Make Your Own Pattern Weights
 

I don't know why these pictures are so big, I resized them to the smallest size in Windows Gallery. I think I need to reinstall HP Photo which I'm used to dealing with.

Instead of sewing pattern weights I decided to make some fairly inexpensive, washable pattern weights out of heavy nuts.

I tried resting them in an egg carton which didn't work well, when they dried they had loose spots where it touched. So I'm going to dip them again and hang them over a box.

A can of the Plasti-Dip will double coat 10 large nuts. These are about 1.5" wide x1" deep and weigh about 4 oz.

Husband mentioned I could use rubberized spray paint, so I think I'll touch them up with that.

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very clever and thanks for showing us how you made them

I am going to be very ignorant here and ask what are pattern weights and how are they used?

Pattern weights are used to hold patterns in place without pins while you cut the fabric. They are especially useful when you are using fabric that does not heal from pin holes such as vinyl. I have used them when I was sewing a wedding dress that was satin. They are also handy to hold things steady when rotary cutting especially if you have a longer piece of fabric that wants to slip around.

I got some fishing weights when we were in Florida - I should dip them!!!

Thanks!

I suggest hanging them from a rod, with a box underneath. They get coated better.



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I purchased washers about the size of a half dollar, then I made Yo-Yo's and put the washers into the Yo-Yo's, pulled the thread to complete the Yo-Yo's, tied it off and I had weights. Very inexpensive and colorful.

I just use fishing weights...never dipped or anything fancy... I might look for some large nuts, but bet I never bother to dip them..LOL

Why do you have to dip them?--besides they are prettier dipped. Would there be a problem of some mark coming off the bolts unto fabric? Just wondering.

Great idea and I'm going to put the Hardware Store on my list to get nuts and the plastic dip. I think this is a fabulous idea, and thanks for sharing.

Thank you for posting. What a clever idea you came up with.

I did because they are prettier and easier to grab and will not slip around like shiny metal. I really like the yo-yo idea Aurora! I want mine fairly heavy and easy to grab.

You could always use two washers, if you want them heavier. They stay put because they have the large flat surface area -- and, they were fun and easy to make.

That's exactly what I thought when I saw your idea. In fact, washers were my first choice and I was intending to crochet around them or something. Yo-yos would be prettier, and fun!

Here's my final weights. I took the hangers out, trimmed the rough plastic and then just dipped that half in to cover the hanger marks.
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My Grandmother used to use washers attached to shades. She would crochet washers to the bottom pulls.

Thank you for the explanation. What a great idea and I will store that in mind for future.

Neat ideas about weights. Thanks!

Small cans of tuna also work - not as pretty as your painted bolts, though.

I use cats! :)

Really good idea you had--I'll have to try it.

You wrap large washers with pretty grograin ribbons as well! I love your idea. I would never get around painting them though! LOL!!!:wave::wave::wave: