13 Sewing Pattern Weights (+ How to Use Them)

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Before we share these sewing weight patterns and tutorials, we're going over some FAQs. Learn when and how to use them as well as what materials you can use to fill your weights or use as an alternative. Let's get started!

So when exactly do you use pattern weights when sewing? As the name suggests, these are primarily used to weigh down pattern pieces on top of your fabric while you mark or cut. However, they can also be used to hold long or heavy fabric pieces on your table while you work with it.

Using them is pretty easy and intuitive but with the different types of weights available, how you use them might vary. Follow these basic steps:

1. On a flat and clean surface that's large enough to set everything you need, place a cutting mat that is also large enough to hold the fabric you're working with.
    
2. Make sure your pattern weights are within reach. Lay the fabric right side up and press out any wrinkles.
    
3. Lay and adjust your cut pattern piece on top of the fabric you want to cut, in the place you want to cut.
    
4. Keep it in place with one hand and grab a weight in the other. Place it on one corner or side of your pattern. Repeat with as many as are needed to hold the piece in place. Adjust (each separately) if needed.
    
5. Cut using a rotary cutter or scissors and remove weights, pattern piece, and cut fabric piece.
   
   Alternatively, you can use the pattern weights to hold the piece in place while you pin. Then cut with rotary cutter or scissors.

In order to add an anchoring element, you need something heavy. What can be used?

1. Polyfill pellets
2. Sand
3. Dried rice, beans, lentils, peas or similar legumes/grains
4. Crushed walnuts
5. Pennies
6. Small metal balls (such as lead pellets)
7. Metal hex nuts

Or you can bypass the fabric, sewing, and filling part altogether and use other items. Hit the hardware store, and you're bound to find several items that will work, such as metal bars. Metal washers are the most popular. They are circular, inexpensive, come in a variety of sizes, and are smooth. Some people use them alone while others get creative with decoration.

As you'll see in our collection below, covering them with yarn or clay is a great way to add smoothness and a fun decorative component.

Triangle Pattern Weights are a popular shape of weight because they can be placed nearly perfectly in corners. This particular pattern has little handles to easily pick up and place the weight where you need it.

These Easy Long Pattern Weights are made using a long metal bracket piece. They are super helpful for longer pieces that need to be held down. Instead of using two or three smaller weights, you only need one!

How cute are these DIY Donut Pattern Weights? The colorful and tasty-looking donuts and cookies are made using metal washer bases (which are perfect donut shapes) and covering them in clay. Such a fun project, especially if you want a no-sew, no-fabric option.

Tiny and quite...handy, these Ribbon Band DIY Pattern Weights can be picked up and held by a finger. Easy to pick up, transport, and place, you'll definitely want to make these for smaller projects or for ease of use. It's a fantastic scrapbuster!

Cube Pattern Weights take a little more skill when sewing up but they're still super easy. Plus, they add a considerable amount of substance but have a flat base. There's no need to worry about which side is up since they're cubes.

Small but cute and useful, these Yo Yo Pattern Weights are super fast and easy to make. However, having a Clover Yo-Yo Maker on hand makes it even easier. But, you can surely make the yo-yo shape without one.

You're going to instantly fall in love with this Heart Shaped Pattern Weight design. Why not make your sewing weights as cute and decorative as they can be? This one uses a few different scraps and some topstitching to add an elegant touch you'll love.

You will not find an easier no-sew option than with these fun DIY Yarn Wrapped Pattern Weights! You barely even need a tutorial, though this one offers some useful tips for making them perfectly.

Make a matching sewing set with custom weights and pincushion using your favorite fabric. This Handmade Pincushion and Pattern Weights Set shows you how easy it is to make personalized pieces for your sewing room.

Add a bit of country charm to your sewing room with these creative Chicken Fabric Weights. In that popular triangle shape, these look like your favorite barnyard animals. Have fun with the fabric choices and comb colors with hens and roosters.

Would you guess that these DIY Fabric Weights were no-sew? We wouldn't! Cleverly glued fabric over tiny plastic tubing cut to size gives the illusion of a difficult and fancy sewing project that's far from it! Give it a shot and see for yourself.

These Fun Pattern Weights For Your Sewing Room let you get as creative as you want! The tutorial provides several options for decoration and may inspire you to come up with even more. Cupcakes, donuts, cookies, and other sweet treats can adorn your room.

Make some Pattern Weights Using Fat Quarters if you have a bundle you aren't sure what to do with. Of course, feel free to use any scraps or pre-cuts you have on hand to make these simple weighted squares. Simple and useful, our favorite!