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Pyramid Pattern Weights or No-Sew Tile Pattern Weights
Ever since I shared some cat toy projects I’ve had a few requests for how to make pattern weights. Seems weird but here’s the connection: I made pyramid catnip toys that can be pattern weights if filled with something other than catnip. So in the video below, I’ll show you how to use rice to make cute and very easy to sew pattern weights.
If you’re looking for a no-sew option then the tile pattern weight might be the way to go. These would be great to do with scouts, kids, at a sewing or quilting retreat as a creative break and more.
Watch the video below to see all the steps. You can find a list of time stamps below the video if you want to skip to a particular spot. I also share basic tips for each kind of diy pattern weight below the video – lots of ways to learn!
Shortcuts to Specific Topics
00:11 Pyramid Pattern Weights with Rice
01:11 What to use in humid climates
01:41 Prepare fabric
02:27 Why to use a Leader Fabric
02:43 Sew pyramid fabric
03:42 Clip corners and turn right side out
03:54 Turn right side out
04:22 Fill pyramid weights
05:11 How to close fabric to make a pyramid shape
06:11 How to personalize pattern weights
06:30 Sew closed
07:07 How to use tiles for pattern weights
07:49 Cut felt with xTool M2
08:16 Cut fabric with rotary cutter
08:57 Clean tiles
09:41 Mod Podge vs. Hot Glue for felt
10:51 Mod Podge felt to back of tiles
11:17 Mod Podge fabric to front of tiles
12:04 How much a tile pattern weight costs to make
In this video I show how much faster and how little waster there is when you cut felt and fabric with the xTool M2 Laser Cutter. If you’re ready to join me in the laser cutting craft arena, learn more about the xTool M2 and order yours today!
MATERIALS
PYRAMID PATTERN WEIGHTS
(1) 3″ x 6″ fabric scrap
(1) 2″ ribbon (optional)
1/4 cup or less of rice
TILE PATTERN WEIGHTS
2″ hexagon tiles
Felt cut to size for bottom
Fabric cut to size for top
Mod Podge decoupage glue
How to Sew Pyramid Pattern Weights
Watch the video to see how these are made but here is a list of the steps.
• Cut (1) 3″ x 6″ fabric piece.
• Fold (1) long edge 1/4″ to the back and press.
• Fold in half, wrong sides together, matching the short ends.
• Sew together with 1/4″ seam.
• Clip corners and turn right side out.
• Fill about 3/4 full with rice or other filler.
• Create the pyramid shape by putting the seam in the center and then pulling the folded edges flat. (That step is shown at the 5 minute 11 second mark in the video.)
• Fold ribbon in half, if you are using it, and put the cut ends inside the fold at least 1/4 inch, towards one end of the pyramid.
• PIN CLOSED to help hold the rice back and keep it from falling into your machine.
• Sew closed close to the edge of the fabric.
How to Make No-Sew Tile Pattern Weights
Watch the video to see how these are made but here is a list of the steps.
• Buy and pull apart 2″ hexagon tiles. (Check the clearance aisle – I got a major deal and maybe you will find one too!)
• Cut 2″ hexagons out of felt using the tile as a template, using a cutting machine or laser cutter.
• Cut 2″ hexagons out of fabric using the tile as a template, using a cutting machine or laser cutter.
• Use Mod Podge and a 1″ foam brush to glue the felt to the back of the tiles.
• Use Mod Podge to glue the fabric to the front of the tiles.
• Cover the tile with Mod Podge.
• Put the fabric on top and press down.
• Apply another coat of Mod Podge to the top of the fabric.
• I let the Mod Podge dry (about 30 minutes) and then applied a second coat.
More ways to decorate the tiles:
• Leave the tiles plain
• Decorate with HTV (heat transfer vinyl)
• Decorate with Sharpie Markers
• Use children’s art
• and more
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