I spotted the inspiration for these cute dressmaking pattern weights over at A Spoonful of Sugar and couldn’t wait to give them a try myself! Having recently entered into the world of dressmaking (as opposed to all the homewares I normally stick to), having these little weights to hand is going to prove invaluable when cutting out fabric from those wispy pieces of tissue paper you get with sewing patterns.
To make your own pattern weights you’ll need: 10 x 2cm metal washers (I got mine on eBay for 99p), some scrap fabric, a needle and thread and 5 decorative buttons.
I thought it’d be easier to present the pattern weight tutorial to you as photographs, so here’s how to make them:
Sew Sensational 
I love these! I made mine with pennies, (http://pillowsalamode.wordpress.com/2012/06/07/penny-pattern-weights/) but these are SO much prettier!
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Ooh pennies! Well I wish I’d thought of that! They would’ve been even cheaper than the 99p I spent here haha. Maybe when I need a few more I’ll give it a go 🙂
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I love this idea!!! I’m going to have to make some!!!
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So pretty! I have a dozen 5cm washers that use singly. I’ll have to decorate them like this!
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Thank you! the 5cm washers may be better than the 2cm ones I’ve used here – especially if you have big pattern pieces to hold down!
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Great idea!
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thanks! super easy too.
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Flimsy pattern sheets are a nightmare and dont last long. If you think you will make the pattern again always trace it onto paper in your size, and save your tissue pattern as the master. carefully refolding. I trace all of my patterns and if I gain or lose weight I can make in a different size.
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Good idea – thanks for the advice! I’ve also heard that you can iron on interfacing to strengthen the patterns too.
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That is a brilliant tip. I’ve never thought to iron on interfacing.
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I made some pattern weights by wet felting merino wool fibre around some stones for my sewist friend. She loves them.
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