With just a few sewing scraps or some recycled clothing, you can make your own pattern weights instead of buying expensive ones from the store. They also make great gifts for anyone you know who sews. Using weights saves your sewing patterns from pin damage, and speeds up pattern cutting.
Approximate Time: Under 10 minutes each.
If you're making these for a friend, use whatever pretty colors they might like. If you sew with fleece, you can get creative and make these shaped like a flower. Simply cut petal shapes freehand as you're cutting around the circle at the end. They're not quite as good as the stretchy swimsuit type fabric, but they will work.
*Note: The reason for using swimsuit type stretch fabric, is that it holds its shape better while holding the weight of the BB's, letting them roll and distribute evenly. The "shirt fabric" inside provides just enough stability to keep it from stretching too much. If you're using fleece scraps, you may not need the extra fabric square inside.
Do start with a square at least 2 inches larger than your pattern either way though, as it's much easier to guide under the sewing machine foot, and also makes it easier to put in the BB's and hold them there before stitching the opening shut. Trust me on this, I'm still picking up BB's from before figuring that out.
By Mary from Mountain Pine, AR
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If you prefer to use pattern weights, instead of pinning, these yoyo pattern weights are an easy and fun option. They are also a great way to use up scrap fabric.
