How to Make Bottle Cap Pattern Weights

I use some of the same sewing patterns more than once and if I use straight pins to pin the pattern to the fabric before cutting it out - holy pattern pin holes Batman! My patterns get pin holed to shreds.




Pattern weights keep sewing patterns from slipping and shifting on the fabric when you cut it out. They don't leave holes or marks in your fabric either. I have a lot of Christmas sewing coming up. I figure it was about time I used pattern weights instead of straight pins.

I tried using metal bottle caps as pattern weights. I wanted my weights to be be heavier.  I could have filled the bottle caps with plaster of Paris to add weight but I didn’t want to deal with the mess. 

Next, I tried using metal washers as pattern weights. I like that the washers are a larger size than the bottle caps. I wanted these weights to be heavier too .because I work with thick fabrics.

I combined a bottle cap and a washer with a magnet and found  size and weight pattern holding nirvana. (I don't get out much.)

How to Make Magnetic Pattern Weights

I painted some of my bottle caps and I left others unpainted because I like the logos.  If you have kids who are amazing bottle cap painting artists (and I’m sure you do!)  they can decorate the bottle caps and you can do the glue step and give  them to anyone who likes to sew on your Christmas list.




You will need:

1/2 inch washers
Optional washer decoration: spray paint
Bottle caps
Optional bottle cap decoration: spray paint.craft paint, stencils, glitter etc.
1/2 inch round magnets
E6000 Glue


Make it:

1. Paint the washers with spray paint.




2. Use the craft paint, stencils, glitter, etc. to decorate the tops of the bottle caps. Craft paint and spray paint both worked on my metal bottle caps. The craft paint took three to fours coats depending upon the color of the bottle cap and the color of craft paint I used. Spray paint took two coats but it is messier and something I wouldn't let kids use but that’s just me.

3. Glue a magnet to the inside of the bottle cap and allow the glue to dry.

Strong magnets!

4. Place the bottle cap on top of the painted washer and you’re good to sew!

Need a hand with that pattern?

I use my pattern weights both ways depending upon the fabric and pattern I am laying out. Sometimes I put the whole shebang on top of the pattern and fabric. Other times, I put the washer under the fabric and stick the magnet on top of the pattern and fabric to hold it in place.


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