DIY Fabric Covered Pattern Weights

​I was going to write this week’s blog post on the blue dress (you can see it in all its deconstructed glory in 'Goals for 2018') which I had planned on making this week, but it’s been so hot here that there was no way I was going to get out the iron if I could avoid it. Instead this week I've written about the fabric covered pattern weights I made.

​I’ve been meaning to make some of these for a while now. Pinning is great, but pattern weights can make cutting out so much faster. They won’t replace the pins completely; they’re more like a complementary cutting aid.

I thought about painting the washers, but then I thought that this would be a perfect opportunity to use some of my fabric scraps.

I used a 20 pack of 35mm washers, a 10 pack of 50mm washers, some scrap fabric, a needle, some thread, and scissors to cut it all.

I used some scraps to figure out how big the circles would need to be so they’d cover both sides of the washers completely.  To do this I placed the washers on some fabric and folded it in, marking with a pencil where it touched in the middle. Then I unfolded it, connected the little marks with the pencil, and cut around the circle with pinking shears.

All ready to be stitched up.

​I tested the size before I cut out the purple fabric by sewing around the edges and pulling the thread taught with the washers inside the little pouch it made. They worked well, so I took out the thread and used them as pattern pieces. I cut out ten small and ten large. I decided to double the little washers to give them a bit more weight which is why there are only ten of them.
 
Next I stitched close to the edge the whole way around the circle, just like I did with the test pieces. This time I also stitched the little gathers down to neaten it up.

They look like little money pouches for a bit when you pull the thread.

That’s all there is too it! I could have used the sewing machine with a long stitch length to go around the outside, but I like hand sewing. Plus it meant one less thing adding to the heat. I've also considered putting buttons, bows, or pom poms on the top of them, but I like them as they are for now.

I see you, sneaky white weight, I see you.

​It was a really quick and easy project to do, and I love that I was able to use some of my scraps.

They live in the box my little two year old niece painted for me for Christmas.

I haven’t used the weights as of yet. I’ll get a chance to in a couple of days when the temperature stops hovering between 34°C and 40°C. I’ll let you know how they go after I’ve used them.
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Until next time xx

Edit: I've used them now and they're brilliant! They hold the pattern to the fabric and allow you to move it all around on the table for easier cutting. They're super fast to lay down and pick up again. Plus, no holes in the fabric!