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

Char

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is to press As I go

mariann

January 04, 2021

My favorite small project tip is to use a stuffing tool. My fingers are often uncooperative and a pointed wooden stick helps so much. My favorite big project tip is to divide the whole thing into manageable sections and just pin and stitch one piece at a time.. as in multiple layers of fabric and large amounts of gathering.

Sue

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is to stack 3 or more fabrics and cut them all out at the same time when you need to make multiple pieces of clothing that are the same size and design. I also cannot underestimate the importance of ironing seams as I go.

Carol

January 04, 2021

My tip for sewing is to be organized, to read over the pattern instructions before starting. I have been sewing for over 55 years and I still can learn something new and I did by reading all the comments ahead of mine.

Carrie P

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to take your time!! I always find if I rush I make mistakes and don’t get straight seams.

Laura

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to use a rotary cutter for straight lines and accurate cuts.

Janie

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is to keep the wool ironing mat next to my machine so I can iron as I sew.

Marlene

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is to gathering using zigzag stitch over pull thread.

Becky Cortese

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to cut out small pattern pieces with weights and rotary cutter.

Janice

January 04, 2021

Not a hack but good advice: press, press, press as you sew. This can change a “poorly made looking garment” to one that is professionally done. You may feel that it is only doll clothes, but my mom taught me that anything worth doing is worth doing well. You will be surprised at how well the little dress fits when you are done.

Judy

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is use your iron. Often. And invest in a mini iron; it makes life so much easier.

Marilyn

January 04, 2021

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is to starch, starch, starch.

darlene

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is to chain a piece of thread longer than the object that is going to need turning placing it inside the article then when done pull it so it turns right side our

Chris

January 04, 2021

Read the entire pattern & be sure you understand each step before starting… could save headaches and ripped out stitches down the road

Linda A C

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to use a piece of parchment paper underneath my fabric when I sew thin or slippery fabric so the fabric doesn’t just get pushed down into the sewing machine with the needle especially when I am sewing narrow 1/4 in seam allowances. It provides a more stable base to sew into and it tears away from the fabric when I am done without stressing the fabric or the stitches.

Ginger

January 04, 2021

My favourite sewing tip is to always make sure you clean out all the dust and lint from your machine and to always make sure you have the correct needle.

Sabrina

January 04, 2021

My favorite trick is to use pattern weights instead of pins when I cut out my fabric!

Linda

January 04, 2021

My tip is to continue to learn from others. Pixie Faire is a great site to facilitate that. These twelve days comments have been fun to read. Take your time to do it carefully to avoid ripping out. The right tool makes life. Easier and improves quality.

Kathi M

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to use double faced sewing tape for all my zippers. It really holds things in place to make it easy to sew.

Mae Lynn Beck

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is to use a 1/4” presser foot to sew doll seams. Helps me have accurate seam widths.

Susan Baughman

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is using a coffee filter under a knit to stabilize it. Works every time,

Melody

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to organize my supplies in advance.

Kathleen

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is using a wooden dowel covered in a sock to press small sleeves or pant legs.

Carol

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to have a good iron and press as you go. This makes items look neat and professional.

Stella Wear

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is the order for sewing seams in pants: side seams(if you have them), inner leg seams, and last the center back and center front in one continuous seam. You insert one leg inside other leg with right sides together. Works especially well for small things like doll pants.

Janet

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to slow down while using a rotary cutter.

Alyson Ray

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is to use “Wash Away” tape to hem my knits. It stabilizers them and holds them in place. I typically place the tape on bottom inside and turn up hem 3/8”. I then do 2 rows of topstitching 3/8” and 1/4”.

Inger

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is To use a spider a scrap piece of fabric about 2 inches wide. Use it in between pieces when so example you have finished sewing all your strips and now you need to cut out the blocks. Use sew the spider and this makes it easier to start sewing again. You waste less thread, and it’s easy to use to pull the next pieces forward.

Ann E

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tips:see above! I’ve learned so, “sew” much this year, and I’ve been sewing on and off for over 50 years! Wash and iron, iron as you go-I’ve always known this, Tissue paper to keep those tiny pieces from getting sucked into the plate-what a lifesaver! Just like in cooking, read the “recipe” first and assemble all necessary ingredients before you start-nothing more frustrating than being in the flow and realizing you cannot go on because you don’t have bias tape (insert any unprepared for “ingredient” here!) Turn tiny tubes using a straw-who knew?!

Billie C

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to have everything organized before I start sewing. I keep a small plastic basket by my machine for the cutout pattern, buttons, trims and thread. So it’s all right there ready to sew!

Beth

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to use the correct sewing machine needle for the fabric you are using.

Kedge

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is to remember that if I have questions about a technique, someone somewhere has probably solved it—and made a YouTube video. So take the time to google it!

Frances

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to change the sewing machine needle often, approximately every 8 hours of sewing time.

Peggy

January 04, 2021

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is using Best Press to stabilize the fabric."

Becky W

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to use coffee filters under your 1/4" seams to start and end a seam. This stops the machine from pulling the fabric down into the needle hole and tears away from the sewing very easy.

Karen

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to put my pins perpendicular to the seam so I can easily take them out as I sew.

Victoria M.

January 04, 2021

So many amazing ideas and tips!
The tips I use I learned from quilting, 1/4 inch seam foot, pressing and to never stop learning. I love the Pixie Faire classes I’ve taken.

Cindy

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to read all of the pattern instructions, from start to finish, first before you start that way you know exactly what you need and what the pattern entails.

Kathy Naseman

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is press seams out. Have a good iron!

Elizabeth

January 04, 2021

My sewing tip is to use quilters tape for basting.

Lois

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is the fabric markers that either fade with water or heat. They are great for marking those little places on the fabric when you sew!

Dineke

January 04, 2021

My favourite trick is to iron velcro on the back before you sew it on, it softens the plastic, and stops the thread from messing up when you sew.

Dawn Luomala

January 04, 2021

My favourite sewing tip is to have I individual plastic boxes the same size and labeled with items inside. I have boxes with ribbons, elastic, etc and they all stack nicely in my cupboard. Easy to grab for any project.

Deborah

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is using a little bit of tacky glue to keep trim & appliques in place before sewing them.

Cynthia

January 04, 2021

I have two tips I have learned from sewing with Cinnamon, the use of coffee filters or tissue paper when hemming knits and using quilters tape for the hems of knits and placement of pockets.

Pam

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to iron my fabric before cutting so everything lays flat and to press each seam as you go for a more finished look.

linda king

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is my serger for finished clean seams.

Heather S.

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to use a rotary cutter to cut fabric. When I was cutting masks it saved so much time and for some fabrics I could cut 2 layers at a time.

Phyllis

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is use the tools you probably have already. I especially like my by Annie stiletto and press when you can.

Nancy

January 04, 2021

My sewing tip is to use pieces of tissue paper under knits when sewing. Helps to keep from stretching and has changed my fear of knits!

Sally

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is using a glue stick.

Ann

January 04, 2021

Measure the doll and compare to the pattern! That way you can make adjustments to the pattern before you cut.

Barbara

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is always wash and press your fabric before using.

Audrey

January 04, 2021

Wow, I just read all of these tips and an amazed at the wonderful ideas. My tip is only to just get started. There are times when I am too busy, too distracted or whatever to do a big project and I just get busy and make doll clothes. It calms me, gets my mojo back and gives be a project that is finished and very cute.

Suzy

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is that it’s completely okay to give up on a project for an indefinite amount of time! Sewing is supposed to be fun and sometimes you just need to think of something else for awhile.

Martha lee

January 04, 2021

I like to cut out a bunch of projects because I hate cutting out. If I have a bunch done I just whip through all of them.

Shirley

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use the Pixie Faire sewing ham when pressing those little seams

Linda N

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is that no matter how long you have sewn you can always learn something new. Therefore, take classes, read tips from everyone else and continually update your sewing skills. I am 79 and still learning new tips everyday. Thank you Pixiefaire and all you clever seamstresses!!

Kay

January 04, 2021

Using quilters tape to keep seams, or items that are too small to hold with needles.

De

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to just get started, rather than being ‘too busy’ to sew. Join a group or class such as Sewing with Cinnamon or a monthly challenge to keep you on track. Have your tools & machine at the ready so getting it out doesn’t become an excuse to procrastinate.

AngelaS

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is sew with contrasting thread. Using a darker or lighter contrasting thread can look just as nice as color matched with the added benefit of being easier to see.

Try contrasting threads with those learning to sew. It is easier to see their work. It also works well for experienced sewers whose near vision is not what it was when they learned to sew.

Carol

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is use your iron and not just to iron the flat fabric. Use it throughout the sewing process…iron open seams (where patterns instruct), iron the collars after turning, iron the gathered waist, etc. And iron them in the directions stated in the pattern. It’s frustrating to me when I sew with a fabric that ironing doesn’t help…such as velvet, tulle, fleece. I love the look of a crisply pressed item.

Patty

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick

Patricia

January 04, 2021

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is when I cut out tissue pattern pieces I leave a margin of tissue along the pattern pieces that are to be put on the fold. I then fold the tissue back along the edge as an added reminder that a pattern piece has to be put on the fold.…

Anne Marie

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is to use your iron but press – do not iron. Your projects will thank you!

Faith Comeaux

January 04, 2021

My favorite trick is to iron, iron,iron.

LindaC

January 04, 2021

My favourite sewing tip is to use a leader strip when sewing small seams. It keeps the machine from eating your fabric.

Heather

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to cut out a bunch of patterns the night before I plan to sew. It’s my least favorite part of sewing so I’m more likely to sit down and sew if it’s done beforehand!

Barb

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing trick/tip is to iron all of the fabric I will be using before cutting out patterns. I make sure the fabric is smooth before beginning and iron often throughout the sewing process.

Robin

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to use different feet to get the right seam.

Robin

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to use different feet to get the right seam.

katy

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is when you need ruffles get a ruffler attachment! It makes ruffling a dream…so fast, easy and beautiful, even, ruffles.

Karen Gilbert

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to always iron seams and hem lines. This gives your garment a professional look.

Isabelle LC

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to prepare and organize all the stuff needed and iron before I start and then iron often while I do my sewing.

Pattij

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is always iron before you start sewing and iron seams as you go!

Tina

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to have bobby pins handy. I use them to turn tubes, I use them instead of straight pins when sewing heavy fabric, and to hold stiches when knitting.

BettyAnn

January 04, 2021

My favourite sewing tip is to plan ahead by cutting multiple pieces of waist elastic and velcro. I also like to chain piece, especially when I’m making multiples of a garment. Saves time and thread.

Susana

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use Frixion pens to mark the fabric. Just need to iron and everything disappear. I also like the idea to create belt buckles with heat shrink plastic: so much possibilities to customize the buckle, choose the color and design, add sparkle…

Rose Elliott

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is to keep the wool ironing mat next to my machine so I can iron and go.

Sheila

January 04, 2021

My tip is to read the pattern all the way before starting.

Claudia

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is To remember to use YouTube whenever I have any questions.

Helene Dahl

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is that the iron is your friend. For a professional looking result, always press as you go, and iron out fold lines before cutting.

Laurie

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to use a walking foot when sewing knit fabrics.

Betty Victory

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to keep material organized by color and keep patterns organized in plastic protector sheet and binders by the type of pattern they are such as tops dresses underwear etc.

Bill Young

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to keep all my fabric on mini-bolts in an open bookcase so that I can see what I have instantly. I buy tri-fold display boards and cut them into 6″ × 12″ pieces. By folding 40"-45" fabric in half lengthwise twice, I can wrap my mini-bolts with about five yards of fabric. It is much easier to handle smaller bolts, and I can keep them on the shelf or on the cutting table until they are needed. It is also easier to audition fabrics side by side when they are smaller in size. I’ve been using this system for many years with great success for sewing or quilting.

Amelia

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is to iron seams. Whether it’s doll clothing or human clothing, it gives it a professional look.

Brenda M.

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is sew a seam, press a seam.

Michelle Kelley Thomas

January 04, 2021

My favorite trick is to make sure you wash your fabric in the washing machine in cold water with soap of your choice and add fabric softener in the rinse. Then dry it in the dry on no heat or very low heat. Be sure to iron it before you cut anything out if you have any wrinkles in it. That way I can pre-shrink and get all the sizing out of it before you start to work with it. It’s also less likely to wrinkle while you’re sewing it.

Rosemary

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is to iron your seams as you sew.

Janet F

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use a fork to create evenly spaced pleats. It’s so quick and simple compared to all the careful measuring

Jackie

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to view all the sewing tips. Love this part of the Giveaway. Always great tips to us

Jackie

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to view all the sewing tips. Love this part of the Giveaway. Always great tips to us

Kim C

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to check to make sure your machine settings are where they need to be for what you are about to do.

Donna

January 04, 2021

My favourite sewing tip is to use 1/4 inch double sided quilting tape when sewing knit fabrics. It keeps the hems, back openings and neck seams in place and keeps them from stretching as I sew them.

Norma

January 04, 2021

My favourite sewing tip is organization. Nothings worst than not having what you need to complete a project. And reading all the other sewing tips. Thank you ladies l picked up some great ideas.

Valerie

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is using quilt rulers to get nice straight lines.

Valerie

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is using quilt rulers to get nice straight lines.

Debby

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is organize all of my materials before I start a project. I also love to read, and /or watch videos to learn from others to improve my sewing skills.

Marlene

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is to use the zipper foot to insert cording.

Cheri

January 04, 2021

When I am making more than one of the same thing I make them all at the same time, one step at a time for each garment. It saves me time in pressing because my ironing board is in the basement…ugg. It also commits the instructions to memory easier for use later.