January 04, 2021

Welcome to DAY 11 of our 12 Days if Christmas celebration!

For our 11th Day Of Christmas giveaway, we are doing a GIVEAWAY of one $100 Fashion Fabrics Club eGift Card to one lucky winner. The gift card can be used towards any item available on the Fashion Fabrics Club website! Woot, Woot!

More about Fashion Fabrics Club: Since 1956 Fashion Fabrics Club has been connecting with Fabric Enthusiasts through our common love of fabric. Shop a great variety of fabric bolts and fabric by the yard at wholesale prices from our online fabric store. Our fabric selection includes cotton, silk, linen, wool, blends, synthetics, prints, knits, wovens, bridal & special occasion fabric, home decorating fabrics, and so much more! Always a money back guarantee!

How To Enter The Gift Card Giveaway:

It's amazing when you discover a tip or trick that helps to solve your sewing challenges, isn't it? We try to share the things we've discovered with you through free tutorials, pattern hacks, and in the Sewing With Cinnamon & Friends community! Maybe you've learned some from us, but maybe you have something that you'd love to share too!

Simply comment on this blog post finishing the following question...

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is (insert your amazing tip here) … “

Comments must be left (on this blog post) by midnight (pacific) on Monday, 1/4/2021.

One entry per person.

No purchase necessary, void where prohibited. Must be 18 or older to enter. While we wish we could run this contest everywhere, for legal reasons it is only open to eligible residents of the U.S. and Canada, not including Rhode Island. This contest is exclusively endorsed by Liberty Jane Clothing and Pixie Faire.

This is part of the 12 Days of Christams annual promotion, each day from December 25th through January 5th we are going to reveal a special One Day Giveaway for One Lucky Winner! These will be short-term prizes, designed for just 1 day each. So, be sure to set your alarm, bookmark our blog, and remember to check back each day. The giveaway will begin and end at midnight pacific time each day. Don’t miss out!

The winner will be chosen randomly from the comments received and contacted through the email provided in the comment. We will post a list of all the winners in the wrap up blog post on January 6th.

Additionally, by commenting, you agree to allow us to use your comments for future promotional activities. In other words – we might quote you when we are putting together new testimonial pages. If you’re not okay with that – don’t leave a comment

Okay, good luck, and if we’ve forgotten anything we will modify and/or update this post as needed.

We hope you enjoy our 12 Days Of Christmas Celebration. We are incredibly grateful for your ongoing support and wish you a happy holiday season, and a terrific new year!

Happy New Year!

Cinnamon & Pixie Faire Team

100 Comments

Laura

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing trick is using a small piece of tissue underneath a seam to keep my machine from jamming…(often use the tissue that pellon interfacing in wrapped in) coffee filter will work for heavier stuff. Use on performance, sheers, satin, – works great.

Joanne

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is using a plyer and steam to help reduce the bulk in the corners of a seam! Sometimes after grading there still is some bulk in the corners. Thank you it works!

Starr

January 04, 2021

Favorite tip is to clean my machine every time I use it and change the needle and oil after 8 hours sewing. Nothing helps as much as having a well cared for machine. My machines are very reliable because I put them on priority list.

Anne

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to iron seams and pieces flat as you go.

Charlene

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is using the right touch on your fabric to place pins at seam lines It keeps puckers from forming as you stitch.

Chris

January 04, 2021

My favourite sewing tip or trick is, when threading your machine, make sure the pressure foot is up so that the thread guides are open.

Julie

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is Using transparent tape to place zippers.

Cathy

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to cut at least one extra outfit if not two. This way you have an extra piece if you goof up or you have en extra out fit to keep or sell.

Barb S

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to serge the edges on knit fabrics before hemming. Then the hem doesn’t stretch out of shape and makes for a nice finish.

Sharon B.

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is using Wonder Tape – it is incredibly helpful in keeping things in place while you sew those pesky areas!

Patti Zoellick

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to check to make sure you are printing your pattern pieces from a PDF document at 100%. Always print one page then check the gauge scale to ensure the size. Nothing is more disappointing or frustrating to have cut out your pattern pieces and begin sewing only to find out that your pattern pieces were printed to small and now the outfit doesn’t fit. Never presume just because you print a lot that your printer will always print at 100%, especially if you have others in the house that print as well.

Catherine Janiga

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is to coordinate what items to be sewn so not to always change the thread too often. I love the comments, i have learned so much!

Mary

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is when sewing elastic, mark designated lengths desired (halfway point, end point etc) onto the elastic, but do not cut. Use the extra length of the elastic to hold onto to stretch the elastic as you sew. Much easier.
Also——I am going to jot down hints as I discover them. Because I forget the oh so good techniques!!!

Carola

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip/trick is using iron-on interfacing to hem knits. I’ve used this ‘doll’ trick on sewing for my granddaughters…brilliant!

Jo

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to go into your project fully expecting to use your seam ripper. That way you won’t be so discouraged when you do.

Catherine Janiga

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to coordinate what patterns use the same thread color to avoid changing thread too often. I have learned so many things from reading all the comments the last several days!!!

Rebecca M

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is lower your ironing board to table height & move it closer so you only need to pivot in your chair to use it rather than stand up. It helps tremendously when I’m working on small items!

Janet

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing trick is to put the patterns I use often in file folders in a file cabinet instead of folding an jamming them back into the envelopes.

Rosalie

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to iron the pattern before sewing.

Tina

January 04, 2021

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is using leaders and enders. This doesn’t have anything to do with doll clothes but does have to do with quilting. I like to save all the leftovers from clothes making and cut squares from them. I can keep a little stack of them next to me on the machine and put 2 through the machine just before I start a seam. That way if I get a bunch up when I start it is on the square and not on the doll clothes. If you do this all the time you end up with a whole quilt without much extra effort. And if you use tiny squares it can be a doll quilt. And they really are darling.

Beula

January 04, 2021

When we have multiple projects going on at the same time, I like to keep each project, pattern fabric, thread and any accessories all together in a plastic tote. Then it is easy to find the next time I go to work on that project.. Also, clean the dust from your machine and change needles frequently….it does make a difference.

Sandra Atkin

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is—Never let your machine know that you are in a hurry. It will not end well. Not my saying but I try to remember that. There are so many great tips that have already been mentioned! I have learned a bit from reading them. ☺

Nancy

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to always use an iron as you are sewing seams. Everything is neater when you press your seams.

Beatrice Martin

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is never give up

Alison

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing trick is Cinammon’s freezer paper buttonhole trick.

Susan

January 04, 2021

My favourite sewing tip is to use tape or a sharpie to create a line extending from the needle midpoint towards the sewer, this helps keep a straight sewing line as you feed the fabric into the machine. This is a handy tip when sewing such pieces as; half-square triangles and doll or baby clothes.

Hanna Furst

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to wash material before you use it.

Christine

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing up and is one my mom taught me, is iron as you go. Your finished product will look much better in the end.

Sandra M Lyons

January 04, 2021

So many great tips.
To me the iron and board are your best friends. Iron as you. Iron each seam as you go.
Plus Quilter’s tape is your a great thing to have on hand. It has saved what might have ended up as a disaster and in the trash.

Barbara W

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is Read The Manual. Amazing what tips and tricks about your machine and sewing techniques one can find there!

Martha

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to read all the directions of a pattern before starting to sew.

Heather

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to use the internet to learn new techniques. I never learned to sew when I was younger and was amazed at how easy it was to teach myself with videos online when I decided to learn about 5 years ago.

Carrie

January 04, 2021

So many great tips here! My favorite trick is to cut out multiple pieces at time and sew all the same seams at once, one right after the next. It saves thread and gets several outfits done more quickly.

Elaine

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is To enjoy the process.

Brenda Hannan

January 04, 2021

I like to upcycle fabric, I found it’s very soft to work with compared to new crisp fabric, so I spray with starch! Makes it much easier!

Liza

January 04, 2021

My favorite too is to read the instructions first so there are no surprises.

Kathy Goldenbogen

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip has to do with gathering, especially for long run areas. Instead of doing two rolls of the long stitch’s sewn close together, I use a zigzag stitch over a very thin cord. It’s easier to pull the gathers and generally no breaking of thread.

Ruth

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to place easy sewing projects in a tray for grandchildren who visit. When they come over they have a box of fun ready to create whatever they wish.

Jenny Schear

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is DONT sew when you’re tired, rushed or frustrated! It won’t end well!

Betty

January 04, 2021

When you make something with gathers, be sure you don’t sew the gathering stitches ON the seam line. Sew a little above and a little below the actual seam line, so that the gathering stiches and seam line stitches don’t end up on top of each other. Believe me, you’ll be glad for this tip when you start to pull out the gathering stitches.

Sandra Stuckless

January 04, 2021

My favourite tip is to concentrate and focus! Do NOT watch television while you use power tools. I learned this from my sister’s mistake…she actually sewed through her finger! OUCH!!

Lisa

January 04, 2021

My sewing tip is to keep a pair of POINTED tweezers close by. I use them to help turn tubes, thread elastic thru, pick lint out of the machine, thread the machine, and so many other uses.

Elaina

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is to check to make sure your thread is loaded correctly before you start sewing, and to rethread the machine if there are problems with the stitching.

Wendy

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to use LED strip lights on the arm of your sewing machine. It makes seeing your work so much easier.

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is (insert your amazing tip here)

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use coffee filters to stabilize material.

Rita

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use a 1/4” X1” strip of mole skin attached to the machine as a seam guide. Perfect 1/4” seams. I also prefer using parchment paper to tissue paper for sewing seams. It tears easier and cleaner than tissue paper.

Nancy

January 04, 2021

The burrito roll!

Carol B

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to end each sewing session by setting up for the next step. For example, I leave the pattern and fabric ready to cut out when I sit down to work next. Or, I pin the next seam to be sewn and set by the machine ready to go. Keeps my area neat and me eager to get sewing.

Liana

January 04, 2021

Wonder Tape! Great for doll clothes, especially knits.

MelissaN

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is using stencil templates and a quilters pencil for embroidery.

Gail

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use a cue tip dipped in white vinegar to remove the purple pen disappearing ink marks from fabric. There are times when the purple ink does not disappear and the vinegar will make them go quickly and permanently.

Sewbig

January 04, 2021

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is using PELLON 281 INTERFACING when sewing with unstable fabrics. I just used it to stabilize a satin I was using. It tamed all of those raveling edges, kept the fabric from slipping and stretching, and supported the seams so there was no puckering. It’s an ultra-lightweight fusible interfacing so the satin remained soft and fluid. Fuse it to the fabric before you cut the pattern pieces out. Buy it from Joanns – $1.50 per yard with a 50% off coupon. Oh, I also used it with a heavier wool fabric when I made Keepers’ “Balmoral Coat”, the one with the scalloped front closure. It added great body to the coat.

Janet

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is “this project is yours & you can make it as you wish.”

Debbie

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip has to be to iron the back of Velcro! It has been a game changer for me. No more tangled messy threads! Also I have to say the iron is just as important as your machine. I never see unless the iron is on and ready to press my seams.

Veva

January 04, 2021

One of my favorite tips is using coffee filters when I sew with knits. Also I always wash and iron my fabric before sewing.

MELODY ROSE

January 04, 2021

Most of my tips have already been mentioned above – great minds!! So here is my favorite sewing tip for gathering. It involves the way you pull the threads. As usual, you make two rows of basting stitches close together along the top of the item to be gathered, leaving long tails of top and bobbin thread at both ends. Then grab the two bobbin threads on one end of the item, leaving the top threads alone, and wrap them around a PENCIL. This forces you to pull both threads exactly the same amount at the same time, you just turn the pencil with one hand and move the gathers along the top of the item with your other hand. You get such nice gathering!

Marty C.

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip that has helped me a lot is to change my sewing needle frequently. They are not that expensive and what a different it makes when you have a sharp needle. Also to iron as I go when doing the project-not only the flat fabric but the seams as well.

Eileen H

January 04, 2021

I iron after every step, for professional results. And I deliberately keep my ironing board across the room, to make myself get up and move often. This offsets the negative effects of sitting for long periods of time.

Keo

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is how to sew a sleeve lining to a sleeve.

Julie

January 04, 2021

One of my favorite tricks is to keep a roll of painters tape in my sewing room. It makes a great temporary seam guide and is useful for labeling pattern pieces.

Laura

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to thread your machine with the presser foot UP!!!!!

Vicki

January 04, 2021

Great tips everyone! I guess mine would be to read thru the instructions first and have everything available.

Sharon

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to make sure you are using the right needle for the right kind of fabric.

Patty Stanton

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is…..when making multiple doll clothes I cut out alot of different things, but when I sew I sew all one color this way I’m not changing thread so much.

Melissa

January 04, 2021

One of my favorite tips is to press as you go.

Kari

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to change your sewing machine needle often!

Sherry H

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is using the correct interfacing, especially on knit fabrics.

Carole

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is prewash all fabrics before using.

MANDA

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to pay attention to the tiny details in any outfit. It is the small things done well that make up a big beautiful thing.

Cindy Charlton

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to organize your project so you can stitch multiple seams together before you get up to press your seam. This saves time when making garments or quilts.

Linda

January 04, 2021

Like many, I think pressing is important and results in a better project. In addition to a good iron I use a pressing ham, tailors board and a wool pressing mat depending on what I am sewing and pressing.

Maureen

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is to buy the right tool for the job! Also, because I sew doll clothes, I do a lot of basting and often use 1/4" Quilter’s Tape to hold a seam in place before I sew. This works well when using 1/4" strips of velcro. Ironing is essential. I love the wool pressing mat and a very small iron made by Clover.

Cathy

January 04, 2021

My favourite tip is to use a single hole needle plate to keep the fabric from being pulled down with the needle.

Florence

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip or trick is using coffee filters to sew knits. Thank you Cinnamon! It makes everything go smoother and quicker!

CDeasey

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to use the Left/Center/Right Needle setting on my machine to adjust my 1/4" seam of my presser foot to 3/8" and 1/8". I find the 1/8" especially helpful for keeping top stitches perfectly uniform.

Kendra

January 04, 2021

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is because I use alot of white cotton I wind at least 8 bobbins at a time “

Ann

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is to trace patterns on to freezer paper. With tissue patterns you can press the pattern onto the waxy side of the paper and they hold up much better.

Cindy

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is when cutting out small pattern pieces or fabric that ravels easily, I use a fray check to go around the edges of the pinned down fabric within the seam allowance and a little beyond. I make sure it includes enough of the fabric beyond the borders so I will be able to cut through the stabilized fabric without cutting it all off. I let it dry completely before cutting.

Lynn

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is to always press a seam flat after sewing and before pressing open or to one side.

Rebecca

January 04, 2021

One of my favorite tips is to press as you go. A few months ago I made the pressing tools; the ham and the sleeve roll. I don’t know how I ever got along without them!

BevM

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing trick is hiding thread tails between layers of fabric, using a needle. This is the best way to repair crooked topstitching.

Eileen

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to make my patterns out of interfacing. I sew a lot of clothes multiple times and these patterns never rip.

Kimberly C

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is ironing as you go and using the 1/4 foot on my machine.

Sheila Chelednik

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to cut out everything in advance for multiple projects and then sew each one. I usually cutout approximately 30 different outfits at a time and then work on them.

Tracy

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is to use 1/4” wash away when hemming and turning necklines of knits.

Robyn McMurry

January 04, 2021

Using your iron throughout the sewing process of anything gives a nice finish to your work. Your iron is your best friend.

Tara K

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing trick/tip is to memory press every hem and serge double layers like bands together first before quartering and sewing on

Carol Adams

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to always press as you go. In the end, your project will look so much better.

Jackie

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is to have everything I will need for a project (fabric,pattern,elastic,trim etc) in a gallon zip lock bag. That way once I get started I don’ have to search for anything to finish a project.

Lucy

January 04, 2021

… don’t sew when you’re pressed for time so you can be relaxed and enjoy.
… sew during the day, esp. on a bright, sunny day.

Heidi Brown

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is to starch and iron my fabric before I sew and to iron every seam. Iron each seam closed and then iron them open. It makes a big difference in the appearance of your project.

Jeri

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use a 1/4" foot for small seams and to use tissue paper or a coffee filter as a leader or under thin and slippery fabric. It has helped me a lot!

Sharon Lee

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to sew back and forth a couple of times at the beginning and end of my seams so they don’t start coming out with time. My newer sewing machine now has an option to sew in place about six times where ever you want.

Judy

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to keep my iron on and ready. I’m definitely going to read all of these tips. I’m sure I will learn something new.

Mary Ann

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is have your iron ready as you sew to press as you sew. This helps a lot.

Bunny Smith

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip or trick is to have a magnetic pin cushion and a boning tool.

Julie

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is using a receipt or tissue paper when sewing knit fabrics

Lynette M

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is always read the complete instructions before buying your fabric and starting the project. Especially the pattern layout. I have ruined fabric by not reading the instructions before starting the project.

Marsha

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is to make sure the bobbin has plenty of thread before sewing gathering stitches.

Kathleen

January 04, 2021

My sewing tip is to use a 18mm rotary cutter for cutting around those little curved pieces. It is much more precise than a larger cutter.

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January 04, 2021

Recent Articles

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

How To Enter The Gift Card Giveaway:

100 Comments

Laura

Joanne

Starr

Anne

Charlene

Chris

Julie

Cathy

Barb S

Sharon B.

Patti Zoellick

Catherine Janiga

Mary

Carola

Jo

Catherine Janiga

Rebecca M

Janet

Rosalie

Tina

Beula

Sandra Atkin

Nancy

Beatrice Martin

Alison

Susan

Hanna Furst

Christine

Sandra M Lyons

Barbara W

Martha

Heather

Carrie

Elaine

Brenda Hannan

Liza

Kathy Goldenbogen

Ruth

Jenny Schear

Betty

Sandra Stuckless

Lisa

Elaina

Wendy

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is (insert your amazing tip here)

Rita

Nancy

Carol B

Liana

MelissaN

Gail

Sewbig

Janet

Debbie

Veva

MELODY ROSE

Marty C.

Eileen H

Keo

Julie

Laura

Vicki

Sharon

Patty Stanton

Melissa

Kari

Sherry H

Carole

MANDA

Cindy Charlton

Linda

Maureen

Cathy

Florence

CDeasey