Today I made three cute little weights for my sewing room. It's a project I've been meaning to do for a while, and I'm glad to finally have it done.
So why do I need tiny weights in my sewing room? Mainly to keep big cuts of fabric from sliding off my table while I'm trying to cut them. I thought about buying a set of pattern weights, but I think these are prettier (with the bonus of matching my sewing room).
The weights are also good for keeping piles of cut fabric or templates in one place if a breeze from an open window keeps blowing them off your work table.
My weights measure about 2.5" x 2.5" and are each weighted with 50 pennies. There's a little tutorial below so, if you have runaway fabric and a change jar, you too can make these simple weights.
Here's what you'll need:
- 50 pennies
- 2 flannel* squares 3.5" x 3.5" for interlining
- 1 fabric square 3.5" x 3.5" for top
- 2 fabric rectangles 3.5" x 2.25" for back
*I used flannel because I had it and thought it would be less bulky than batting. You could probably use batting scraps instead. It may just result in a chunkier-looking weight.
Keeping right side facing up, place the 3.5" x 3.5" fabric square on top of one of the flannel squares. Set aside. (This will be the top of the weight.)
Place the right sides of the 2 fabric rectangles together. Sew together along long (3.5") side, using a half-inch seam allowance, leaving a 1.5" opening for turning, and backstitching each time you start and stop.
Press seam open.
Cut remaining flannel square in half and tuck one half under each side of the pressed-open seam allowance. Pin flannel in place and stitch along both sides of the seam, through all layers, as shown above.
This will be the bottom of the weight. Square up to 3.5" x 3.5" to match the top.
Place the right sides of the top and bottom together, pin, and sew around all four sides, using a half-inch seam allowance and backstitching at each corner.
Trim excess bulk from corners, turn right side out, and press.
Now comes the fun part! Fill the weight with 50 pennies. Keep in mind that pennies are generally pretty dirty. Do what you can to keep them from touching the fabric on the outside of the weight.
Once the pennies are in place, hand stitch the opening closed.
And that's it. Your weight is finished. No more fabric on the floor!
