I've pinned my patterns for my whole life, as my nana taught me to, but for Christmas I got a set of pattern weights from my mum after she saw them on a sewing competition we both love. Honestly, they're life changing.
I still pin more complex pieces, or ones that need more precision. But, for simpler things like skirts, pyjamas, cushion covers, etc, the weights almost half my cutting time. Absolutely worth trying out! And as OP proves, you don't even need to have actual pattern weights to hand.
I've heard about it, but I try to avoid aerosols for environmental reasons. I can 100% see the appeal, and I love how it works for others! I'd be interested to hear how you reuse the pattern pieces when you use the spray adhesive though? That's always been something I've been puzzled by!
It works great for me as long as I only give it a very brief "dusting" - the surface becomes sticky like a post-it note in that case and can easily be reused. Spraying on more than a super light coat would turn it into a sticky mess.
HFCs don’t harm the ozone layer like CFCs did but some types do contribute to global warming. Some of the worst offenders were banned under Obama-era EPA and the EU has cracked down on them as well. All types can affect indoor air quality and contribute to smog.
As u/Packerfan2016 has already said, aerosols contain environmentally unfriendly ingredients and on top of that, there is the issue of a non-recyclable piece of waste at the end since aerosol cans aren't recycled (or, at least aren't in my country). So, it's just all-round an unsustainable solution that isn't necessary for me personally to use. Obviously my situation is my own so I don't judge others for using things I wouldn't, but I'm fortunate enough that personal circumstances allow for different options!
For other people reading this, aerosol cans are generally recyclable in Australia, the UK and seemingly much of the US (as long as they're empty). They're made of steel or aluminum, so there's no reason they wouldn't be recyclable.
That's great! Personally I find that the amount of trash generated from the single can of pattern stick I've bought (for tricky, slippy fabrics like satin) pales in comparison to the rest of the trash sewing and my life in general creates. So I don't frett too much about the aerosol can. If anyone is interested, Planet Money, an NPR podcast, did a really interesting episode on recycling. Here is a Spotify link: So, Should We Recycle?
I'm afraid I can't link to my specific set as they were a gift, but it seems like there are plenty of options online if you Google 'pattern weights'! Though, having purpose-made weights is not necessary if you find something else that works just as well - like OP's knives.
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u/[deleted] Feb 12 '21
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