Welcome to DAY 9 of our 12 Days of Christmas celebration!
For our 9th Day Of Christmas giveaway, we are doing a GIVEAWAY of one $100 JOANN Gift Card to one lucky winner. The gift card can be used towards any item available on their website or retail location. Woot, Woot!
Maybe you'll use your gift card to buy a few supplies to use on your next pattern hack! Need some ideas? Well, we have a full collection of Pattern Hacks tutorials available in Sewing With Cinnamon! You'll find them sprinkled through many of the courses!
Here's a little more about pattern hacks, from the SWC course:
There are so many pattern hack video tutorials available in Sewing With Cinnamon and the new platform make it so easy to watch at any time from anywhere!
Hoodie Denim Jacket
Fur Lined Denim Jacket
Fold Over Waistband Mini Skirt
Pleated Hight Waisted Jeans
Silk Road Dress - LJ Hack and the Snowman Appliqué Hack
Staw Tote Pattern Hack
Simple Sleeves Pattern hacks
Banded Beret
Classic Peacoat (no pleats in back)
Koala Hoodie (Crafty Lil Turkey)
Holiday Dress - Creating A Ruched Bodice
Blossom-Starlight Gala Mash-up
So-Cal Beach Vibes
and so many more...
Have you explored the new site and full set of mobile apps yet?
Sewing With Cinnamon has just gotten a huge upgrade! We so excited to announce that you can find our app on all streaming services! You heard me right! Roku, AppleTV, Fire TV, IOS apps, Android Apps, and Google Play!
If you haven't joined yet - go take a look! It's free for the first 7 days!
Explore the content! Try it out! Download an app and see how Easy it is to use!
Existing SWC members already have access, just check our email to find the emailed invite to the new platform :)
ENTER TO WIN A $100 JOANN Gift Card!
Toenter this week's contest, simply click the link below and then enter through the giveaway widget at the bottom of the blog post, there are many things you can do to earn multiple entry points!
Contest Details: You enter through the entry form that is embedded on this page and appears just below this paragraph, if you don't see it, be sure to visit the page from your desktop or an alternate browser such as Google Chrome. It may not appear on all mobile devices. The complete rules and entry details appear on the entry form. This is not a comment contest - in other words, leaving a comment on the bottom of this page is not an official entry method. The only required entry method is to leave a comment under this post and then confirm that you did it in the contest widget. One person will receive the gift card. You can enter once, or gain multiple entries by completing the other entry methods and increase your chances of winning. Please review all Terms and Conditions on the giveaway page before entering. 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 Pixie Faire and Sewing With Cinnamon.
Commenting below and confirming your entry in the widget above gives you one entry method, the other methods are listed in the widget above, be sure to enter in as many ways as you can to receive the maximum amount of entries to win the prize!
Entry method #1, comment on this blog post finishing the following sentence…
“My best sewing tip is ________.” Tell us why :)
Comments must be left (on this blog post) by midnight (pacific) on Sunday, 1/2/2022.
The widget will be updated the following day with the first name of the winner. The winner will be contacted at the email provided when entering.
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
100 Comments
Carma
January 02, 2022
My sewing tip is take time to press. Don’t take shortcuts here.
CinDe
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is don’t sew when you are tired. It is a sure way to make mistakes.
Jessica Springer
January 02, 2022
Wow so many great tips! I think my favorite tip is take you time. I tend to rush and then make silly mistakes. take breaks too. when I start making a lot of mistakes I know it is time to quit for the day and start over tomorrow. FIrst try to next day after break and the project ends up going a lot smoother!
CathyR
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is not to rush and enjoy the process.
Colleen
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to press, press, press!
Linda
January 02, 2022
My best sewing top is to read the pattern instructions before cutting out the pattern so you do it right.
Breanna Hawkins
January 02, 2022
My favorite is definitely use your iron! It helped me out a ton!
Juanita Lanaux
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip how to get a sharp 90 degree corner. When you go to turn the fabric, fold the seam allowances in before turning. When the turn is finished, the corner will be sharp.
Lori Wrenn
January 02, 2022
Use the tool called “purple thang”. It is a life saver when sewing, in my opinion.
Janine
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip is to press each seam as you go. Really makes a difference in the look of the finished garment.
Lisa
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to pay attention to your sewing machine needles! Use the proper type for your fabric (e.g. use ballpoint for knits, heavy duty for leather, etc), change them frequently, and stock up. It’s awful to be out of the needle you need, or to try and limp along with a dull needle.
Bev
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to be patient.
Eileen
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to never skip ironing – it makes a huge difference!
Rose
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to use your iron!
Pressing makes all the difference!!
Thank you for all the freebies and tutorials❤️
Trudy
January 02, 2022
Trace the pattern onto freezer paper – iron on the fabric and cut out.
Jana
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is don’t scrimp on pins.
Angela
January 02, 2022
Hi,
My best sewing tip is to keep organized all around the sewing area, I think this helps to be more creative.
Thanks.
Lisa W
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip is to use tear-away paper when sewing jersey to keep it from getting pulled into the feed dogs.
Sews like a dream ✝️
Darlys
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tips are to press everything as I go and cutting my fabric pieces with a small rotary cutter. It took me a bit to come around on the rotary cutter with extra large nuts as pattern weights, but now I love it. It is so much faster and easier than pinning and scissors.
Christine
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip is to make what you love. It makes sewing a pleasure!
Kim
January 02, 2022
My best tip is read thru the directions before even cutting and press everything before and as you go
Ramona Adams
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is 1/4 in steam a seam for making perfect doll pockets !!
Emily H.
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is read the directions through a few times. Most of the time the directions tell you the easiest way to assemble and sew the pieces together and even if you’ve been sewing for a while you might learn a new technique from the pattern maker.
Sharon B.
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip is to use Wonder Tape to keep things in place when needed – it makes sewing so much easier!
Dawn
January 02, 2022
My sewing tip is always use the correct needle for your fabric and also always wind the same thread you are using on the bobbin.
Pat S
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is press, press, press as you go! Pressing is not the same as ironing. When you press you set the iron down, lift it, move and set it down again. When you iron you leave the iron down and move it around. It is always easy for me to see when someone pressed their project while sewing or didn’t. Your end product is so much more professional looking when you press as you go.
Lana
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip is that a hammer and a block of wood is a must have for flattening too thick seams in doll clothes and in quilting.
Monique
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to sew test seams on scraps of the fashion fabric before starting to sew the project. You can change the tension, the needle, etc. without having to rip out seams in your project if there have to be adjustments.
Tandi Cortez
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip is to use lots of pins and position them so that you can pull them out just before they reach the foot.
Kathleen S Rowley
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip is to mark the seam allowance marks with different colored tape. It gives a visual reference for when you mat sew a little faster than you should to keep on the correct seam indicator.
Marcie Van Deren
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to understand your machine. The best way to do that is to make a sample book or length of fabric a few inches wide and go through all the stitches on the machine. (If you have more than a straight stitch). Sew a few inches of each stitch, using different weights and types of fabric, different threads, interfaced or not interfaced. Play with your machine! Pretty soon you will know what you can ask of it. Then you will have a reference card of what each stitch does and which ones you like. You will find some stitches that you will doubt you will ever use! But it will help you to understand your machine!
Norma Middendorf
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is read the instructions.
Cindy P
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip, if you have to sew narrow seams or hems, use a product call Roll Ban, there’s a video on YouTube show exactly how it works. It makes sew a narrow hem on the silkiest fabric a breeze.
Dena M
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip is to read through all of the instructions and make sure I understand them before beginning to sew. If I don’t understand something or something isn’t clear, I can research it and clarify it before sewing and not get frustrated in the middle of the project.
lizbet
January 02, 2022
My favourite tip is to iron all your pattern pieces to featherweight interfacing before using. So much easier to handle and great for multiple cuts!
Char
January 02, 2022
Remember to iron your seams as you proceed it gives a nice crisp look to your item.
Shelley Pettis
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to just keep on trying!! Sometimes when I’m making a new doll outfit, I come upon a challenging step or just can’t get something to go right. That’s when I feel like just giving up. But when I just take my time, maybe take a break, and try it again, I find out that it wasn’t that hard to begin with – I just needed to take a step back and try again!! And it happens often!!
Jackie
January 02, 2022
My sewing tips is to make sure you have all the materials , thread , needles etc. before you start sewing.
Amy
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip is don’t be afraid to try something new. It may take a while to learn a new technique or get used to sewing a different kind of fabric, but it can be rewarding to expand your skills in a new direction.
Kathleen
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip is to make a mockup when pattern directions are ambiguous, nonexistant, or in a foreign language, when sewing from an unfamiliar pattern company, or when sewing antique patterns. I buy inexpensive muslin by the bolt. Seeing the fabric makes the issue much more clear.
Deborah
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to set aside a minimum of 10 or 15 minutes and just sit down & sew. Dreams, planning & drafting are great but if you never just do it, sewing probably won’t happen & nothing gets made. Having an organized space also contributes to efficiency, and once you get started you just might end up sewing for hours! Have fun, but if your back hurts, take a break… avoid training your mind to associate sewing with pain.
Carol
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to use the correct sewing machine foot for the fabric.
Piroska
January 02, 2022
My favourite sewing tip is to read the directions not once, but twice. Make sure you understand it before beginning to sew.
Sandy V
January 02, 2022
Sewing tip. When starting a project, such as a pair of doll pants, I cut, serge and prep all pattern pieces (marking darts, etc,) and make sure I thread the sewing machine with a full bobbin of thread in the correct color before I plan a sewing session. That way when I want to sew I’m ready to make headway. Even if I only plan to sew a few seams while waiting for dinner to cook.
Crystal
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to make sure you don’t rush. Sewing should be a relaxing and enjoyable hobby and over the past 50 years, I’ve learned that you won’t enjoy it if you rush. You’ll also make more mistakes and get more easily frustrated. Relax, take it easy, and have fun!
Cath
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip for every level of sewer, is don’t feel like everything you do HAS to be perfect. Don’t put that burden on yourself and let that stop you from sewing something. Ask yourself “Does world peace rely on how well I sew this?” If not, then stitch away. Happy stitching!
Debbie West
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to just make time to sew. If you let all the other business of life take over, you won’t get to enjoy your sewing time. Make time and make it fun!
Anita
January 02, 2022
If you don’t think you can finish a project, remember you can if you take 5 to 15 minutes that might be wasted on doing nothing and pressing with the iron makes a difference in a finished project.
Chris
January 02, 2022
My best tip is put things away after every project or sewing session. Then you can find stuff the next time.
Elizabeth
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is don’t be afraid to try new things. Sometimes it is fun to challenge yourself and try new patterns and techniques.
Elaine L
January 02, 2022
Best tip is to keep learning
Jessica
January 02, 2022
I don’t think I have a tip. I am really not that great at sewing. Pin, press, ask my husband to rescue me (lol – he’s more skilled than me). I think the point is that I try and I try again.
Pauline
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to baste in sleeves when setting them as well as other small areas such as neck openings before stitching. It just makes it so much easier than trying to sew with a bunch of pins crowding under the needle and stabbing fingers in the process. Yes, it takes a little more time but I’ve found that I no longer have to rip out stitches and redo seams because something shifted or got caught up in the stiches. In fact, I baste my sleeves twice when setting them. I do the first just inside the seam allowance and the other a little outside the seam allowance so that the bodice is smooth and will not get caught in the seam. This allows me to sew the seam with the bodice side to the feed dogs which I prefer. This method won’t work with fabrics where needle holes are a concern when the basting stiches are removed, but with most fabrics it isn’t an issue.
Linda Novakovich
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip? No matter how long you have sewn or how old you are you can always learn something new that will make you better at sewing!!
Pat
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is: Take your time. Sewing is not a race. Like a cooking recipe, read through instructions a couple of times to make sure you understand each step, and then gather your ingredients/fabric, tools, etc. Any technique you don’t understand, research it. Online tutorials are numerous. Pixie Faire has a treasure trove of tutorials. YouTube is valuable. Sewing should be fun, therapeutic, and rewarding.
Roberta
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip is: Remember to change your needle! … also remember to clean your feed dog and bobbin case. Your machine will thank you.
JUDY
January 02, 2022
Press every seam you sew.
Colleen
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is have everything you will need for the project you plan to do laid out so you don’t waste time looking for something once you have started your project :)
Liana
January 02, 2022
Press, press, press :)
JoLee
January 02, 2022
there are so many good sewing tips posted already. I guess my best sewing tip, that I had to learn the hard way, is to prewash your fabric. For some reason I just felt like it was no longer a new garment if I washed the fabric, but ended up having so many items shrink after washing them the first time that I realized the importance of preaching the fabric.
Grace
January 02, 2022
Encourage & praise someone’s sewing
geri
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is if your machine is messing up, change your needle this solves most problems.
Margaret
January 02, 2022
My sewing tip, read all directions ahead, pay special attention to designer tips and tricks.
Have everything ready to begin and enjoy the process.
Debra Hamilton
January 02, 2022
My New Year sewing tip is to never get discouraged. Keep on learning.
Kelly
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to go slow and read instructions.
Gretchen
January 02, 2022
Relax, have fun, read directions and if something goes wrong take it out and start again. Making doll clothes should be fun, more than work.
Sandy
January 02, 2022
When sewing a bodice onto a waistband that is then sewed onto a gathered shirt, cut a piece of light-weight iron-on interfacing the exact size of the finished waist band. This with give you a perfect sewing line.
Sandy
January 02, 2022
When sewing a bodice onto a waistband that is then sewed onto a gathered shirt, cut a piece of light-weight iron-on interfacing the exact size of the finished waist band. This with give you a perfect sewing line.
Shelly
January 02, 2022
My sewing tip is to slow down and enjoy the process. I make mistakes when I am tired or feel rushed.
Cynthia P
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to baste at times. A little time spent here can save frustration later
Mae Lynn Beck
January 02, 2022
My best tip is to rip out something if it’s not right. Don’t try to accommodate the error. Just rip and do over. Otherwise you won’t be satisfied with your work.
Jayne
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is be kinder to yourself. We are more critical of our own work that we are of others.
Rebecca W.
January 02, 2022
I’m going to second the “Iron as you go” folks for my best sewing tip—it really does make a huge difference! My other best sewing tip is to spritz your gathered skirts with water when you’re tugging them straight to prepare for sewing. Steaming them with your iron helps, too, but the damp gathers are easier to arrange and sew, especially for teeny tiny doll clothes.
Lisa
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to use a small lighter to slightly melt the cut ends of a ribbon before sewing it on as trim or sewing on a ribbon tied in a bow, etc. It stops fraying in it’s tracks! Always, always melt the ribbon ends.
Anne C-E
January 02, 2022
Measure Twice cut once. it is advice given ti carpenters but it applies to sewing as well.
Laura
January 02, 2022
I typically wash and iron most fabrics when I come home so I am ready to start a project when inspiration strikes. I do try and keep all doll related items together so if I pick up I have several items together and can sew away an afternoon….
Joan
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is pressing seams as you sew. Really makes a difference in your finished project.
Sue
January 02, 2022
read the instructions all the way to the end, always prewash your fabric and press your fabric, press between each step. have fun,don’t stress, keep practicing, each project teaches you something.
Carri
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is be sure to change your sewing machine needle often. This avoids many issues with your sewing machine.
Casey
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to use a water soluble fabric marker for the most part over pins. Fabric shifts naturally and depending on the fabric, like liverpool, stretches once stitched down. Marking allows for natural movement of the fabric while maintaining shape and correct marking while continuing. Sharp and fresh needles, too – write down the date you start using the needle to keep track. They go dull more quickly than it appears.
ES
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to be creative. Use a template fabric similar to what you will use for your project, then experiment! You never know until you try!
June
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip is to iron as you go. It must makes the garment lay like it’s supposed to and look really good
Karen
January 02, 2022
1. Use the correct needle for the type and weight of fabric. 2. Hold the thread behind the presser foot when starting a doll size seam. Keeps the fabric from being sucked into the machine. 3. When you are tired, you will make mistakes. So stop and take a break!
Grandma Freckles
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to use a single-edge razor blade instead of a seam-ripper when undoing a seam. I find I have better control wit the razor blade & can undo a seam much faster. I might use a seam-ripper to get started, but then I pull the seam open & cut the sewing threads with my razor blade
Debra
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip come from the hardware store! Soft plastic tubing is GREAT for keeping bobbins under control. Just cut a slice thin enough to fit into the bobbin and wrap is around the thread – no more tangles! It works! and the tubing is inexpensive – 1 foot of tubing will work for MANY bobbins. Thanks for the opportunity!
Jane
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to always press every seam before continuing to the next step.
Barbara H
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip came from another participant in a Barbie Convention workshop. Use a small bristle paint brush, like a 0 or 00 to apply fray check to your fabric edges. It helps to control the amount of product applied and doesnt seep into the fabric outside the seam allowance.
Elin M.
January 02, 2022
My BEST sewing tip is Plastic Template Sheets. I make templates of all my shoe & hat patterns. for shoes it makes it easier to also make cardboard & foam soles. On shoe templates make an A on one side and B on other to make sure you have a left & a right. The template is great for marking fabric or vinyl. I also use them on t-shirt fabric.
Jessica B.
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to practice an automatic buttonhole on a scrap piece of fabric first so you know which direction the automation will follow on your official buttonhole.
Karen
January 02, 2022
Sewing tip. Iron, don’t skip this step! Ironing can make a big difference in the finished product.
Ellen Ludington
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to read the instructions several times before beginning. If you become frustrated with your sewing project step away and come back to finish it later.
Kristen
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to read pattern directions completely before starting a project.
Lynn Zukowski
January 02, 2022
Have enjoyed reading and learning from all the previous tips. Mine would be: always give yourself more time than you think. If your project says it will take 3 hours- I usually multiply that by 1.5 at least. You always seem to run into a snag, get called away, or come up with an inspiration to change up the pattern to add more embellishments, or pockets (for example) or whatever. By allowing yourself more time- you remove the pressure, and enjoy the experience. For me- that’s why I sew- for enjoyment, so I might as well have fun while creating.
Grace
January 02, 2022
My favourite sewing tip is to read the instructions first! Saves a lot of difficulty.
Kathy
January 02, 2022
Best sewing tip is to always press as you go along.
Mary
January 02, 2022
Everyone has such good tips! Also, Mrs. Miller, my first sewing teacher, always said; “If it doesn’t look nice on the inside, it won’t look nice on the outside.”
Emma
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to be patient. Sometimes projects take longer than you anticipated.
Linda G
January 02, 2022
Practice makes perfect
susan
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is not rush through the steps. Don’t skip steps such as stay stitching and pressing as you go. Skipping both of those steps or just one, will result in a less than what you had expected and give your creation a homemade look.
Sarah
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is wash, dry, and iron your fabric before cutting. All fabrics shrink at different rates, the colors can bleed. Definitely learn from your and others mistakes. Have patients with yourself.
Carma
January 02, 2022
My sewing tip is take time to press. Don’t take shortcuts here.