12 Days of Christmas - Day 3 December 27th 2017

Sue mccloud

December 27, 2017

Assemble all needed supplies beginyou begin—buttons, zipper, trims, thread, embroidery designs, etc. It makes the project more enjoyable.

Alice Stephenson

December 27, 2017

When sewing clothes for yourself, complete everything you can on machine, then go home and ask mom to finish the handwork.

bela

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip Is switching the velcro back on a dress to a little zipper. The velcro Can damage the clothes, and the doll’s cloth body So i prefer the zipper and they are So easy to insert ?

Holly

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is only serge with 3 threads and at hems and other places you where you finish by serging and not by hemming (i.e. top of the neck where the zipper goes in) leave a long serging tail and thread it into the serging with a loop turner.

Mary Fossey

December 27, 2017

I have seven granddaughters with 18" dolls, some were their Mom’s. They are constantly playing with them. New clothes would be great. Thanks for this contest. Happy New Year.

Sandy

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing trick is using clippies to sew leather or vinyl, to prevent holes.

Stephanie S.

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing trick is taking it slow and not getting in a hurry or over burden.

Kari B.

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is To cut out several things at the same time, and then be able to sew several things before having to cut more stuff out in order to be able to sew again!!

Jeri

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is using a walking foot with knits. I’d never tried a walking foot before I learned about it from you. Thank you!

catherine

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is watch how you use your seam ripper…put the red bubble down and you will not tear your fabric and everything is neater

Sally

December 27, 2017

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is: iron and you sew

Julie J.

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to use a white erase board to list the things that need to be done on my project. It saves me time by organizing my current and upcoming sewing. Then I know what to purchase the next time I go to the fabric store.

Martha

December 27, 2017

I like to do cutting of multiple patterns at a time, then do the sewing on a different day. My space if limited and this helps.

Carlotta Sparkman Browning

December 27, 2017

Sew, clip and press every time to make your doll clothes look professional

Wendy

December 27, 2017

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use Sulky KK 2000 to temporarily hold things together till I sew them.

Linda

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is the many ways one can use stich witchery. It even works as a temporary hem.

Kara

December 27, 2017

My favorite trick is using a flashlight to thread the needle on my sewing machine. The light is on the left side and I’m left handed, so…..I block the light trying to thread it

Linda

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use an iron often and carefully. It makes a difference.

nancy

December 27, 2017

I like doll patterns

SherCares

December 27, 2017

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is have everything you. Red for a project ready before you start. “

June

December 27, 2017

My tip is to utilize the wonderful sewing machine feet available to make the task easier. I especially LOVE the Button Foot – it’s so much better than using the open toe foot for machine sewing buttons on. Even the tiniest buttons are a breeze to do.

wendy

December 27, 2017

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is read the instructions a couple times before cutting any materials

Diana G

December 27, 2017

Oh my favorite tip is to use tissue paper when making backpacks or purses (for 18" dolls or regular) on the side that is facing the dogs. This helps the leather or pleather hold better and not scoot around.

Sally

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to recruit a friend and sew together! Double the pleasure, double the fun!

Ruth Faivre

December 27, 2017

All 18” dolls are not exactly the same dimensions, especially in the waist so you have to fit waist elastic to correct size, not just to what it shows on the pattern. Sometimes, you have to take in the center back of the doll as well or just move the closure over until it fits.

Debbie peek

December 27, 2017

I buy clothes at thrift stores and use them as fabric for doll clothes

Karen Gilliland

December 27, 2017

Love your website and thank you for letting us have a free pattern on Fridays!

Debbie

December 27, 2017

My favorite Tip or trick is to change the top tension adjustment for gathering. This makes gathering a breeze.

Jessie

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to take a small piece of the fabric you plan to use and test out your thread and needle choice, as well as the thread tension, before starting to sew the project. This little step can save a lot of frustration – I used to spend a lot of time re-threading my machine needle over and over! Happy Holidays to everyone.

Annie Lessard

December 27, 2017

Faye

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is have everything ready and several bobbins filled and ready to go before I start any sewing

cathy

December 27, 2017

favorite sewing tip as a new sewer Read the pattern thru before starting

Daniele

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is for the little 1/4" elastic. It’s easiest for me to sew it together if I tape around the ends and sew through the tape. Then the tape just peels off.

Jill D

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip. Read all the instruction first and take your time, don’t rush. There will be less mistakes

Jan

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing tip is to get everything you need organized ahead of time. There is nothing more frustrating than to be making great progress on a project then having to stop because you are missing a crucial item.

Emily H.

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is putting a piece of masking tape on the throat plate of older sewing machines and marking off the standard seam allowances on it. It always helped me keep my seams straighter when I was still using the 60’s era sewing machine that my mom bought for me at a garage sale when I was a teen.

Sherry S

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is always take your time. Don’t sew in a rush or when you are stressed.“

Hazel

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip or trick is to use a plastic invisible zipper attachment when sewing sleeves into garment. The length is about half the size of a normal foot. Makes it much easier to sew in a small space.

Margaret

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is “measure twice, cut once”.

Carolyn Todd

December 27, 2017

Pass what you know to the next generation!

Jeannette

December 27, 2017

Measure 2ce and cut 1ce

Maureen

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to make sure you have plenty of machine needles on hand just in case one breaks or isn’t sharp enough for your fabric. Don’t be scared to change them frequently!

Janet

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is baby buttons on the back of larger buttons makes him so much easier to hold and to open

Therese

December 27, 2017

I use a sewing machine foot that covers the most fabric area, then I move my needle over to the far right or left to create the 1/4" seam. I also use my walking foot to sew long areas accurately.

pareicia johnson

December 27, 2017

OHHHHH I ALREADY HAVE THE FABRIC READY TO RUMBLE WITH THESE

Linda

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use coffee filter under the fabric to start the seam so the machine doesn’t eat it and use long hemostats to turn tube like things

Gracie

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is probably to practice and learn from your mistakes! Try not to be discouraged by a failed project.
~Gracie

Jaclyn C.

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to not let my cats in the sewing room!!! If they aren’t trying to lay on my fabric while cutting things out, they are being sneaky and stealing my pins out of my fabric before I’m done. And Sissy likes to fling them so I have to go looking for them! I know they think they are helping but….RAWR!!!! LoL

Joyce

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to make sure I am in the mood to sew. If I’m not, nothing goes right!

Sal Hudson

December 27, 2017

My tip is make sure you have a filled bobbin = don’t want to be almost done and find out you ran out of bobbin thread.

Sallie

December 27, 2017

These are beautiful dresses. If I have a tip that helped me the most it would be when adding a sleeve before you sew up the sides then sew the side and sleeve side all in one seam. Turning those tiny sleeves are more difficult as I get older doing these dresses and other clothes for my granddaughter

Debra

December 27, 2017

always be tidy and organized. It helps to know what you need to do…..

Olive

December 27, 2017

My sewing machine faces a wall. Just above eye level, I hot glued a spring clothespin, so I can clip my sewing instructions in front of me and they are out of the way while I’m sewing.

Sheila chelednik

December 27, 2017

My sewing tip is to prepare everything in advance and iron all the material before I start to make it easier to complete.

Debbie Kelly

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to make sure your sewing machine is in good working order before you begin. Cleaned, sharp needle, and filled bobbin.

Eileen

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is doing the pockets and collars.

Patti Z

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is always make sure your sewing area is clean and organized. Otherwise you waste a lot of time working around stuff or looking for things you need for your project. Plus have your cutting board and scissors/rotary cutter always at the ready. For me I have to have all my pieces cut and laid out for the ready.

Lynn

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to use a 6th finger stiletto while sewing. It helps to hold small pieces in place, straighten gathers, hold bindings, etc. I very handy tool to keep around.

Katherine

December 27, 2017

Washing new fabrics (according to the cleaning instructions) prior to sewing, Even though I don’t have a serger, I use one of my closed zigzag stitches around all raw pattern cut pieces to be more finished for little hands to not rip through fabric.

Aurora chancy

December 27, 2017

my tip is to Just do it. If I don’t sit down at the machine its not going to get done!

Sandy

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to not try to sew if you’re overly tired. Mistakes are easy to make. And when you’re struggling with a difficult part that just doesn’t seem to work, set it down and walk away. Take a break. When you come back to it, it’s usually something that can be fixed.

bls

December 27, 2017

Serge the seams to help keep them strong to allow little hands to put on and take off clothes without ripping out the seams. I ususally sew a straight seam first, then serge over the same seam before doing the next seam on an article of clothing.

Sioux Mercer

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to put a piece of paper under thin fabric when stitching to keep it from jamming in the machine.

Linda

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to use chalk for markings on fabric. Easy to remove!

Ruth Ann

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is after I make the second mistake when cutting/sewing — STOP! Come back later.

Laura

December 27, 2017

My sewing tip or trick is patience. Be patient, don’t rush and have faith

Kathy

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to cut out several items at once, especially if they will use the same color of thread. Then you can sew them all up at once time without having to change your machine and bobbin thread. This works especially well for doll clothes when you are using fat quarters.

MichelleH

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip: I enjoy including my granddaughters in the planning phase. I have made copies of the pattern envelopes, cut out the individual views (write pattern and view number on the back of the cut out picture), have the girls choose which fabric for which outfit, then place picture and fabric in a gallon zip lock bag. When I have time, I pin, cut and sew outfits. If there are more than one of a view, I try to complete them at the same time.

Mary

December 27, 2017

Love all the tips and ideas I get! Thanks so very much

Mona

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is (ironing the fabric before cutting out the pattern) and these wonderful patterns. Thanks again.

Heidi L

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to use small pieces of hem tape to help you sew…the hem tape will hold your fabric in place on small pieces when constructing doll clothes.

Gloria

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to use a “bodkin” for turning narrow fabric tubes (like belts) right side out. I found the “bodkin” at my favorite craft store.

Ruth Kenney

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to make 2 of the outfit that I am about to make. Then stitch directly from one part to another without stopping and cutting the threads. You can do that later. That makes it much faster and less thread to cut later.

Sandy

December 27, 2017

My Favorite sewing trick is to use a washable glue stick, When gathering a folded piece of slippery fabric. Glue the two raw edges together first with a glue stick then gather. The fabric doesn’t shift as you gather it. The glue just washes out later.

Crystal

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to do one stitch at an angle when turning corners. Turns for a nice pointed corner on ties, cuffs and collars.

Susan Contreras

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is Glue tiny snaps in place then sew on!

Maggie

December 27, 2017

When I’m pinning the patterns, I put a piece of tape on the pattern first. No more ripping of patterns! Also, I cut the pattern envelope down the side, and tape it to a manila envelope. Then when I’m done, I put all of the pieces to the pattern in the envelope, and file them away!

Dianne

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip from other sewers of doll clothes is to
copy the pattern to freezer paper so that I can iron
to the fabric and not have to use pins. Such a great
idea!! Thanks for all the great patterns and contests.

Sue McGraw

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing to serge everything. Sounds simple but sure leaves all seams nice and neat.

Sandra McFadden

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is always remove your pins as you go!

Teresa A

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is already listed; a) measure twice, cut once. b) print out pattern, place in sheet protectors & keep in binder on shelf for easy access.

But one trick that I do use, especially when I have multiple ideas/projects is I use 1 gallon zip lock bags for ALL project pieces that I’ve cut out, to keep them together. That way I don’t lose any & I get stuck either buying more fabric & printing out the missing pieces of the pattern.

Lee Wilson

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is a fold from a corner seam back on itself to be sure of a nice sharp pont. It works better for a sharp point than trimming the seam allowance.

Malia

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is use your zipper foot for top stitching or bias tape stitching.

Jennifer

December 27, 2017

Some of my best sewing tips/tricks are two of everything and lighting. You need to have good light otherwise you are sewing in a shadow.

Leticia

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to use a rotary cutter on the straight lines of patterns.( Makes a nice, clean, straight cut on the fabrics) Also, use the smallest size rotary cutter for doll sewing patterns.

Ron Brack

December 27, 2017

I always serf my raw edges when I finish sewing

Jennifer

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to mark my machine needles with different color fingernail polish. I cant read the size numbers on the needles.

Carole

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to keep a knitting needle and a wooden spoon handy when you’re turning pieces so you can push the material through easier.

Grace

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to print out the patterns on heavier paper and cover with contact paper.

Marykay Hymes

December 27, 2017

Favorite tip? Always pin the pieces of pattern for a respective outfit together when you pu5 it away so you have everything handy when you decide to remake a favorite outfit.

Katie Lind

December 27, 2017

My favorite trick (actually for crochet but good for sewing too) is to have at least two of everything — two scissors, two needles, two hooks — you get the idea.

Sue

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to always clip your threads. Unclipped threads look sloppy.

Betty

December 27, 2017

I copy my doll clothes patterns onto freezer paper and cut out the pieces. Then I iron them onto the fabric. No pins to distort the shapes , and it stabilizes “wiggly” fabric. The pieces can be used multiple times.

Diane H.

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to serge the edges of the sleeve cap and arm scythe and then sew them together. I also disengage the serger blade while doing this. It makes for a safe and neat seam.

Debbie

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to pin your work together first.

Gracie

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to serge all the raw edges of pattern pieces I’ve just cut out of fabric. It is easier to sew with confidence that your fabrics won’t fray and gives you at least a good 1/4" seam measurement. If your worried about notches, you just mark them with a disappearing marking pen.

Diana

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is ironing the fabric before cutting out the pattern.

Rita Cashion

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is….copy down all of the above sewing tips and learn from the experts!!! Thanks girls…I’m a beginner.

Cupcake kitten

December 27, 2017

If you zig zag stitch along a edge of fabric it won’t fray!

Kathleen Stull

December 27, 2017

My favorite seeing tip is when I can’t get something to work, have my mom do it!