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
76 Comments
Luba Reswow Miller
January 02, 2022
Freezer paper will help you with small pattern pieces. Trace the pattern unto the freezer paper. Then cut it out roughly, then iron unto fabric. Then you can cut it out
Soo S
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is “don’t panic”. I am still new and made lots of mistakes, most of those happened when I panicked with sewing machine… I will get better at it!
Doll Lover
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to use coffee filters or tissue paper under knit fabrics because it will help make sewing them easier & keep the machine from “eating them”….
MARIAN PEOPLES
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is “press, press, press”! Never skip an opportunity to properly press seams, etc. There is NO substitute for this step.
Cindy Pullano
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to plan it out with my family, for the most fun and inspiration!
Christine
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to give yourself permission to not be perfect! Hand made is just that, it has a personal, unique touch! not machine perfect or you could just buy it instead!
Sally
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to ask Google. The solution is out there. Just keep looking!
mami2jcn
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip is to have your children help. It’s a great activity and skill for them to learn.
Debbie
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to read through the instructions first to get an idea of how things go together and also slow down and enjoy the process.
Kathy
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to press after each sewn seam to get a nice crisp professional look.
Lorretta
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to press those seams as you sew, press press, press! Because the end results will have that finished look like not pressing will never have.
Ginger
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip is to always make sure you clean up the inside of your sewing machine because lint can make your machine mess up stitches or eat bobbin thread also remember to get your machine maintenanced every once in a while.
Patti
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to always read the directions before starting a project.
Alison
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to take it slow and do it right the first time (much easier than ripping out seams haha)
Lois
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to take the time and read the directions before you start the project. THen you KNOW exactly what needs to be done, make sure you have everything on hand, and the sewing will be more enjoyable!
Denise Amrich
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to find a workaround for whatever parts of your sewing process that you find unpleasant or dreadful. That’s what notions are for. That’s what spending relaxation time learning new techniques is for. That’s what practicing on low stakes items is for. Joining Sewing with Cinnamon is a great way to learn the techniques that help you meet and beat those sewing challenges, for example, the tips on how to do gathers that Shari Fuller teaches.
Rena
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip is to always read through the directions first. It may save time and help avoid a mistake.
Luba Reswow Miller
January 02, 2022
Use Chinese Chop Sticks you pick up for FREE at the Chinese Take out to turn your collars out properly.
Debbie
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to store and file the pattern pieces in the clear “page protectors” and labelled binders. Each page has a self adhesive label with the name , designer and tips (relevant info for the next time I use the pattern). The binder(s) makes it easy to categorize the patterns…tops,dresses,jackets,knitwear,etc.
Beverly C.
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to use metric for measuring dolls. No fractions!
Beth
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to be patient and put your machine on “slow.”
MeLisa Kilpatrick
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is read thru the directions once before beginning ro sew anything. Sometimes I think I know where its headed then, they surprise me!
Gina Reiley
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to remain calm, expect mistakes to happen. Learn to embroider. Embroidery can hide many mistakes.
T
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to keep you iron handy and iron every seam.
Amy
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to use tissue paper underneath your fabric when sewing stretchy, thin or thick fabrics.
Mary Jo Tufts
January 02, 2022
“My best sewing tip is read your instructions twice." I seem to always pick up something, that I missed the first time around.
Brandi
January 02, 2022
Have patience and take your time to do all steps correctly.
Joanne
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to iron the seams as you finish each step
S
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip is to read the directions of your pattern carefully. You don’t won’t to have to rip a seam out because you have sewn something in wrong.
Sheila
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to change your sewing needle often. Also make sure you are using the correct needle for your project.
Ann
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to measure the pattern and compare it to the doll, person, cushion, etc. (whatever or whoever you want it to fit). I also try on “whatever/whoever” as I go until I get what I want. It’s a real drag to make something and it’s too small, too short, the waist isn’t in the right place and so forth. ;-)
Ann
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to measure the pattern and compare it to the doll, person, cushion, etc. (whatever or whoever you want it to fit). I also try on “whatever/whoever” as I go until I get what I want. It’s a real drag to make something and it’s too small, too short, the waist isn’t in the right place and so forth. ;-)
Sue Thomas
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is taking time to clip all the curves. Get yourself a small, good quality scissors for this task.
Bonnie
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is follow the directions .
Barbara R
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to iron seams as you go.
Pat
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to iron as you go and take your time. Your project will go together like a breeze if you are accurate and press as you go.
Debi
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip is to use tissue paper or coffee filters under knit fabrics! It’s “sew” much easier to sew without puckering.
Judy
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is read patterns twice to get a full understanding of the step. take your time and enjoy the whole process.
Gail Beam
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to iron your fabric if possible with magic sizing before starting to sew your project fabric will
Heidi Brown
January 02, 2022
My favorite tip is to iron every single seam as you sew!
Joyce
January 02, 2022
Best sewing tip is to iron fabric and pattern before cutting and to continue ironing seams as you go along
Linda Cooley Bowman
January 02, 2022
Think my best sewing tip would be to try not to let the stress of the world affect your time to sew, as sewing can usually help to relieve or take away some of the stress I might be having. Never give up when things just seem to keep going wrong ~ sewing is such a comforting hobby to have.
Vicki
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to use the small knitted(?) hair loops to wrap around the bobbin to keep the thread from coming off. They come in lots of colors and sometimes you can even match your threads.
Joanne
January 02, 2022
Just have fun whatever your project is!
Lynn Acheson
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to buy good quality scissors, especially small ones with a sharp fine point, for snipping precisely into curves and seam lines.
Mary
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to review the instructions before you begin so you understand ‘where’ you are going with the project.
Dixie
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is iron your fabric first and after every step.
Cheryl R.
January 02, 2022
My best sewing to press as you go, you get cleaner lines and a more finished look. :o)
Fran Bott
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is if you find yourself getting frustrated or upset for any reason while sewing – get up and walk away. Have a cup of coffee or make something to eat or take a short walk to get rid of the frustration. Come back to it with a clear calm head.
Abby Baxter
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to make sure you have everything you need before you start
Connie
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to take the time to finish your seams and iron. Even and especially on doll clothes. They will last so much longer.
Pat
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip for doll clothes is to use a longer stitch length than usual (about 3mm) except on tight curves. Your fabric will be less likely to pucker, and if you need to rip out stitches or make a repair, it will be so much easier.
Juda Widener
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to iron after each step.
Charlotte
January 02, 2022
I meant to add—it would be nice to know what a “widget” is! I’ve been sewing for 65 years, so my sewing knowledge is Much vaster than my computer knowledge! LOL
Charlotte
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is…don’t give up! Keep trying! Keep asking questions if you’re not sure! I have found independent pattern designers are very willing to answer your questions, if something in their pattern is unclear to you. As we used to tell our students, when I taught at a Stretch & Sew store back in the 80s, there is no such thing as a dumb question! So…ASK! (By the way, I LOVE to sew on knits! I’ve made hundreds of t-shirts, as well as lingerie, swimsuits, etc.! A little longer stitch and the right needle works wonders!)
Jane Messner
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to take your time.
Jane Messner
January 02, 2022
Take your time.
Rachel
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to breathe deep and cultivate patience.
Marsha
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to try out different needles and tensions on your fabric when starting a new project.I enjoy sewing with specialty and knit fabrics so this is especially important to me.
Elna R Rothenberger
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to iron after every step.
Elna R Rothenberger
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to iron after every step!
Linda
January 02, 2022
my best tip is to go slow and easy
Deborah
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is basting hems and neck lines with fabric glue stick before stitching on tricky fabrics. The hem stays in place while you sew and the needle won’t gum up as it does with some fusion tapes.
Sharon
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to use foam nail dividers for painting your nails to put bobbin thread in so they don’t unravel. I bought individual ones in a pack at a dollar store. It sure keeps my bobbins from becoming a mess
Lisa McCormick
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is measure twice, cut once. You can always take more off but you can’t add it back on. 😉
Pam
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to not watch your machines needle, but where you are feeding your work. It is so easy to wander off your seam allowance if you watch your needle instead, and with 1/4 inch seams, it can mean pulling out your seam ripper if you wander.
LindaC
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to use a leader strip to avoid the bird’s nest at the beginning of your seam. A small scrap sewn first, do not cut the thread, sew a few stitches off the leader and then sew the seam. Snip the leader and use it over and over.
Jessica
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip is, give it to someone who can sew, like my Mom :)
Brenda Ward
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to make sure you have all your supplies before starting your project. I think that the worst thing to happen is get part way through a project and finding you don’t have something ( or enough of something) needed to finish it.
Beverly Teeter
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to put in a new needle for every new project no matter how small. Needles are much cheaper than ruining the entire project when failure happens and the fabric gets bunched under the needle.
Diane
January 02, 2022
When I’m not absolutely certain that I know what I’m doing, and the chainstitch machine it closet’d, I stitch with the longest available stitch, take the work off the machine a examine it carefully. Then I’ll reset to a normal stitch length. Tiny stitches on tiny projects take as long or longer to un-do as similar on larger items. What takes moments to mis-stitch can take an hour to frog. Small pieces may not survive a loss of patience.
Jasmine A.
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is don’t stress if you make a mistake…the more you stress the worse things will get…just do your best to learn how to cover mistakes so they become a part of the design…you know Bob Ross’s “happy little accidents”….
Leslie Loren
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is the coffee filters/knit fabric tip. I no longer avoid knits
Poppy
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is break your project down into steps. Make sure your steps don’t take longer than 15 minutes. This way you know how much time you need for your project. This will make it easier to finish your project in a timely fashion and know when you can squeeze it in your day.
Lisa Crow
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is enjoy what you make
Aurora
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to draw out your outfit idea first so that your vision comes to life much easier.
Luba Reswow Miller
January 02, 2022
Freezer paper will help you with small pattern pieces. Trace the pattern unto the freezer paper. Then cut it out roughly, then iron unto fabric. Then you can cut it out