Cut Out Pattern Pieces Faster with Fabric Weights
Stacy GrissomDescription
Whether you’re working on a project with many pattern pieces or just a few, you can save time with pattern weights. Pattern weights can be used in place of pins to hold a pattern piece on top of your fabric while cutting it out. Not only is it easier to simply place a weight on the fabric rather than insert a pin, but you can save your fingertips from pricks as well!
Fabric weights are also great to use if you are cutting out silk, canvas, leather, or some other kind of fabric that pins would leave permanent marks in. Pins can always be used on these fabrics by placing them only in the seam allowances, but that can get tricky and be time consuming—whereas the weights are a simple alternative.
It never ceases to amaze me how much time you spend prepping for sewing. Cutting, ironing. I hate pinning on pattern pieces. It takes so much time and I always end up getting myself with at least one or two pins. So you can use pattern weights. And these are little store-bought ones. And they work well. There were about $16 for four though, which seems really expensive. And whether you're cutting with a rotary cutter or scissors, they tend to get in the way. So instead of spending $4 a pop, go to your hardware store. These guys make fabulous pattern weights. They don't get in the way of your arm when you're cutting, and they'll keep your paper pattern piece or your fabric template nice and flat and in place, so that you can get your cutting done a little bit faster and not have to worry about pins.
Nice! Nicely presented. Clear and to the point and very useful. Thank you.
My Grandma always used kitchen knives for her fabric weights. She didn't have time to pin either!
What are the items from the Hardware Store?