December 26, 2019

Hi everyone, Welcome to Day 2 of our 12 Days Of Christmas celebration! Today we are giving away another $25 Pixie Faire gift card one lucky winner!

Giveaway Update: Congrats to RuthAnn D. she is the winner of the $25 gift card and has been contacted by email!

The gift card can be used towards any item available on Pixie Faire! Woot, Woot!

Bonus Fun For Sewing With Cinnamon! Just 11 days left to take advantage of our promotional pricing for just $96.00 for an annual Sewing With Cinnamon membership. That's almost half-off the current rate of $14.99/month! This offer will be good for twelve days only - December 25th - January 5th, so don't miss out!

If you're not interested in the annual subscription, you can also join at the monthly rate of $14.99 and cancel at any time. You will receive all of the bonuses and content for the current month, and subsequent months while you are a member.

Learn more about all the amazing benefits of the Sewing With Cinnamon membership community here: Sewing With Cinnamon and stay tuned as we announce all the surprises that will be offered to new and existing subscribers during the 12 days of Christmas celebration!

But wait! There's more!

To sweeten the deal even more, we've added a new bonus for all Sewing With Cinnamon members - the Liberty Jane Ginza Girl pattern and the full sew-along video is now a permenently free SWC bonus! Make this darling coat dress and capelet for your 18-inch American Girl doll with complete confidence!

How To Enter The PF Gift Card Giveaway:

Simply comment on this blog post finishing the following sentence…

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is..."

Comments must be left (on this blog post) by midnight (pacific) on Thursday 12/26/2019.

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.

The winner will be chosen randomly from the comments received and contacted through the email provided in the comment. We will update the post with the chosen winner as well on the following day.

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

We will choose a winner and modify this post tomorrow to let everyone know who won.

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!

Cinnamon & Jason and the Pixie Faire Team

100 Comments

Sally

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip or trick is… Using quilting clips instead of pins.

Brenda Melahn

December 26, 2019

My favorite tip for sewing (doll clothing especially) is using fleece or knit that doesn’t ravel — so much time savings to not have to finish all those seams.

Dawn

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip or trick is reading these comments! Great ideas! Also, when I turn a project right side out to press, I use any thin flat metal item (usually my rounded edge metal ruler) to gently push the seam neat and crisp from the inside while ironing.

Anita

December 26, 2019

My favorite tip is if I’m using white thread everything I make that day Is white. And when making doll clothes I cut out multiple items at a time. Some days you just feel like cutting.

Joan

December 26, 2019

I keep everything neat and orderly .
Joan

Marilyn

December 26, 2019

I decide what project to do and checking if the items are in my storage before the project is started.
Marilyn

Donna

December 26, 2019

As many others have said, my favorite sewing tip is to ‘press as you go’! It makes all the difference in the final project!

Sharon Pilcher

December 26, 2019

My favorite tip is press, iron and clip threads as you go

Noel Devine

December 26, 2019

So many great tips! One of my better tips is to mark my needle with a color code by size and type, especially if using different needles at the same time. It’s easy to forget what size you were using when you put it in. A dot of a sharpie or nail polish color codes it. Needles that are still good, but you swapped out also stay marked – put through a piece of fabric, or in a pill jar marked. Saves me from tossing the needles out while they are still good, just because I couldn’t remember what I had in the machine, or sitting in a tray next to the machine.

Marion

December 26, 2019

Have everything that is to be used in the project.
Marion

Arlene

December 26, 2019

My favorite tip: Measure the inside width of your bobbins .Purchase plastic tubing at any hardware store.(3/8" or 1/2" will fit most bobbins).. Cut the round tubing into small pieces to fit inside the bobbin. Use a good scissors for this, then snip the tube you cut to open the round. Now wrap the tube around your threaded bobbin and the thread will stay in place forever.

Dana A.

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use a strip of drafting tape on the sewing machine plate to mark the stitch width. It looks like masking tape, but it’s easily removable.

Lori

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing trick is to use fishing line to give body to hem lines or ruffles

Joy Washburn

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip is to use gray thread when sewing as it blends into almost every fabric

Bunny

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing trick is to carefully read and study the directions before I even cut out. I study the pictures and mentally make up the garment in my head so there are no surprises. Many times, I learn a new way to do things and learn how I was taught 60 years ago is not always the best way.

Donna Landreth

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip or trick is using Frey check on thread after clipping so it does not come lose, also. Asking sure all centers, notches match up. Thank you Cinnamon for the awesome giveaways.

Leslie

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip is use a wool pressing mat for crisper seams.

betty

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip is to use a 1/4 inch presser foot for making the doll clothes.

Gail Orr

December 26, 2019

My favourite tip is to hunt in thrift stores for buckles from thin belts, watch straps & purses. Purses also have some good leather and other notions. Check out the earrings to use as charms on doll necklaces. The jewellery there will often have bits and pieces that can be separated from their original piece and reused for something for the dolls.

Cecilia

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip is follow all the instructions carefully (they are there for a reason, lol) and take your time making the article you are sewing, patience will pay off in the end results.

Sharon

December 26, 2019

My tips are Accurate stitching, clip curves and edge stitching before turning facings.

Lyn Edmonston

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip or trick is always wind more bobbins than you think you’ll need for a project so you can pop a new one in when you run out without having to stop and wind a bobbin

Dawn

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip is…. read though your pattern before you start and make sure you have everything you need before starting a project!

Kyle

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to stay patient and have fun! Never let it become a frustrating thing, because is should be enjoyable!

Carrie P

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip is to take your time and not rush.

Denise Darby

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip is get your self a quarter inch foot then you know that the pattern will fit the doll that you are sewing for.

Carrie

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip is to take your time and not rush.

KATHY

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip is to use a lot of pins to make sure nothing puckers or walks while sewing.

Sharon

December 26, 2019

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is…to always start a project with a new needle, good quality thread and a clean bobbin area.

Linda Lou Lynch

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip is to keep only the project you are working on in your sewing area…not bits and pieces from different projects

Moi

December 26, 2019

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is when threading the needle of the sewing machine. wet your finger and hold it behind the eye of the needle. I don’t know how this works, but the thread goes easily through the eye without a lot of attempts…."

Debbie

December 26, 2019

My Favorite sewing tip is be patient and there are no mistakes that can’ be fixed.

Judith Culbreth

December 26, 2019

ALWAYS iron .Also, I keep a selection of bobbins of different colors already made up and ready to be dropped in.

Pamster

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip is pin, pin, pin. If you dont pin right you cant cut out pattern right, sewing together doesn’t come out right. Have fun

Linda Lou Lynch

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip is clean your sewing area each time you start a project. Gives you the feeling that you are making a “fresh start”.

Wendy

December 26, 2019

My favorite tip/trick is one I picked up with SWC master course on Presser feet. The ruffler foot is the biggest time saver for me. I make a lot of ballet tutus for dolls and this was such an eye opener! I ran to the sewing store to get one as fast as I could!!!

Linda Hurst

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip is to have multiple machines threaded with various colors so I just switch machines instead of changing thread and bobbin.

Janet

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use the rolled hemming foot. It saves so much time and makes a very neat, completely finished hem. It took me a little time and a couple you tube videos to learn how to use it. Now, I don’t know how I ever managed without it!

Patricia

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip/trick is pay attention to detail and be sure to press/iron well.

Marti

December 26, 2019

My favorite tip is to xerox all my pattern pieces and cut out the copy. Then, if I misplace one of the tiny pieces, I can go back to the original and copy it! Keeps my patterns pristine!

Rebecca

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing trip or technique is to hem sleeves and skirts, then apply the gathering / ease stitches at the same time. When you are ready to attach the sleeves or gather the skirt, the pieces are ready to go.

Linda N

December 26, 2019

My favorite tip is to make a template with freezer paper when sewing buttonholes. Makes it so much easier to see and sew perfect looking buttonholes!

Laura T

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip at this time is to use iron-on tape to hold hems in place when sewing knits!

Sandie

December 26, 2019

My favorite tip is to zig-zag dental floss at upper edge to aide in gathering…

Sarah

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use dental floss when sewing a small tube. It makes turning it right side extremely easy.

Cathy B

December 26, 2019

My favourite tip is to fold the hem 5/8, iron, then fold in half and sew.

Gail

December 26, 2019

My favorite tip is to press well before moving to the next step. Pressing makes for a crisper finish.

Carol

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip or trick is… use your iron and pres your sewing each and everytime you sew a seam – your final project will thank you!

Leslie Loren

December 26, 2019

My favorite tip Cinnamon is using the 1/4 inch tape for sewing seams on knits

Francoise

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip is when I am sewing several clothes at the same time I sort the same colors so that I don’t have to chance constantly the yarn on serger or sewing machine

Ruth

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip is to use spray starch on very lightweight fabric like batiste to make it easier to sew. You can always wash it away later.

Leslie Loren

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip is holding on to the f threads when beginning to see a seam, especially with knits. This tip has saved many minutes of frustration!

LaVonne

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip was to purchase a carousel storage container (I found mine at Hobby Lobby) and place it beside your sewing machine. Mine has 8 upright compartments in which I store my collection of scissors, rulers, fabric marking pens and the ripper and more. It also has 8 small drawers in which you can store the little items like safety pins, needles, chalks, etc. When I need an item, just rotate the carousel to get the item needed. Very handy as everything I need to sew is at my finger tips; the trick is to remember to always put back the item used – no more searching for misplaced items.

Althea

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to iron the seams and hems before sewing.

Carol P.

December 26, 2019

I have been sewing for over 40 years and the sewing tip that will live on forever is definitely: press as you go. What a difference that makes.

Mary

December 26, 2019

My favorite tip is to remember to set a time to sew every week.

Rhonda

December 26, 2019

My favorite trick is to keep an open mind. Even though I’ve always done things a certain way and it’s worked for me, it doesn’t mean that it’s the best way. By watching other people do things, I have learned a lot.

Niki Webb

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip is to use a hole punch to punch out dots on patterns for easier marking.

Claudia

December 26, 2019

My favorite tip is to press as you go, its imperative for a good looking finished garment. I have two small irons for small projects. one has a iron surface about 3 × 4 inches, the other is a wand, with a 1" pie shaped surface. these can be picked up at any full service sewing store.

SusanS

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to cut the long, straight line of pants on a fold, eliminating one seam. Adjust for the seam by shifting the pattern over to the stitching line on the fold instead of the cutting line.

Charlene

December 26, 2019

My favorite tip was to use freezer paper to help with my buttonholes

Jennifer

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip is to underline silk and very fine fabrics with organza to give it some body and volume. I also love to sew French Seams in everything so the garments look as pretty on the inside as the outside. Even doll clothes.

Charlene

December 26, 2019

My tip: When making multiple projects, store cut-out pieces of each project with pattern & specific supplies in gallon-sized clear sealable bags with picture of project. Then you’re ready for sewing one project after another.

Lorrie

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to shop thrift stores for girls holiday or fancy dresses. Most are in great shape since they aren’t worn often and you can find some beautiful and unique fabrics to use when sewing your favorite Pixie Faire patterns. I have a stash to choose from when I want to be creative without waiting for a fabric sale!

Pat B

December 26, 2019

My favorite tip is carefully watch how my machine is stitching at my normal stitch length on each fabric and adjust accordingly

Deanna

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to change the machine needle for nicer sewing.

peggy

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip is to store my thread and bobbin together in a small plastic bag. That way I always have the correct matching bobbin when selecting the thread.

Roben Rice

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing method is when hand sewing using bee wax on my thread rom tangling and makes it stronger.

Sharon

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip is using individual toe separators for painting nails as bobbin holders. This prevents your threaded bobbin unwinding when stored. You can buy them at a dollar store 12 in pack.

Tracy

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing trick is to use tiny dots of fabric glue at the edges of knit seams to baste them together prior to sewing.

Olga

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing trick is to use a pair of short hemostats to pull fabric through when turning small areas inside out.

Melinda

December 26, 2019

My favorite tip is to use different color thread in top and in the bobbin when attaching Velcro. This way you can match the color of the Velcro on one side and match the color of the fabric on the other.

Paulette

December 26, 2019

My favorite tip is I cut out multiple pairs of shoe pieces at one time and store the pieces for each pair in a snack sized plastic bag. Everything I need is then ready to go. I also write any special sewing machine settings on the pattern. Easy to find when needed. (Helpful for my self-drafted patterns.)

Connie

December 26, 2019

I love shopping at thrift stores. Generally I can find some interesting fabrics on the cheap for making gorgeous dresses for my dolls!

Anita

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip or trick is.to use quilters 1/4 inch double sided tape to hold down lining neatly prior to top stitching.

Lori

December 26, 2019

My favourite sewing tip is to wind a few Bobbins full of thread before you begin your project

kathy

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip or trick is…make sure all seams are pressed as you sew.

Mary

December 26, 2019

I still love the tip to plan your buttonhole placement and draw it on freezer paper, iron the freezer paper to the item and sew directly onto the paper. Perfectly placed and sewn button holes!

Leah

December 26, 2019

My favorite tip is to use tiny stitches when making curves and then switching to a longer stitch for straight areas.

Betty

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip is to follow the directions to assure the end product is beautiful.

Rochelle

December 26, 2019

My favorite tip is to actually press when the pattern says to! It really does end up making the biggest difference in the finished garment! And you can use a hair flat iron to press seams in doll clothes if you want to!

Kacy

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing trick is using heat erasable Frixion Pens for marking on fabric! Use a hot iron to erase and make sure to use on the inside if going out in -10 degree or below weather. 🤣

Patricia

December 26, 2019

…using a sliver of soap as a marker on dark fabrics. Frixion markers, in a dozen colors, are great for everything else!

Chris

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to have everything cut out, pinned and ready to sew in a room with an iron and plenty of light.

T.A.D.

December 26, 2019

To measure twice, cut once.

Lisa D

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to always double layer shirts and bodices. Once you turn them, you have a nice neat neckline (and armholes on sleeveless top and bodices). I gave up trying to make facings lay right years ago.

Linda

December 26, 2019

My favourite tip is to use a rolling presser as I sew. I can sew without getting up to use the iron to press seams and save time.

MelissaN

December 26, 2019

I use a magnifying glass to help me thread needles and a quilters guide to help keep seams even.

Angie

December 26, 2019

Keep small pieces in zip locks for applique.

Pat

December 26, 2019

My favorite tip: Buy the largest size t-shirt to make several doll t-shirts. These knits are usually so easy to sew with.

Tanya W

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip is the one I picked up from the Zipper Class. The tip of moving your zipper so it extends above the seam and leave the bottom of the zipper intact. Then when sewing your waistband or the neckseam, the cut edge is caught in the seam!!! That way your zipper ends always match! The next tip have a tube of fabric glue for those tiny areas where you missed a few stitches. I use a tube of Unique Stitch. And finally for serger users…using a 4 thread overlock stitch as a gathering stitch. See the piece of fabric with The 4 thread then pull the middle two threads. The stitch encapsulates the edge of the fabric and pulling the 2 middle threads it makes a small even gathering stitch. And as you pull the gather holds. Doesn’t Shift as readily as you are gathering. Even though servers have a gathering stitch, I use this one…the gathers are smaller and neater. Can be done on a 3-thread stitch too for a smaller overall seam!

Emily

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use a fork to make even pleats.

Karen Berkey

December 26, 2019

NECK STRAIN? Lift your sewing tables with bed risers and tilt your sewing machine toward you with door stops. Some very smart ladies shared this with me on Sewing with Cinnamon and neck pain is GONE!

Monique Venne

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip is to use Wonder Tape (double-sided adhesive) to position a zipper before sewing it. Much more accurate than using pins!

Julie

December 26, 2019

Cheaper/lower quality fabrics often work best for doll clothes.

Beth C

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip is to use knit stabilizing interfacing when working with knits to prevent them from overstretching.

Ruth

December 26, 2019

My favourite sewing tip is to make sure we melt the end of our ribbon. Keeps it from fraying

April

December 26, 2019

Using strips of paper between the fabric and sewing machine under the presser foot for difficult knit fabrics is the best tip or trick I can think of. It keeps the machine from eating the fabric and helps to boost one’s confidence when sewing with knits.

Trudy

December 26, 2019

My favorite sewing tip is to keep a seam ripper close at hand. I’m not a very good seamstress, so I’m always looking for my ripper.

Joan Larson

December 26, 2019

My favorite tip is using my slender stilletto to get in to control and hold tiny seams that my chubby fingers can’t.

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December 26, 2019

Recent Articles

12 Days of Christmas - Day 2 - December 26th 2019

How To Enter The PF Gift Card Giveaway:

100 Comments

Sally

Brenda Melahn

Dawn

Anita

Joan

Marilyn

Donna

Sharon Pilcher

Noel Devine

Marion

Arlene

Dana A.

Lori

Joy Washburn

Bunny

Donna Landreth

Leslie

betty

Gail Orr

Cecilia

Sharon

Lyn Edmonston

Dawn

Kyle

Carrie P

Denise Darby

Carrie

KATHY

Sharon

Linda Lou Lynch

Moi

Debbie

Judith Culbreth

Pamster

Linda Lou Lynch

Wendy

Linda Hurst

Janet

Patricia

Marti

Rebecca

Linda N

Laura T

Sandie

Sarah

Cathy B

Gail

Carol

Leslie Loren

Francoise

Ruth

Leslie Loren

LaVonne

Althea

Carol P.

Mary

Rhonda

Niki Webb

Claudia

SusanS

Charlene

Jennifer

Charlene

Lorrie

Pat B

Deanna

peggy

Roben Rice

Sharon

Tracy

Olga

Melinda

Paulette

Connie

Anita