Learn how to serge a set of pattern weights that you will love! My pattern weights are a beginner friendly serger project, but even the most experienced sergist will enjoy making them.
I’ve been using oddball household items as pattern weights for years. If it could hold down a pattern piece it was fair game – old marble coasters, magnetic pin cushions, rulers, canned food, etc. I thought it was time I had some pretty pattern weights. And so an idea was born….
My Ideal Pattern Weights
Since I designed these myself, I wasn’t limited to features currently available commercially. I considered what features I would like in a pattern weight and the best way to construct it using a serger. Below is the list of criteria I used to design my ideal pattern weights:
- made using only only my serger
- no hand sewing
- not too large
- fairly heavy for its size
- a handle to make it easy to pick up and move
Serger Techniques Used
- 4 thread overlock stitch
- locking ends at the beginning and end of a seam
- wrapped corners technique (Why clip corners to reduce bulk when you can wrap your corners instead!)
Supplies
Here’s what you need to make one pattern weight:
- 3” x 7” piece of fabric cut into one 3”x3” square and two 2”x3” rectangles
- 4” piece of ⅜” ribbon
- 2.5” of ½” wide fusible web like Steam a Seam 2
- 2 Tablespoons of metal BBs (like the kind you use in a BB gun)
Equipment
- basic serger, capable of 4 thread overlock stitch
- 4 cones coordinating thread
- tool for poking out corners
- Wonder clips (or pins)
Serge a Set of Pattern Weights
I’m very pleased with my pattern weights. I can’t believe I spent all those years using oddball things for weights!
I thought you may enjoy making them too, so I created a tutorial to share with you. If you would like to Serge a Set of Pattern Weights please click on the link below to visit my full tutorial. https://overtheedge.blog/tutorials/jens-serger-pattern-weights-tutorial/
Resources
Where to get BBs –