12 Days of Christmas - Day 3 December 27th 2017

Mary

December 27, 2017

I do it know how I would ever be able to insert elastic into a casing without using the safety pin trick. Makes it so easy.

Darlene R

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to have good lighting and a nice clean sewing area.

Doris

December 27, 2017

When I make an outfit I always sew a sample out of scrapes first before using my good material.That way it helps me understand the pattern better and if I do make a mistake it is no big deal.

kathy s

December 27, 2017

favorite sewing tip is to rubber cement pattern pieces to different colors of cardboard- same color for every piece. It makes them easier to see/find/identify with patterns we use and reuse.

Lissandra Mia

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to cut your seams larger than 1/4" unless you have one of those fancy servers that do everything in one swoop. And always buy more fabric than you need because sometimes you need to place the pieces more generously to get a more doll sized look.

Christine

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to not sew when you’re tired or stressed, that just leads to mistakes and frustration. Better to put things aside and begin fresh after having a good rest.

Cris

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to press as you sew.

LizT

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing trick is my new desk Ott lamp from Joann’s craft store. I was struggling to see stitches and match thread, and then I discovered all I needed was a better work light for my sewing table!

Cheri

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip/trick is to use snaps instead of Velcro so it doesn’t snag the fabric.

Cheri

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip/trick is to use snaps instead of Velcro so it doesn’t snag the fabric.

Darlene

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is an invisible ladder stitch. I use it to sew facings down, to repair seams, to replace missing pieces in quilting, and on and on. I learned it in Ami Sims little paperback book. Do it loosely and when you give it a little tug everything just falls into place. It’s an excellent little stitch for doll clothing.

Heather McLaughlin

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip us for making miles of ruffles. Roll hem or serge the bottom edge, tighten your machine tension to the tightest and set your stitch length to the longest. Hold the top thread as it comes off the spool. Leave thread tails on each end to adjust if needed and use high quality thread. Makes beautiful ruffles really fast and no special foot needed. Use on very light, light and medium light weight fabrics like batiste, quilting cotton, broadcloth, satin, taffeta, sheers, bet and tulle or even flannel.

Kathryn

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to French seam as many seams as possible when working with doll clothes. Little ones tend to be rough with the clothes and this way there are less tears when there are less seams to rip.

Pat

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is using embroidery stabilizer scraps to stabilize seams on difficult fabrics.

Laura L.

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip, seeing as I have so few, is attaching a safety pin to elastic to finish pushing it through a closed area.

Edie

December 27, 2017

I’m new to sewing so I practice difficult patterns and techniques on inexpensive fabric before I proceed to the real McCoy! Practice makes perfect! ?

Rose

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to save the scraps from sewing projects for people clothes and make doll clothes from them.

Regan K.

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is when sewing two different thicknesses of fabric always sew the thinner one in top otherwise it will pucker..

gail

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is if you are trying to match loops(like down the back of a wedding gown) use sticky embroidery stablizer to make the loops the right size.

Robyn

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to finish projects you start or get rid of them!

Marla S

December 27, 2017

I am still a beginner (maybe a little more than that) sewer so I don’t have a favorite tip as I am still learning as I go. I just read the instructions through a few times before starting to make sure I have the steps down. And measure twice, cut once.

Karen

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to enjoy the creativity and planning. I may not always complete the project, but certainly enjoy choosing the pattern, fabric, buttons, zipper and other goodies.

kerri

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use baskets from the dollar store to store works in progress.

barbara

December 27, 2017

my favorite tip for sewing zippers and hems is to use double sided tape to hold zippers and hems before sewing. no slip seams ever

marlene

December 27, 2017

my favorite sewing tip is enjoy it

Melissa

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to just take your time and persevere!

Martha

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to have fun and enjoy the sewing process. If I am not enjoying what I am making I set it aside for the time being and come back to it later.

Katie

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip/trick is a thing called Wonder Clips. These are the best thing ever! No more pokey needles. Easy to clip on and to take off.

Dana F.

December 27, 2017

I am not a very good sewer, do I don’t have lots of tips and tricks, but I have found that taking your time makes sewing go much smoother!!!

Debbie W

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is always start and end with patience and positivity. If it gets frustrating, I step away to get a fresh and renewed mindset and then come back. I despise to rip seams out, so I try to tackle it correctly and slowly in the beginning.

Patricia

December 27, 2017

I just discovered that you can find hook and loop tape (Velcro) in different colors in one of the budget bins at JoAnn’s

Sam

December 27, 2017

I don’t have much for tips, as I am just an average sewer, but I guess I would say, if using a pattern, read it through completely first before starting, so you know what to expect and know why you do each step on the larger picture

Jane

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is when rethreading your machine to always clip your thread at the spool and pull it out from the bottom. This prevents lint buildup inside the machine.

Beverly

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to make a stitching bible for each one of my machines. I write the stitch number and sew down the cloth page changing the width and the length. It is surprising how many stitches you can make from one stitch. I am almost finished with my newest machine and then plan to make a Stitch Bible for the old Phaff I got from my grandmother.

Janice

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip or trick when using Pixie Faire patterns is to trace around each pattern piece on freezer paper. That way the original pieces on the large sheet stay intact. After cutting the pieces out of freezer paper, I iron them to the fabric for that garment (no pins). It’s easy to cut the fabric that way. I quilt and learned this from another quilter.

Donna Stellway

December 27, 2017

My sewing tip is to press everything as you go! Don’t try to skip pressing until the end. You’ll get a professional look pressing as you sew.

Sue

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to sew as much of the garment as you can in the flat, press and then finish seams (side seams etc.)

Kelley

December 27, 2017

im not one for tips on sewing lol as i am a beginner and still learning!!!!

AnneC-E

December 27, 2017

My tip is to change needles every new garment. Needles and thread are a lot cheaper than a screwed up sewing machine.

Bev

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to make 2 copies of any new doll pattern.I use one for cutting and file the second. That way I always have a back up if i loose a piece or want to make alterations or notes

Karen

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to understand the difference between pressing and ironing when sewing.

Lauren EM

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing tip or trick has been to go slow! My sewing teacher used to yell at me for “speeding”, but the more I sew, the more I realize she was right! Going fast only lends itself to mistakes, and that includes pattern reading! ?

Sue

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to wash all the fabric first, press and cut carefully! Out fits turn out perfect!

Merry Christmas the 3rd day of Christmas!

Kittie

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is …more of a rule than a tip…Sew a Seam Press a Seam. for professional results, ALWAYS press your seams.

Ramona

December 27, 2017

So many great tips, not sure what I can add, except never stop learning.

Mary Z.

December 27, 2017

My sewing tip is to find a quite area to set up and to keep calm while working-to take things slowly and the sewing turns out the best. Rushing just makes it worse!

Emily

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing trick is the zig zag stitch gather!

PF Strong

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to put the printed out pattern and a picture of the garment (usually the first page of the pattern) into a gallon zip lock bag. I can add fabric, thread, etc to the bag so I know what fabric goes with the pattern. I can cut the pattern out and keep all the pieces organized. I can start something and slip it back into the bag if I need to “clean up” my sewing area. I keep all the ziplock bags in a small plastic tub. I can flip through them like records or cds to see what I have going on. This has helped me keep things uncluttered as we are selling our house.

Linda

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is a simple one. Read the directions before you start. Can"t tell you the times I thought I knew how to do it and had to rip it out>

Rhonda M Stewart

December 27, 2017

My sewing tip is to “Keep Calm It’s a Sewing Thing”, Don’t worry Be Happy." Sewing is an art that we all enjoy. Let your independent style show. Always try to think outside the box.

Barbara

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is always do two or three gathering lines, it makes the gather much neater and protects against a broken thread so you don’t have to start over.

Judi

December 27, 2017

I find using a narrow serge on all edges before sewing the garment keeps even “silkier” fabrics from fraying.
Many basic patterns can be adapted or embellished for a new look. Don’t be afraid to use your imagination!
I appreciate all the other “tips” listed here – I learned a couple of things!

Doreen

December 27, 2017

take your time. have fun working with these.

BonnieGayle

December 27, 2017

When I get a new pattern , I like to sit and cut all the pieces out. That way I am not fighting the large sheets to find the pieces I need.

Nan Beamer

December 27, 2017

Press as you go and don’t be afraid to experiment with different colours and fabrics that you might not usually put together.

Judy

December 27, 2017

My sewing tip is press everything as you go and follow directions.

Colleen

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to zig zag stitch all raw edges to keep material from unraveling.

Jacqueline

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to always 2 rows of gather stitches so if one breaks you can still gather your piece without sewing again.

kathleen rowley

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is wetting the end of the thread before threading a needle to handsew or threading the sewing machine!

Marge Storms

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is learning to use all my new sewing machine feet (mu Christmas present)!

Ruth

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to always press, don’t get lazy it is amazing the difference it will make…

Pat Stone

December 27, 2017

I trace my patterns onto template plastic with a fine line permanent marker, transferring all of the pattern info onto each piece. Cut out the pieces, then trace around them on the fabric. One can see exactly how the design on a printed fabric will look in the finished item. This is handy when one wants to “fussy cut” a fabric design to be on the front of the bodice, etc. The pieces can be stored in plastic pockets with a picture of the completed item.

Irene

December 27, 2017

My best tip is always start with straight edge when cutting/laying out. Yes, this involves thread pulling but well worth the work for excellent effect!

Diana L Vagle

December 27, 2017

Before cataract surgery I discovered holding a small piece of white tag-board behind the needle while threading it made seeing the eye much easier. After surgery I still use the white piece and store it, readily available, under a front corner of my machine…saves time and patience!

Bonnie

December 27, 2017

My favorite trick is to iron everything.

KAREN HAWKINS

December 27, 2017

I’ve learned to measure both the doll and the pattern to make sure it’s going to fit and make adjustments before cutting. And press every step of the way.

Trudy Boyd

December 27, 2017

Awesome tips.?

Erika

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip / trick is to first straight stitch a seam and then closely zig zag the seam to prevent it from fraying.v

Kathy

December 27, 2017

Tips are amazing!

judy Kauffman

December 27, 2017

Whenever there is a strap in a pattern, instead of trying to turn a 1/4" hem and stitching it down, I line the piece, use a “fasturn tube” to turn it right side out and thus I have a perfect strap with no raw edges inside.

Diane

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip: change your needle before each new project

Sarah

December 27, 2017

My favorite technique is to just try stuff. The great thing about sewing doll clothes is that if something doesn’t work out, you haven’t wasted too much material!

Lea Ann

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to iron EVERYTHING as you go!

Mary

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to iron everything as you sew.

Diana

December 27, 2017

Sewing is relaxing. It keeps me sane. My favorite is pressing your seams, etc. It makes your work look more professional.

Arlene

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is using tear away stabilizer when sewing with knits. It allows me to start a seam without the fabric being grabbed by the feed dogs and keeps the fabric from stretching out. The stabilizer tears away easily when done.

Donna B

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is too usea different color thread on the bobbin when gathering skirts it’s easy to see which thread to pull

Kathy H

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is cover the paper pattern with tape that I use a lot.

Dianne

December 27, 2017

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is to ask someone who has done things before if they have any ideas, tips, etc. for making the project."

Vikki Branum

December 27, 2017

My tip – follow the instructions to a T the first time you make something. Don’t go off on your own until you know how the garment fits together. This will save a lot of frustration!

Natalie

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is using Wonder Tape when I sew on knit fabric. I’m loving all these tips!

Leslie

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to sew French seams so there are no raw edges inside.

Sara

December 27, 2017

I save pattern pieces in page protectors. I print out the cover page for the pattern and tuck the pieces behind it. That way I can easily organize them in a binder or file drawer.

Veva

December 27, 2017

One tip I use is to iron my fabric before cutting and through assembly.

Stephanie Jones

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to serge the seams and raw edges to prevent raveling.

Jane

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to put colored tape on the sewing line on the sewing plate on my sewing machine so I don’t guess. Sometimes I use a 5/8 seam and sometimes a 3/8 seam. With the tape on my sewing plate I know where to place my material without guessing and since it’s colored it’s easily seen. I also do this on my serger.

Kristina

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to place a piece of paper under a small seam or ribbon to get it to feed through the machine. Then you just tear the paper. Works really great for accessories

Lydia P.

December 27, 2017

Always buy extra!

Marian Covell

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing tip is to sew all the coloured garments that are the same colour. I fill about four bobbins before I start. And if I am going to need other colours fill those bobbins also…

I cut out different outfits that take the same colour thread. Some are plain, print, cottons, knits, etc. I sew all the seams on all of them that I can and put them in a bin marked to finish.

Then I finish them, sleeves, hems, trims etc. I find if I sew the same garment in different colours I get bored…lol.

Tracy

December 27, 2017

I use a “jumper” to start my seams. It’s just a scrap piece of fabric to get started on and then continue onto your actual project fabric. It really prevents the edge of the fabric from getting sucked down the needle hole.

Sonna Lea Hunsley

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is two fold, I keep a lint roller by my machine to catch little threads and I thread a pipe cleaner through a coffee stirrer, bending the sharp ends back in the straw. This is used to catch lint from my machine and bobbin area.

Kathy C

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is I transfer my patterns that I download to craft weight non fusible interfacing. The pattern stands up to handling and multiple uses.

Angie

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to sew when the kids are NOT trying to help, so you can actually finish a project.

Sherrie

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is cut patterns out of interfacing if you use them a lot.

Debbie

December 27, 2017

I use stitch and tear to sew delicate fabrics so they do not catch in the foot. If fabric catches check the threading.

Lisa

December 27, 2017

Starching fabrics before you cut out your pattern and it will prevent frustration! ??

Carla

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip or trick is to trim your threads to neaten up your project!

Lil

December 27, 2017

Thanks to all that gave their time to sew these awesome dresses! Edith Sheluga of Di’s Dolly Designs , Jennifer Serr of Bonjour Teaspoon, and Cinnamon Miles of Liberty Jane. Thanks Ladies!!

janet

December 27, 2017

My best sewing tip is to walk away when I can’t get something to work and come back in a while and try again. If I try more than twice I get frustrated. Usually after a rest period away, I can get it right the very next try.

Margaret Haffner

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is press, press, press!