers. I can't tell you what kind they are, I just picked out the heaviest ones I could find from my hardware store.
- Decorative paper
- Decoupage glue

I cut out circles using a scrapbooking tool, but you could easily just trace the washer and cut your paper slightly smaller. I cut out enough to cover both the top and bottom of each washer.

Then you simply need to apply the paper to your washer with the decoupage glue. I finished them off with two top coats of glue as well to seal them.

I liked the gold color of my washers but you could always paint them in addition to or instead of decorating them with paper.

Just wait for them to dry and you're ready to go!

11 comments:

Pootle said...

What a cool idea! might need to try it!! x

Rachel@oneprettything.com said...

These are the cutest pattern weights ever! I'll be making some of these and linking as well. Thanks so much!

TeachKidsArt said...

I love this idea! I'll be making some for Christmas gifts!! Love your logo, too!!! :)

Diane Gilleland said...

These are so adorable! Thank you for the tutorial. These would make such a great gift for a seamster.

mamapat50 said...

These are great! I just got some washers to make myself a set, tried them out and I am in love. Think I'll make some as Christmas gifts for my sewing friends. Thanks so much.

lauralogiudice said...

Love reading your posts...I feel like you have the sense of humor I wish I had!

Belinda said...

These are fabulous! It's such a clever idea. I'm going to have to go to the hardware store to get some washers to make some this weekend!

Can I ask what the papers are that you used? They are so cute and absolutely perfect!

Anonymous said...

Very very clever..I will try this.

Thank you kindly for the tutorial.

Unknown said...

I love this idea! Please tell me the name of the tool you used to cut the paper. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Im doing this later today. This is so awesome. Thank you.

Unknown said...

I love the cardstock you used? Where did you find it?
T
hanks,Francine