Diy Pattern Weights

I cut out most of my patterns using my rotary mat and cutter.  I was getting tired of pinning the pattern pieces onto the fabric for everything I wanted to cut out so I decided to make some pattern weights!  Now I use my weights all the time for cutting out patterns and also when I am tracing patterns or drafting my own patterns.

These pattern weights are super easy to make and I made this set of four for under 5 dollers! 

All you need is:

• 4 large nuts from the hardware store (9/8 inches) 
  
• 4 scraps of fabric at least 4 inches square 

• Pins 
• Needle and thread

• Paper and compass for drawing pattern
• Iron

Directions: 

1.  Using a compass draw a 4 inch circle on a piece of paper and cut it out. 
   
2. Using your pattern, cut out circles from each of your fabrics.
   
   
   
   
3. Press the edges of the circles under 1/4 inch. (It is not important to be exact, I just eyeballed mine)
   
   
   
   
4. Thread your needle and sew around the entire edge of the circle using a long running stitch.  The edge should end up gathered at the top. (If you are familiar with fabric yo yos then this is what you are making) 
   
   
   
   
5. Open up your circle and drop in a nut.  Pull the thread tight to close fabric over the top of the nut.  Tie off the thread and trim ends.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. Finger press the top of the weight flat.
   

All done! 

I also like to make weights out of large washers. They are especially nice for large patterns!

(They also make great baby teethers!)