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

93 Comments

Anne S

January 04, 2021

My tip is to use all those wonderful sewing gadgets – bodkin, fabric tube turner, walking foot, and chalk to mark everything.

Jeanne

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is always iron before you start sewing.

Cara Griffiths

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is to make two at a time, even if I only need one.

Beth

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to use three rows of gathering stitches: your gathers are so much prettier and, if you break one thread, you still have two to work with. This is especially true for bottom weight fabrics such as denim and corduroy.

Holly

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is never to skip ironing seams and such no matter how much of a rush you’re in. It makes a big difference in the final result and takes less time than ripping out when something won’t lie flat or hang straight.

Sarah Sprague

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is serge the armhole facing (no hand stitching). And use your iron and iron both sides of a seam.

Dori

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to print an extra set of the pattern pieces. I can print at home so it doesn’t cost so much. That way I have a set to save and a set to cut.

Vickie

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is putting glyceein onmy hands when sewing small pieces. It helps me grab the small pieces of fabric and when turning hems and such.

Lisa Abney

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is to clean your sewing machine frequently! There is so much lint and dust that builds up quickly in the bobbin area of your sewing machine … keeping it clean will guarantee many happy hours of sewing.

Joyce

January 04, 2021

My favorite tips are to use sheet protectors to store patterns in binders and to use clear plastic shoeboxes to store things like trims, threads, tools etc. .in.

Amy

January 04, 2021

So many good tips! My favorite tip is to use a walking foot on your machine.

Joanne

January 04, 2021

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

Jennifer

January 04, 2021

Using Fray Check on the seams of fabric that unravel easily.

Dawn

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is topstitching. I love how it looks and makes the item hold it’s shape.

Deb Fischer

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to arrange cutting board, iron, and sewing machine in a ‘u’ shape and I sit on a wheeled chair in the center. It makes everything flow smoothly.

Holly

January 04, 2021

Karen L

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is using my iron. Very basic, but it makes a world of difference in the end product if you take the time to iron along the way as you sew, no matter what you are making.,

Nancy R

January 04, 2021

My favourite sewing tip is, keep a close eye on kitty while You sew. My boy likes to watch from right behind my sewing machine. He takes things. 😆

ES

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use a completed piece of clothing as a pattern, tracing it onto newsprint or similar paper, when I buy an item that I really like the fit/style. It sometimes takes a prototype or two to get it exactly the way I want, but I have used this method for many items!
A close runner-up would be printing the cover picture of a pattern when I print the pieces. I fold it in half, then make a small fold on two sides, and trim about a half inch of paper from the third side. A little tape to hold the folds, and you have a custom envelope for your pattern.

Danielle Hosmun

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is organize everything!

Tracey

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is using a citrus peeler to hold the fabric under the presser foot when doing intricate stitching!

Danielle Hosmun

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to organize everything!

Paula

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is press as you go. Although it’s tempting, It makes it harder if you skip this step. (AND it looks nicer. too!)

Marie B.

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to get organized and stay organized. I don’t like searching for something during a project. It may slow down or stop progress. Also I can readily see what needs to be on my shopping list.

Rhiannon

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is turning small tubes like straps with a knitting needle!

Pat

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is comparing the measurements of the pattern with the doll. Pixie Faire has a measurement guide for different dolls. Until I read it, I couldn’t understand that the doll I purchased on eBay is a PM (Pre Matel) American girl doll with larger measurements than the patterns. I now know some pattern adjustments are necessary, the same as I would for making my own garments.

Mary C

January 04, 2021

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is to draw a length of thread to which I zigzag stitch over to gather fabric.

Dawn

January 04, 2021

Change your needle every 5-8 hours of sewing. A lot of “sewing machine issues” are actually needle issues!

Marie B.

January 04, 2021

Anita

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is using a pair of surgical scissors (haemostats) for turning things inside out as they clasp and lock to keep a grip on the fabric and have a blunt end for pushing out corners.

Dianne

January 04, 2021

My fabric trick to sewing small quilt blocks is to oversize and trim down. Dianne

Gay

January 04, 2021

One sewing tip is to use iron on knit interfacing for sewing necklines and hems on tshirts. It really helps stabilize them so they don’t stretch.

Debi

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is to use tissue paper under knits. So much easier to sew. And use a knit needle.

Julie Barlocher

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to read all the instructions over before starting a project.

Marian Peoples

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to properly press as you go. I learned this trick as a teen and have made more professional looking garments ever since,

Allison C

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to organize my patterns in a binder and also to use a coffee filter to stabilize seams along curves.

Teena Hargreaves

January 04, 2021

My favourite sewing tip is to sort and organize my spools of threads, bobbins, lace , etc so that I can easily find what I want when I’m sewing doll clothes. I’m using empty clear, plastic containers for my thread, so easy to find the colour I need. Thank you 😊

Denise

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use a planner to document your work.
If you are like me, and have many ongoing projects, unfinished projects, projects you wish to do next and next, or projects that other people ask you to do, then, it can get quite overwhelming and easy to get lost or to forget them all together. By documenting all of your projects in a planner, you can keep track of your UFO’s (Unfinished Objects).
The method you choose to document your projects can be from very simple (a list on plain paper), or very explicit (planner with name of project, name of pattern, photo, dates, etc); the choice is all up to you.
A planner has helped me to be better organised in the way that I sew and keep track of my projects. Enjoy!

Denise

January 04, 2021

Tamara

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing trick is to press seams between instruction steps and to match stripes and plaids with your pattern pieces before you.cut for a neat and professional look. And to always pay attention to the scale of the design on the fabric so it is the correct size on your dolls outfit. You need your fabric print to look like it was printed for your doll to design her wardrobe for her size.

Lori

January 04, 2021

My favourite doll sewing tip is storing patterns in binders and also ironing each seam as I sew.

Ruth Ann D.

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to read through instructions completely before starting to sew so that I can be sure I understand every step.

Melinda

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is using invisible thread on seams where you don’t want visible stitches.

Jackie

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to read and pay attention to all the tips. Great information I love this part of the Giveaway. So many great tips to use,

Terri

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is using a stiletto and a small tweezer for many, many applications at the sewing machine…from keeping small pieces in place under the needle to aligning cut edges fore sewing.
I feel lost without them.

Audrey

January 04, 2021

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is using a wire coat hanger to turn thin straps inside out “

Ernestine

January 04, 2021

Ironing between steps and using binders for my patterns.
These are my favorite tips.

Jane

January 04, 2021

Love using my hump jumper to glide over thick seams! Couldn’t sew without it.

Vicki

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to use MonoPoly thread along with their pre-filled bobbins when you don’t want the seam to be noticeable. (Think velcro closings that sometimes have seams that
aren’t completely straight – not that that ever happens!!) I was pleasantly surprised when using it that it worked so well in my machines. Big improvement from older invisible threads.

Joyce

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to have a lint roller close by to catch thread and fabric clippings

Sue

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is to use the right tools for the job—makes life easier.

Jasmine A.

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to work at it to make your mistakes look like they are actually part of the design and not a boo-boo…

Marjory

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to press seams, hems, etc. between construction steps. The end result looks much more professional.

Debbie

January 04, 2021

My favorite trick was when I attached an adhesive measuring tape along the front of my sewing table.

Corinne Janes

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to saveused dryer sheets to use as sew-in interfacing for doll clothes.

Betsy

January 04, 2021

Iron, iron, iron. Take the time to iron.

Kelly Miller

January 04, 2021

My tip is to always be organized with patterns, fabrics and accessories i the follow the pattern exactly when making the first outfit.

Hollea

January 04, 2021

I favourite trick is to read all instructions first and make the project in my head step by step so it makes sense and sometimes l visualize a better way to do something and then when l actually make it l can make my changes.

Marjorie Mickelson

January 04, 2021

My favorite seeing top is to keep my patterns organized in notebooks with clear sheet protectors. That way they are easy to find after I have printed them out.

Barbara Rouse

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing trick is using fabric glue when needed to help with any small mistakes I’ve made. And using a toothpick to help apply has been a great help too.

Marietta Brown

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is use just a dab of Fabric Glue, especially good with appliques. Use toothpick or thin coffee stirrers for tiny glue applications.

Cindy

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to make sure the bobbin area is VERY clean before I start sewing anything!

Lynda

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is ‘WRAPPED CORNERS’. I learned this trick from Nancy Zieman years ago and love it. Sew along first side all the way off the fabric. Fold along seamline just made and sew second side. Trim excess off by timing just the folded part in diagonal line. Now fold 2nd seam over as you turn the corner out. Makes a perfect corner every time. You can probably find a video of this on her website.

Donna

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to use a little Elmer’s white washable glue to hold pieces in place, touch with iron to seal. Glue washes out.

Joanne

January 04, 2021

My favourite tip: I keep all my patterns in binders, separated with tab stickers, and a document protector sleeve for each set of instructions for holding all the pattern pieces. I have a binder for different items (one for dresses, another for tops, another for bottoms, one for shoes and accessories, etc)

kelly

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is realizing that there are sewing guides for a reason. Someone has already worked it out! I was amazed when I started using the proper needle for every situation instead of the “average” one. The right equipment sure does make a difference.

Jay

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to use my small iron and a spray water bottle to quickly sew pieces together

Megan

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing trick is to use heat sensitive pens for marking (pleats, points, eyelet placing, etc.). They’re called Frixion by Pilot. Once you’re reading to be rid of your markings, a quick press of your iron and BOOM, it’s gone. Just be sure to use them on the wrong side of the fabric, as the ink can reappear if exposed to extreme cold.

Denise Amrich

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to skip the heck out of the dreaded rolled hem. Instead, I use what I like to call the faux rolled him, which is to use an overedge foot on a long and wide special purpose over edge stitch or zigzag stitch to finish the bottom edge of the garment, then do a hem at the length where it looks best on the doll. This could be a tiny 1/4 inch hem up to a 1/2 inch hem. If you overedge first, it flips under so easily.

Doris

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to organize electronic patterns into directories and subdirectories for easy identification. Eg, Under 18": Accessories, Dresses, Historical/Occup, Lingerie, Separates, Sports/Outerwear. Under Accessories: Hats, Purses, Shoes. Etc

Christine

January 04, 2021

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is to cut my pattern pieces and then place them in a ziplock bag that I saved from my Pharmacy purchases. These bags would have gone in the landfill. “

Rae

January 04, 2021

My sewing tip is to use popsicle sticks or tongue depressing sticks to slip inside of small areas to press without making a crease. I use a small travel iron or a mini iron.

Cacoud

January 04, 2021

suivre pas à pas, pas trop vite pour profiter de ce que l’on fait… s’appliquer et être heureuse du résultat ! quel plus grand bonheur qu’un travail fait de ses mains ??? c’est un précieux conseil de couture…

Dana

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is to get the needle out to get the yarn in

Katherine

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing too is to have enough light when sewing, even when sewing in day light. Ad you are working on smaller scale items it makes all the difference when you are constructing a garment

Linda Speed

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to use a large diameter wooden dowel, covered with slayer each of batting and fabric, for pressing open small seam allowance. The batting and fabric cover helps reduce the pressed seam allowances From showing thru to the right side.

Marsha

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is using the 1/4 inch double sided tape to hold the necklines, armsholes, hems, and back closures in place on my knitted garments. It makes it so much easier.

Heather

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is the led light that goes on your sewing machine. What a difference it made for me!

Cindy Evans

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is proper tools. New thread, and the correct needle for the sewing fabric being used.

S.C.

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to uses the zipper foot for stitching close to edges especially bias tape!

Stephanie Sparks

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to be organized! I like to choose projects/patterns all at once (non-work related), and then organize them with a project sheet for each in a sheet protector, and then place them in a binder. Each sheet has the pattern info, my choice of fabrics, shopping list (if needed), deadline (if it’s a gift or the like), any changes I want to make, and the pattern itself. Then I make a master shopping list from all of them, and keep it in my wallet for when I go shopping. When I’m finished with each project, I take a pic of it, and note the completion date (and gift recipients name, if applicable).

Vicki

January 04, 2021

I love the light strip I’ve recently added to my sewing machine. Makes for better visual now that I’m having some eye issues. A welcomed second chance.

Faye jones

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is when something doesn’t go right walk away from it for a while and do something that relaxes you before trying again!!

Kate W.

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is:. To try. There are some directions that make NO sense. But actually physically doing it helps me puzzle the words into actual actions. For example, welt pockets made no.sense till I tried them. I still did them wrong the first time, but then the directions made sense, and I was able to do it correctly the next time.

Gracia L Marks

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing trick is to press, press and press. I use my Iron as much as do my sewing machine.

Nancy

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to use a Clover Mini Iron to press seams when making doll clothes.

Suzanne

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to sew a basting stitch to fold hems.

Connie Jagolinzer

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing trick is to use French seams on fashion fabric then it is finished neatly inside. (As I don’t have a serger)

Erin

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is using washi tape along the base of the machine by the presser foot in order to keep your lines straight. Year into sewing, i still rely on my trust washi tape to sew super straight line and it also helps me remember my seam allowance.

Stephanie

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is using spray starch on knits, or any fabric that is difficult to handle, to make it behave and easier to sew.

Eileen

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is using my printer to resize patterns and tweak them to whatever percentages I need :)

Bee

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to use a washable glue stick to secure tiny folded hems. Let the glue dry before stitching on the machine so your needle doesn’t stick and stays glue free.

Bee

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to use a washable glue stick to secure tiny folded hems. Let the glue dry before stitching on the machine so your needle doesn’t stick and stays glue free.

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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:

93 Comments

Anne S

Jeanne

Cara Griffiths

Beth

Holly

Sarah Sprague

Dori

Vickie

Lisa Abney

Joyce

Amy

Joanne

Jennifer

Dawn

Deb Fischer

Holly

Karen L

Nancy R

ES

Danielle Hosmun

Tracey

Danielle Hosmun

Paula

Marie B.

Rhiannon

Pat

Mary C

Dawn

Marie B.

Anita

Dianne

Gay

Debi

Julie Barlocher

Marian Peoples

Allison C

Teena Hargreaves

Denise

Denise

Tamara

Lori

Ruth Ann D.

Melinda

Jackie

Terri

Audrey

Ernestine

Jane

Vicki

Joyce

Sue

Jasmine A.

Marjory

Debbie

Corinne Janes

Betsy

Kelly Miller

Hollea

Marjorie Mickelson

Barbara Rouse

Marietta Brown

Cindy

Lynda

Donna

Joanne

kelly

Jay

Megan

Denise Amrich

Doris

Christine

Rae

Cacoud

Dana

Katherine