Have you ever had problems with your sewing patterns moving around while trying to cut them? Today, I’m going to show you how to make Concha Pattern Weights to help hold them in place. This DIY project requires polymer clay, aluminum foil, and heavy washers. These weights are easy and fun to make, and they will save you a lot of frustration while cutting your patterns.
What are Concha Pattern Weights, and what do they do
Pattern Weights are little weights you can use to hold down your sewing patterns while cutting. They come in all shapes and sizes, but my favorites have always been the fun, creative DIY options. These weights are placed on top of the pattern pieces and help to keep them from moving around.
I designed these pattern weights to look like my favorite Mexican Pan Dulce called Conchas. It’s a super tasty sweet bread with a sweet topping that resembles a shell when baked, hence the name “concha.” This design is practical and super cute, and I think it would be an excellent gift for any sewer in your life!
You might want to use Concha Pattern Weights for a few reasons. First, they can save you a lot of time and frustration. It can be very frustrating if your patterns constantly move around while trying to cut them. Concha Pattern Weights will help hold them in place so you can focus on cutting.
Another reason to use Concha Pattern Weights is that they can help you achieve more accurate cuts. If your patterns are moving around, it’s challenging to get clean, straight cuts. But if you use weights to hold them down, you’ll be able to get much more precise cuts.
So if you’re looking for a way to hold down your patterns while cutting, or if you want to achieve more accurate cuts, Concha Pattern Weights are a great option!
DIY Polymer Clay Concha Pattern Weights tutorial
Now that you know what Concha Pattern Weights are and why you might want to use them let’s get started on this DIY tutorial! For this project, you will need:
- Sculpey Polymer clay (French Pink, Ecru, Burnt Umber, & Beige)
- Aluminum foil
- Heavy washers (3 per Concha Pattern Weight)
- Cricut True Control Knife
- Sculpey Clay Press
- The first thing you’ll need to do is condition your polymer clay. Conditioning means you’ll need to knead it until it’s soft and pliable. Once prepared, roll the clay into a flat sheet with a Sculpey clay press. You can, of course, use a rolling pin, but the clay press makes this step so easy!
- Next, take your aluminum foil and create a concha shape around three of the washers. Once you have your concha shape, use a knife to cut off any excess foil.
- Now it’s time to start adding clay! Start by covering the aluminum concha with a thin layer of clay. Press it around the washer form, removing any excess clay, and smoothing completely.
- Repeat this process until you have three concha forms covered in clay. Then, use your fingers to press evenly around the edge of each one.
- Let’s add some of the sweet toppings now. Cut a circle out of the coordinating color just large enough to cover the top of the “concha.” Use a craft knife to slice the classic concha design into the pink clay. Remove sections of clay to reveal brown clay underneath. Finish by using a blunt point tool to round the edges.
- Now it’s time to bake! Preheat your oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit and place your Concha Pattern Weights on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30 minutes and then remove to cool.
Video Tutorial
I’ve created a video tutorial to show you how to make these weights step-by-step. Watch the video below or click here to view it on YouTube.
How to use Concha Pattern Weights for sewing patterns
Now that your Concha Pattern Weights are all baked and cooled, it’s time to put them to use! Place the weight on top of your pattern piece and trace around the edge to use them. The weight will help hold down the pattern while you’re cutting. So easy, right?
Plus, you’ll be reminded of your favorite Mexican sweet bread whenever you see these pattern weights!
DIY Concha Pattern Weights are a great way to hold down your sewing patterns while cutting. They’re also a fun and unique way to add Mexican flair to your crafting supplies. These weights are easy and quick to make, so why not try them?
If you liked this DIY tutorial, be sure to check out my other polymer clay tutorials:
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As always, thanks for stopping by! Please tag me (@triedandtrueblog) if you make these Concha Pattern Weights. I love seeing your crafts!
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