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 Hack tutorials available in Sewing With Cinnamon! You'll find them sprinkled through many of the courses and a few on the SWC Youtube channel too!
Here's a peek at one of my favorite pattern hacks! The Starlight Gala Blossom Mash-up! Love the look of this dress? The Tiffany blue silk dupioni is so amazing! We used the Opening Night Luxe Kit to make this dress!
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...
Plus you can find a large variety of pattern hack blog posts right here on Pixie Faire! Click here: Pattern Hacks to see the collection.
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 Monday, 1/2/2023.
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
Deborah
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to just get started even if you only have 10 minutes. It is too easy to procrastinate. Also, pay attention to ergonomics to prevent pain. Stop & take a break if pain or tiredness sets in… it takes longer to fix the mistake than if you do it correctly the first time.
Pat B
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to always make a trial item out of some leftover fabric to test the pattern before using your good fabric. I have found errors in various sewing and quilting patterns in the past. Also never cut out more than one set of pieces (if doing multiples) until you have tested the pattern
Emily H.
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to always read through the pattern instructions before starting any project to make certain you have everything you need and brush up on any sewing techniques you’re not familiar with.
Crystal
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to keep a magnetic pin holder (or two) close by so if you drop a pin on the table, chances are the magnet will pull it right to the keeper. Another tip is to clue a 60" tape measure to the edge of your cutting table. That way, you can measure and cut easily.
Charmin Kelly
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is that if you’re using a pattern make sure you have all the notions to start and finish the project.
Martha R.
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to keep a variety of fabric scraps handy to use when I need to test stitch lengths and tension before starting to work on an actual project.
Ellen Barth
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to NEVER put pins in our mouth. Also to pull them out of the fabric before you might sew over them and break your needle.
Suzanne Krueger
January 02, 2023
My tip is to always press as you go, because this will give your garment a professional look and make sewing easier too!
Carol
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is use a surface at waist height or slightly above when cutting out a project because it will save lots of fatigue and backaches. I use a folding table and raise the height with bed risers (plastic stackable ones).
Nev
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to use the single hole presser foot for small top stitching because the edge of the fabric will not get pushed down by the needle and get stuck.
Jenny
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to watch where you are going, not where you have been. It helps you keep your seam allowances consistent.
Joy
January 02, 2023
Machine sew slowly if necessary. Lines are straighter and look great. Then press with an iron.
Bee
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to use a washable
Glue stick to place trim of secure a folded hem before you stitch. Let it dry before stitch.
Martha
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to keep all notions, tools, and other supplies for a speific project in a large clear tray so I have everything I need right at hand. This way it makes it less likely that things will get lost when I am working on a that project and I save time not having to look for something..
Sara
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is how I make knots: super easy and I don’t strain my eyes. You basically get the needle to be surrounded three times and push down to where you want the knot: life changing, no more frustration on making knots in embroidery or finishing a quilt :D
Gianna
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to chain stitch, IDK what it’s called but It’s when you are sewing a lot of things at once you continue to sew without cutting thread in between each piece. I saw it on some YouTube video several years ago when I had just started sewing. Also French seams are the best tbh.
Diann
January 02, 2023
“My best sewing tip is I dont pin pattern to fabric – I lay case knives on the pattern.” Tell us why
I can moove the fabric easily if I need to.
Oksana
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is ironing every step. You will see a big difference.
Evelyn
January 02, 2023
As a quilter, I have a large stash of fabric, but now my best sewing tip for doll clothes is to particularly look for lighter weight fabrics in solid colors or tiny prints to add to my stash so I have fabrics for doll clothes ready at hand any time I want to sew for my doll collection.
Monica
January 02, 2023
My sewing tip is to press often. Press the seam flat, then press it open (or however the directions say), finally press the outside flat using a pressing cloth spritzed with a spray bottle with about a teaspoon of white vinegar added.
Shelley
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is a couple of them (though there are many). 1st, I LOVE the freezer paper idea that Cinnamon shared on Youtube to prevent fabric from shifting. What a FANTASTIC idea. Absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it. 2nd, love the easement method where she is taking a straight piece of fabric & sewing it to a curved piece. She inserts tiny slits in the curved area to allow for easement when sewing. It gives it a perfect, beautiful, detailed & professional look. Thank you Cinnamon & Friends for sharing all of these useful & beneficial tips with us.
Julia
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to change your needles. Why spend big bucks for just the right fabric but then snag and ruin it with old dull and damaged needles?
Carol P.
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to relax and enjoy your time sewing, it’s therapeutic, creative and very rewarding.
Joy W.
January 02, 2023
My tip is to gather all of the needed materials for the project you want to tackle and not to work on multiple projects simultaneously. Your sewing time should be pleasurable, not overwhelming.
Bonny
January 02, 2023
“My best sewing tip is keeping scraps that are big enough to use to make coats and mittens for like 18-inch dolls.
Jeanne
January 02, 2023
“My best sewing tip is to select fabric you love. That give you so much incentive to complete your project and you will love it once it’s completed.
Debbie Oates
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to always iron as you go. It really makes a difference in how much more professional my garments look.
Ruth
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is: it’s probably time for you to change those needles and put on a fresh rotary blade.
Elizabeth
January 02, 2023
My favorite tip is to not procrastinate and be in a rush!
Katherina Mosqueda
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to read the instructions all the way through before you start. Make sure you understand what you are doing before you begin. Then just take it a step at a time.
Marion
January 02, 2023
Read the pattern thru before starting project. Saves time and money.
Kathy
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip, is to make a doll size ham to help iron the curves.
Rebecca
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is be precise in cutting and seam allowance. There really isn’t a whole lot of room for mess ups with 1/4”.
Janet F
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to take your time in the process. When you are tired and trying to hurry up and finish, mistakes get made that cause frustration and prolong the process. I also love to use a fork to create consistent pleats.
Karen
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is hammering bulkier seams with a hammer so they lay flater.
Rose Ann
January 02, 2023
My favorite tip is to keep a regular glue stick on hand by my machine. I find it great to use for tacking seams for topstitching . I especially like it to prepare curved seams like necklines or hems on circular skirts.
Lynne
January 02, 2023
Have everything ready before you start and take your time enjoy it
Katrina Ahia
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to sew with a friend.
Carol
January 02, 2023
Enjoy what you are sewing. If I can’t enjoy a new project I put it away and might try it again later.
Cindy
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to use Ban Roll when sewing tiny hems. It will save so much time and stress
Diana
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is using tear a way interfacing when sewing knits for dolls, especially 8" or smaller.
Debbie Hall
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is walking away once in awhile to give my brain a chance setlle so i can then start again.
Lori N
January 02, 2023
“My best sewing tip is keep your projects materials, patterns, and notions all together so you don’t have to search for them in the middle of your project.”
Lizbet
January 02, 2023
One of my best tips is when sewing dance wear (4 way stretch lycra) lower your pressure foot tension a lot! Nearly to 0
Rae
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to let your imagination wander.
Alt
January 02, 2023
my favorite sewing tip is measure twice, cut once.
Rose
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to use a piece of a coffee fitter when sewing a knit fabric. This simple trick keeps the feed dog from eating the fabric. It tears away easily. It has saved me lots of time.
Janet
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to pretreat your fabric just like you would take care of the finished garment.
Cindy Evans
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to have the right size and type needle that is appropriate to the fabric used.
Laura
January 02, 2023
Read the pattern and list to make sure you have all of your supplies and notions before you cut the pattern so it is a fun day, not another trip to the store!
Mendy
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is always have a nice pair of sewing scissors. Makes so much difference.
Monika
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to use quilting thread in your bobbin when gathering!
Eileen Kurucz
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is hiding the ends of the serger threads inside the seam, rather than cutting them to prevent the awful fraying of the 4 cut ends. Do this with a tapestry needle for a very clean finish.
Cheryl R.
January 02, 2023
My best tip is to keep your sewing machine clean and lint free!
Pat
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to organize your project before starting so you don’t have a surprise of missing zippers, elastic, etc.
Sue
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is from my mom. If it’s not right, rip it apart and do it again.
Jeri
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to look through the entire directions before starting a project.
S
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to read all the directions for the pattern before you begin.
Marilu
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to have a really good light for your cutting table/board and your sewing machine
teresa
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to have a comfortable chair so your back will not hurt.
Renee
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tips are French seams with shear fabrics. Wash fabrics before making the item if it is going to get washed a lot. Starching cottons so they are easier to work with constructing the garment. Make the item age appropriate to put on and get off.
Cristy Estep
January 02, 2023
My sewing tip is to always keep full bobbins on hand!
Grace
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to have all your supplies ready and lined up to go in the order they are needed. I do this with cooking also, to make sure I don’t skip a step or leave anything out.
Marjory
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip, at least one of them. is to use your edge-stitching foot for topstitching. It gives such an even, finished look.
Frances
January 02, 2023
Tip: Keep your machine well maintained (cleaned and oiled) and use fresh needles frequently for best results.
Amy W
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to use pinking shears to clip curves when making doll clothes.
Wanda
January 02, 2023
Use tear away stabilizer under light fabrics to prevent the fabric from getting pulled into the plate
Heather
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to go to YouTube if you are trying a new technique or don’t understand something the pattern says. YouTube has helped me many times!
Laurie
January 02, 2023
My favorite tip would be to read through all of these tips by so many experienced sewers! Many great ideas in the comments! I copied and pasted many of them into a document, so I can save them and refer back to them later.
Mema
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to use tissue paper or coffee filters to slide between throat plate under fabric before beginning to sew your fabric. It saves much heartache and swear words!!!!
Mema
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to use tissue paper or coffee filters to slide between throat plate under fabric before beginning to sew your fabric. It saves much heartache and swear words!!!!
Amy
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is for when sewing curves. Go slow and take smaller stitches when sewing around curves will give you more control.
Jennifer Park
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to measure TWICE cut ONCE. Oh, how I have spent many hours regretting not following this tip!
Sandra Cox
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to always have a seam ripper near by!
Bobbi Crull
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to read the pattern all the way through first and gather everything you will need before you start.
Susan
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to read over the pattern before beginning. Saves cutting mistakes as well as sewing goes smoother.
Kay
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is: Take your time, and don’t skip steps. Pay attention to detail, and have all your tools handy, so you won’t waste time looking for them!
Jennifer
January 02, 2023
My favourite sewing tip is… make time to sew every day, even if it is only a few minutes. It you wait for an uninterupted hour or two, you might never sew!
Ali L
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to pre-shrink fabric (when necessary)
k VanderArk
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to use quilt binding clips instead of pins on bulky or plush fabric.
Laura
January 02, 2023
Trim the threads
Jeanette Jackson
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is being organized so you don’t spend all your time looking for what you need.
Dena M
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to always prewash your fabric, if the fabric can be washed, before cutting it out and sewing it.
Rebekah Bollman
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to check your work. On patterns with multiple sizes, trace over the line of the size you want to keep before doing any cutting. I like to save the fabric from old/outgrown articles of clothing to use for making doll clothes.
marlene
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to always check the pattern against the doll you are sewing for.
JUDY
January 02, 2023
so many good ones on here can’t think of another one to ad!
Sherri K
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to take your time to enjoy what you are making. Rushing causes mistakes. Also don’t see when you are tired, it won’t turn out well and you will end up ripping out and redoing your work.
Jane Whiteley
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to use a tiny bead of Fray-Check on all fabric edges that ravel easily…especially denim and twills, linen, and some speciality fabrics.
The seam allowances will remain true to size, making it much easier to sew accurately. Only trim off a tiny part of the bottle tip and then pierce it with a pin to make a tiny opening. Treat your fabrics on a paper towel and press to dry before sewing.
Janine
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to press each seam as you go. Makes for a professional looking garment at the end.
Piroska
January 02, 2023
My favourite sewing tip is to read the pattern at least twice. Saves you in the long run!
Kim
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is using coffee filters to help when sewing knits, as I learned from Sewing With Cinnamon.
I haven’t entered most days since I don’t know if I even can use the prizes… there are no JOANN stores in Canada… the same with Hobby Lobby and stuff like that. What happens if someone from Canada wins a giftcard for shop that’s only in the US? Is there a point in even entering? Ordering cross border is expensive… anything more than $20 we have to pay taxes and customs & duties fees on. :(
Cora
January 02, 2023
My tip is when gathering is to use a zig zag stitch over dental floss. Keep the floss centered and no more broken thread when pulling up the gathering thread.
Sandra
January 02, 2023
My tip is to read instructions before you being and make sure you have the right colour and the right amount of thread before you begin.
Sandra
roxanne
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is reading through all of the instructions first and gather all the supplies.
Leslie Jo Gatti
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to have good lighting and an ironing board handy. And most of all, enjoy.
Sarah Oswald
January 02, 2023
Check measurements again before cutting I learned this the hard way and cut the pieces too small for what was needed.
Leslie
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to read the instructions/pattern prior to sewing and even cutting out your pattern. I could have avoided mistakes over the year by doing that first.
TODD
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to use good lighting and do it with your bff. A little wine makes it better too.
Debra
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is if it’s worth doing, then take your time and if you get discouraged. Stop and go back later
Joan
January 02, 2023
My sewing tip is be organized with everything you will need to start in order.
Joan
Deborah
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to just get started even if you only have 10 minutes. It is too easy to procrastinate. Also, pay attention to ergonomics to prevent pain. Stop & take a break if pain or tiredness sets in… it takes longer to fix the mistake than if you do it correctly the first time.