12 Days of Christmas - Day 11 Giveaway! (January 4, 2021)

Ruth

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip to keep patterns organized, I print off the picture and only the pattern pieces, then put in sheet protectors in a 3 ring binder with labeled sections, that way I have a visual of the patterns I have. I too have ordered patterns that I already had before doing this. Now I can verify if I have the pattern or not. When I get ready to sew I pull up the PDF that I saved to my computer and follow the directions with the photos,

Sandy

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip which I learned this summer is using the coffee filter for knits , and cleaning up after I finish my dolls clothes so I don’t lose my small pattern pieces

Jackie Pitts

January 04, 2021

my tip is: for dolls many things are better and even faster to sew by hand than by machine. Also I usually make 2 or 3 tiny overlapping backstitches instead of a knot at beginning and end. For some reason or other it doesn’t unravel.

Bobbie

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is using sewing clips instead of pins on some seams and fabrics.

Cathy

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing or tip is using a coffee filter when sewing on knits. I have sewed on knits for years, but I have found sewing on AG doll clothes I’ve had more of a problem with the small size neck edges and the coffee filter has made a big difference. The other tip is filing my PDF patterns in notebooks with clear page protectors, divided by categories.

Linda E

January 04, 2021

One of my favorite sewing tips is to easily thread a hand sewing needle with heavy or metallic thread. Wrap a section of clear tape at the end of the thread and trim it to a point. The needle threads easily and the clear tape can be cut off. The same technique works well for threading a serger tail back through the serged seam. Also hand sewing will be easier if thread is taken from the bobbin. It’s straighter than the thread on the spool. The original curl was removed when thread was wrapped on the bobbin.

Brenda K

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is when making doll clothes and using velcro as closure in the back cut each side to 1/4” wide, apply thin layer of a fabric glue stick to the back side of the strip and finger press the velcro strip in place. This holds the velcro in place as you sew down each side!! Pins just do not work!!!

Sarah

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is using a fork to make easy, even pleats. I love the look of pleating, and the fork-trick is such a time-saver.

Shaya

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing trick or help is to keep all of my patterns nice and organized in binders—I have all of my patterns labeled and cut—I usually have at least 2 of each pattern piece in case I am preparing to cut multiple patterns. I keep all of my digital patterns on my iPad, so it’s handy to see and follow. It sure makes my sewing go a lot smoother!

Peggy Stigers

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to put a small hair scrunchy that I buy at the dollar store around my bobbins to keep the thread in place. I keep matching thread spools and bobbins in small plastic bags so I always have the spool of thread’s matching bobbin.

Connie

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to use a coffee filter under fabric when sewing with knits. It prevents stretching and keeps the fabric from being pushed down into the throat plate.

Mary

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to just slow down when sewing

Dana Morton

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to use bias tape for everything you can, facings and hems. Make your own

Mama Lynnie

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to keep a wallpaper seam roller nearby when sewing. It can be used to quick press seams without dashing back and forth to the ironing board.

Karen

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to put a dab of glue stick on the bottom of a button and place on fabric when sewing on buttons by machine.

Elizabeth

January 04, 2021

I cut almost every piece with my rotary cutter.
And reading all the great tips from everyone else!

Rita P

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip or trick is to stitch a gathering stitch twice around the sleeve piece. This makes for a smoother sleeve.————
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Dorothy

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to have a pincushion on the upright area of my machine, held by an elastic band. Pins are right by my hand and can be stuck in the cushion as I sew along a seam and take them out.

Sue

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to use coffee filters under difficult fabrics when machine sewing.

Roxanna

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip? I don’t really have one that hasn’t already mentioned.I have been sewing for over 50 years learn new tricks all the time. If I have an issue, I do what has been already been mentioned and Google the problem and always find numerous way to solve it.

Melanie

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to read the instructions and be sure I understand them completely before I do anything! If I don’t, there’s always something I do wrong. Learned that one the hard way, LOL!

Suzie

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to buy shirts in very good condition from thrift stores and cut up the fabric into large flat pieces to make doll clothes out of. I love looking for interesting or unique prints.

Bessie

January 04, 2021

My very favorite tip is to copy my patterns on to a light weight Pellon interfacing. I do this for all
my doll patterns and dress patterns that I intend to use for a while. Then fold the pattern back
and return it to the original envelope for filing. This way I do not have to worry about tearing
the original pattern.

Maureen

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to have the iron set up close by. When sewing doll clothes I have my clover iron set up on a felt pressing pad so I can press each seam as I sew it.

Anne

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to use pattern weights on my ruler when rotary cutting. It helps keep the ruler in place.

Zandra

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to always have multiple pairs of scissors or nippers around. They always seem to disappear when you need them.

June

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing trick is on an area where you want a nice sharp edge when you turn the collar or back closure is to take a diagonal stitch across the end before you turn and sew the other way. looks good.

anita

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use 6×9 Clear Reclosable Zip Poly Plastic Bags as sleeves for my cut out PDF patterns. (1000 for $23 on Amazon – go in together with some friends; though I use them for all types of things)

Donna

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip when using PDF patterns is after printing them out, put all pages except the photo cover page into an 8 1/2 × 11 manila envelope. I then tape the cover photo onto the front of the envelope. When I cut out the pattern pieces, I then put those into a gallon ziplock bag. When I cut out the project, all pieces go into that bag, and I can line up several projects already cut to work on later, always being able to see what I have cut and ready. Nothing gets lost or misplaced.

Katherine

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is repeat “right sides together.”

Susan B.

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip/trick is when making button holes, slide a piece of copy paper under the fabric before using the button hole feature on the sewing machine. It makes perfect button holes each time and when opening it with a seam ripper, place two pins on each end of the button hole to prevent ripping past the ends.

Beverly

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing trick is to simply line the bodice and do away with tiny facings. My best tip is to scour thrift stores for beautiful gowns. The designer fabrics can not be purchased at the fabric stores and the bonus is that the gown is OOAK.

Julie

January 04, 2021

Solve the equation for .

My favorite sewing tip is keep magnets on the table to collect all the pins.

Nancy

January 04, 2021

my favorite sewing tip is to use chain sewing , then all the pattern pieces are together for the next step of pressing. A mini assembly line process which particularly work well if you are doing multiples of the same design or several different ones

Debbie

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to store each pattern in a page protector envelope , including a sticky label for the pattern and any extra notes. I organize the page protectors in multiple binders : dresses , coats , pants , etc. . I have one binder “in progress” for the pattern currently in use.

Karen Hawkins

January 04, 2021

My fave tip is to save my patterns on a thumb drive, list them on an excel sheet and I can more easily tell what I have and know where to find the patterns. I bought the same patterns more than once. This helps me save money too! More fabric!

Gretchen

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to hand baste doll clothes sleeves before machine stitching.

Ogram

January 04, 2021

my suggestion is to insert a tear-away cut away when sewing velor. really great.
Excuse my English , I speak French.

Betty Rodgers

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to read all the amazing tips here, so many ideas and suggestions for improving my sewing.

Linda

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to keep the good old seam reaper handy. Sometimes you just have to undo what you did. I also like to iron as I go along. Makes putting the pieces the together easier and looks so much nicer.

Cheryl Manard

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is keep the original pattern intact and cut copies of the pattern pieces to use. If you lose or tear a pattern piece, you still have the original. It is also easier to alter patterns for different dolls. Just be sure to label altered pieces with the doll they fit. I the store them in vinyl page protectors.

Irene

January 04, 2021

I keep a notebook of project ideas and sizes for the common things I sew. Pillowcase piece sizes, doll dress skirt width and length. Also, I take pictures of everything I make so I remember what I’ve done over time.

Venita

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing trick is to print out two copies of the pattern, cut out one and leave the other whole. It is too easy lose the cut out pieces but if I do I have a second copy to trace.

Bev

January 04, 2021

My sewing tip is to have the iron turned on and press as you go, every step.

Cath

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is chain piecing. I learned it in quilting and it helps in sewing as well.

Pat S

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to press your pattern pieces from commercial patterns (the ones you use over and over!) to light weight press on interfacing. I have done this with several of my
most used doll clothes patterns and they are in perfect condition. Love my patterns from Pixie Fairie but I copy them on to sturdier pattern paper than the commercial patterns come printed on.

Kathy

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to raise up your cutting table so you don’t have to bend over…saves your back.

Robin

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to iron as you go. Whether sewing quilt blocks or garments, pieces fit together so much better when pressed.

kevin leistner

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is using the dental floss loops to thread my sergers. The loops makes threading the 4 fourth and fifth threads so much easier.

Cindy

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to just dig in and do it, to experiment and play. It’s helpful to learn the features of your machine, how to sew with different fabrics, etc.

Beth P

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use the right machine foot for the job. Makes the outcome so much neater!

DAWN K HELM

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip for sewing is using furry/fuzzy fabric and adding Velcro.

Julie A Vasbinder

January 04, 2021

One of my favorite sewing tips is to sew small doll clothes parts on a coffee filter and then tear it away. It keeps them from being sucked into the throatplate. another tip is to sort through buttons in a zip loc bag. Then I don’t drop them on the floor.

Louise

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is pressing as you go

Hallie Martin

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to sew the seam allowance on the neck to the facing for a smooth neck line with no seam showing.

'Chelle

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip to is prewash every piece of fabric and trim that you possibly can—-if there is a chance that the item I’m making will get washed-I want to make sure the fabric/item will not stretch, shrink or lose it’s color once it is finished.

Doris

January 04, 2021

My favorite trick is using circular weights of varying sizes to hold patterns down for cutting. I don’t need pins and the material stays flat to zip around the pattern with the cutting wheel which uses 18 mm rotary blades. Super for cutting out doll size pieces!

Susan P.

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing hack is to cut out the tiny pieces with 5/8 inch seam allowances, then trim down to 1/4 inch after making sure it fits the doll.

Sylvia

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip/trick is to iron the fabric flat before stitching for extra crisp seams.

Denise Darby

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use my quarter inch foot for sewing all the doll clothes.

Wendy

January 04, 2021

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is to iron fusible interfacing to tissue paper patterns. It makes the pattern so much more durable, especially if it is a favorite pattern to be used over and over.

Diane

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is for sewing anything with a sharp corner. Instead of coming to the corner and turning your fabric 90 degrees then sewing in the other direction, turn it 45 degrees, take 1 or 2 stitches across the corner then pivot 45 degrees to continue. That stitch across the corner makes it easier to get a nice crisp corner after you clip and turn your fabric right side out.

Terri

January 04, 2021

One of my favorite tips is when you cut ribbon sear the end carefully with a lighter so it will not unravel over time.

Glynda

January 04, 2021

My favorite seeing tip is to see in blocks. I use this technique for collars and pockets

Becky

January 04, 2021

A favorite tip: Dry iron refolded tissue pattern pieces and they will slip easily back into the envelope. For my Pixie Faire patterns , I use 5″×7″ manila envelope. I write the name of the pattern at the top, print the page one photo at 40%-about a 3″×4″ size -and glue it under the name, I can see the each pattern quickly and store them in a shoe box. There is room to make notes under the picture too.
Favorite tools: quilters tape and what is called a Performance Tool. It’s like a retractable selfie stick but has a magnet on the end. About 6", it extends to 25 ". I don’t even have to get up to pick up a dropped pin. it was a gift but I suspect a hardware store would have these or something like it.

Jacquie Corrigan

January 04, 2021

One of my favourite sewing tricks (tips) is to use a thin cloth (I got a huge bolt of fabric that gardener’s use to cover the garden after planting) to which I transfer my pattern pieces. They are much more durable (and see through) and cling to most fabrics. All of which make cutting out patterns pieces much easier!

Joan

January 04, 2021

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is .. using Elmer’s glue stick instead of pins in tight areas. be sure to iron to dry glue. Then just sew.

Janice

January 04, 2021

My sewing trip is be sure to press seams to get a professional look.

Michell Donna

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to serge all cut fabric pieces before sewing them together for better stability.

Kathey Calin

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip or sewing trick is…I really don’t have any “amazing” tip! I can suggest that you always sew with a hot iron available for pressing seams and anything else you need to facilitate your project.

Martha R.

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is using my even-feed presser foot to sew almost everything, but especially slick or fuzzy fabrics.

linda buttles

January 04, 2021

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is putting a folded piece of paper just behind the starting edge of my project that I have to sew. I then take a few stitches on this folded paper and my threads do not get tangled and I can continue to sew my project. The material edges do not go down into my bobbin area and the threads are easily cut off after I finish the seam leaving my project perfect. The extra paper helps my machine feed the material under my pressure foot.

Michell

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is using sewing clips, which I discovered a year ago. I used a lot of pins to pre-pin my pants, tops for sewing.

margaret

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is use freezer paper for small patterns. Just press it on – no pons needed

Colleen Struska

January 04, 2021

Some of my favorite sewing tricks are the ones I find here on this page. Ironing thin interfacing on the back of pattern pieces before using to make them more reusable, I have always found pressing as you go very helpful, sewing hems, and trims on flat items before gathering waistline, NEVER sew when tired or distracted, zig-zagging over dental floss for easier gathering, and lining bodices and to zig-zag over seams when working with fabrics that tend to unravel easily.

Michell D

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to pin all fabrics before sewing, have everything I need in order before I sew.

Natalie W

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip/trick is using tissue, coffee filters or tear away stabilizer between plate and fabric when using stretchy fabric!!

Michele

January 04, 2021

My favorite trick or tip is to use a something like a ruler or nail buffer as a hump jumper when sewing thicker seams. What a lifesaver this knowledge has been! No more getting hung up on thicker seams!

Michell

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is using washable white or blue pencil on fabrics instead of ink pen when I transfer the pattern to fabric.

Debbie

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tips are:
Cut out all pattern pieces immediately when purchasing a new pattern even if not using pattern immediately
Always make a prototype when using a pattern for the first time
ALWAYS make many and clear notes on pattern pieces and instructions for future reference
I always have a note inside the pattern envelope of which pattern view I made, how many, the date and color combinations used
I also print on the front of the pattern envelope the date used, view sewed and quantity
I keep a cataloged list of all my patterns and pictures of all pattern envelope fronts for quick reference

Barbara H Peart

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tips are using point turners to square those corners; sew as many straight seams as possible which speeds assembly; if doing doll clothes cut several of the same pattern at one time—saves time and always have a cut pattern to sew.

Leslie Loren

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is using a coffee filter when sewing with knits.

Donna H.

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to precut all items you wish to sew, pin in one setting. Makes sewing all garments much easier.

Dorisanne

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to lay out everything I need first—pattern, fabric, thread, pins, needle, buttons, snaps, etc. just to be sure I have things I need, and then I reread the whole pattern over again.

Ashley Tanner

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is to make a pin cushion an fill it with hair that i have taken from my hair brush. the oils in my hair keeps my pins from rusting. This has been used for hundreds of years and it still works.

vanilla and vinegar

January 04, 2021

I don’t really know! I haven’t been sewing for long.

Brenda

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to batch sew seams, especially if making a lot of one item (masks). Instead of stopping and starting at the end of a seam, just feed the next seam under the presser foot. This saves so much time cutting ends, not to mention the thread saved, so less winding bobbins too!

Michele W.

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to make a batch of outfits at the same time of the same fabric and pattern.

Patricia

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is using Wooly Nylon in my bobbin when sewing knits, especially stretch knits. It allows me to use a straight stitch rather than a zig-zag or other stretch stitch, even when sewing swimwear.

Wanda Bullion

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is… measure twice, cut once!

Leah

January 04, 2021

My favorite tips are reading all of these posts to help me with my sewing! Your readers are AMAZING!!!

Kim

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is using a clapper when pressing

Mary Montecalvo

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use tissue paper when sewing knits. That’s right….tissue paper! Whenever you start a seam simply slip a small piece of tissue paper over the throat plate and under the fabric. Start sewing a couple of stitches a little further into the seam before you backspace then continue sewing. This trick prevents the fabric from getting “sucked” into the throat plate and makes it sew easy to sew with your knits. The tissue then rips off easily.

Cheryl

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing trick for doll clothes is to sew everything together flat and the last stitches sews it all together lining included.

Rita C

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to use two sided quilters tape to hold a zipper in place before sewing. Much easier and more accurate than pins.

Susan

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to print doll patterns that I use often onto cardstock. Trace and cut. Pattern lasts a long time.

Donna B

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use a bobby pin and small slit to turn tubes. It works every time!

Kathy m.

January 04, 2021

My sewing tip i have learn a lot sewing tips SWC which one to do i pick ??? the sew on button and snap at same time wow it makes so easy not to just mastered it a little better practice makes perfect.

Linda Schneider

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to read through the pattern before cutting out.

Caprice

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is using button and carpet thread in the bobbin and loosening the tension for gathering.