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
KateE
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip when making clothing for dolls is to thoroughly measure the doll then measure the pattern pieces. You could make a muslin form outfit to test the fit; it’s a very versatile method to assure fitting. I like to find accessories and small buttons to accent the outfits.
Mary
January 02, 2023
My favorite tip is be creative. You can mix and match different bodice patterns to different bottom patterns or gathered skirts to give a different look. Always measure first to make sure they meet each other and adjust if they don’t. Measure, Measure , Measure to make sure it fits the doll.
Virginia
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to put things away and clean your sewing space when you finish a project.
Debbi Luby
January 02, 2023
Tricky seams sew better with a piece of paper under it which can be ripped of easily afterwards. I always keep some scrap paper handy.
Kelly
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is that finishing is important. A clean garment with finished inside seam allowances just really makes the piece.
Marie-Josee
January 02, 2023
My best tip is press, press and press. Your project will look professionnel.
Jennifer
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to draw your sewing lines when joining pieces. Of course, I sew only by hand so far but this helps me better than eyeballing it.
Laurie
January 02, 2023
My best tip is fitting the pattern to both an American Girl doll and an Our Generation doll. When I first started sewing for my granddaughter’s AG doll, I didn’t realize that the dolls’ trunks might vary a little bit in size. Some outfits I made by McCalls pattern were snug. I did research regarding the construction and ‘stuffing’ of the dolls and learned how there can be tiny variations. I then purchased a used AG doll on eBay and an OG at Target. This has worked well for fitting.
Aviva g
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to organize all your materials before you start sewing!
Marie king
January 02, 2023
I love recreating outfits using different patterns .
Melody Link
January 02, 2023
We all say PRESS! But I have come to love my 3 or 4 different sizes of irons – small pointy irons really make life easier for doll sewing. And we made doll size pressing ham pieces, even long tubular ones for arm and leg seams. But other than pressing, I really love having a small square of fabric that I start and stop sewing on – you don’t shove fabric down in your plate hole and you get such nice seams.
Lisa
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is read the fabric & notions requirements in the pattern first.
vicki
January 02, 2023
Don’t use thread you pull from your machine for hand sewing. It has gone through the tensions and will twist for hand sewing.
time2smile
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to be willing to rip something out and start over. Don’t settle for something that won’t end up looking like you want it to.
June
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to press as you go. Just looks nicer. Also have everything on hand you need for the finished product. Just reach for it and keep on sewing.
Carol
January 02, 2023
Thank you! My sewing tips are very simple ones for my sewing ability. I prefer to use many pins (fine ones) and press immediately after completion. I have enjoyed reading all of the tips that are included, very informative and helpful.
CHERYL
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to scan store bought pattern pieces and make copies to use instead of the original tissue paper so you still have the originals if you lose/tear/destroy the copy.
AJ
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to read through the WHOLE pattern before you start, don’t just jump in on step one!
Nancy Saller
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is if you want a professional look with your finished product, you must carefully press your seams as you sew.
Ruth
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to use parchment paper on material that gets caught in the bobbin case. The paper can be torn off when done. I also use it on doll clothes when using tulle material and other fine fabrics.
Dotti G
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is press, press, press every step of the way. It may take a few extra minutes, but the finished item looks so much better.
Karen M.
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is…unless you’re going to finish your project in one sitting, it helps to keep everything (fabric, pattern pieces, thread, velcro/snaps/buttons, trim, etc.) in a large ziplock bag. You don’t have to hunt for anything when you come back to sew.
Karen Hird
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is using coffee filters with knit fabric. I hope to have time to explore more tips on Pixie Faire soon!
Sewbig
January 02, 2023
Press all seams as you go/
Mary J
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to cut out an outfit for both sized dolls (18" & 14.5") while fabric is on the cutting table and same thread on the machine.
Mary J
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to cut out an outfit for both sized dolls (18" & 14.5") while fabric is on the cutting table and same thread on the machine.
Paula Machnik
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to clip your long thread ends as you complete each step.
Vickie
January 02, 2023
My mother always said never use sewing scissors on anything but fabric. Without my knowledge, my older son took my good sewing scissors for a school project instead of asking for scissors he could use. Needless to say, I ended up having to purchase another pair of scissors because he ruined the pair he took.
Jan T
January 02, 2023
My sewing tip is on a new pattern ( one I have never done) is to throughly read thur the directions twice before any cutting is done.
And to always have fun creating 🧵
Martha
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is…reading a pattern before you start a project.
BrendaK
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is for a more professional look chose a simple pattern and use good fabric taking your time as you sew. Plus, press, press each and every seam.
Helena
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is how to turn out the tubes right side out. Thanks you for that video.
Kathleen
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is:
When dealing with slippery, lightweight, sheer fabrics, use spray starch on the fabric before laying it out for cutting. Sew the garment using the stiffened fabric, then rinse the garment when all the sewing and pressing is completed.
Christina
January 02, 2023
My best tool tip I think is having a notebook near your sewing machine to note any adjustments you make in a pattern ( also known as sewing decisions in our house)
Sam
January 02, 2023
You can never use too many pins, it’s time consuming, but there’s better result
A
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to quit when you are too tired! I always make more mistakes if I just keep pushing past the tiredness to try and finish something.
carri
January 02, 2023
My sewing tip is using flatter for crisp seams
Lynne Correia
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to press well as you go. It helps to line up seams & makes the end project look professional. I have lots of pressing tools & use them all but could not live without my multiple size mini ironing boards. Well worth the investment for sewing doll clothes.
Kathy
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is be creative with working on your projects
Ruth Berrett
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is understitching is your friend.
geri
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to change the needle in your machine. Just by doing this most tension problems will be solved/
Laura
January 02, 2023
Whenever I notice a mistake in the instructions or pattern or are confused about it I’ll write my solution on the instructions/pattern right away so I’m not caught off guard again the next time I make that item.
Laurie
January 02, 2023
My best tip is to use a walking foot when sewing on knits or “slippery” fabrics.
Mary Findley
January 02, 2023
I am new to sewing doll clothes. Someone through FB gave me this tip – Sign up for SWC.👍🏼
Rebecca
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is buy the 12×12 clear plastic scrapbook boxes when they’re on sale for around $5 and use them to store things for an upcoming project. Since I’ve usually got multiple projects in mind and need to gather trims or whatever, it helps me stay organized and not lose the bits & pieces in my sewing room. I’ve been gathering 100% wool felt for a project and it’s all in one place! A miracle of sorts for me!
Trudy
January 02, 2023
Always press the seams.
Liz
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is: try to touch the project only once (ie, try to finish it as soon as possible so it doesnt become a UFO)!
Gail Orr
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to always have a good sharp needle on the machine, sized to fit the fabric weight and type. This will give you a clean seam that doesn’t hop and skip all over or miss stitches.
:Darlys
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to pin, sew, PRESS every seam. When hemming doll clothes, I like to serge the edge or stitch a line 1/4” from the edge which I use as a guide as I press the hem under. Usually I don’t even need to pin the hem in place when using this technique. Then sew hem and press again.
Debra Luecke
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to wind extra bobbins. I always seem to run out in the middle of a seam. I now have extras of the ones I use the most ready to go. Always have more of black and white. I also have one in clear for when I have no more of the color i need for emergencies.
Darlene Wetzel
January 02, 2023
Measure twice and cut once. I’ve learned the hard way. Now I’m saving my projects from mishaps.
Lorretta
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to get up and move once in a while. Don’t just sit and sew for hours on end because it really isn’t good for you. Movement is important!
Grandma Freckles
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to use a single-edge razor blade to undo seams. i can control it much easier than a seamripper. I also put a piece of bright duct tape on the non-sharp edge of the razor blade. That makes it easier to keep track of when I set it down.
Ehnita
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is try. Trial and error can be the best way to learn. If you don’t ever try something you aren’t sure you can do, you’ll never be able to do it.
Janice
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is press as you go. It makes all the difference in seams and finished item.
Margaret
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is using a serger
Diana
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is make sure you have everything you need before you start a project. (buttons, zippers, velcro, etc.)
Sharon
January 02, 2023
My favourite sewing tip is using foam nail polish finger dividers to keep my bobbins from unraveling .
Kathy Stuparits
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to iron after each seam you sew. The end garment looks 100% better and it makes the next step in the pattern easier.
Patti Z
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to keep yourself organized as much as possible. It is not always easy to be organized but read all instructions and make sure you have everything needed. Pin and cut your pattern pieces and put them in the order you will be using them. Make sure to have all sewing tools near you for easy access. Set up your sewing area to get the maximum work flow you can possibly get.
Wendee
January 02, 2023
My best tip has been mentioned but read all the steps before starting and make sure you have everything you need before starting.
Jeri
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to make sure you have enough of the same color thread before you sew and top stitch! Iron all your fabric first!
Rosie
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to prewind one to two bobbins before starting a project. Having to stop sewing mid-way through can really put a damper when you’re on a roll!
Janet
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to iron/press after every section stitched – after each seam, each top stitching, etc.
Barb
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is sew in a well lighted area. As you age it becomes even more important.
Beth Polvino
January 02, 2023
Measure twice. Cut Once
Bonnie Licata
January 02, 2023
Make the insides look as finished off and beautiful as the outsides.
Shel
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is when you are sewing by hand, thread your needle with the end you cut from the spool. After your needle has been threaded, let your thread hang down to unwind from being on the spool. Then tie your knot and start sewing. This will prevent your thread from tangling as much while you sew.
My Grandmother was a seamstress and taught me this little trick. Happy Sewing!
Cynthia
January 02, 2023
Always use your iron and pin your material so it doesn’t shift.
Sharon Roden
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is from my mother who taught me “A stitch in time saves nine”. In otherwards, take your time so you don’t have to remove stitches and redo parts!!!
Lisa
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is when sewing curved pieces don’t use pins. Use an Elmer’s glue stick to baste your pieces together. It will wash out and your piece will look perfect, with no puckers, etc.
Lori
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is measure multiple times before cutting & take your time sewing, slow is best!
Rebecca
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to use a 1/4 inch piecing foot when sewing doll clothes to get accurate seams.
Leah
January 02, 2023
My favorite thing is to gather everything I need first and keep everything together in a manila envelope in case you have to change projects before your current one is complete.
Tamara G
January 02, 2023
My best tip is IRON, IRON, IRON! I like to iron after almost every sewing step, as it smooths and shapes the garment and makes it easier to sew. I think it also helps the garment to retain a nice shape after it’s completed.
Cathy
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to solve the problem of fabric being pushed down the hole in the needle plate. I put a small piece of the green label Scotch Brand Tape over
Susan B Walker
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to plan out your entire outfit (trims, accessories, etc.) before you start.
Anna
January 02, 2023
I love using old clothes for frantic, whether it be from a thrift store or from my children’s closets as they outgrow them. I also like shopping in the clearance isle for fabric as well. When I do that I look for the largest size so ai have more fabric.
Holly
January 02, 2023
Most of my tips have been mentioned here several times. I would only add: slow down. Take your time and enjoy the process. Your project will be better for the extra care.
Jennifer H
January 02, 2023
My best tip is to take your time and read the entire pattern. Don’t rush because if you do, you could have a mess that you need to take out seams or even start over. I have learned that lesson the hard way.
anita
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is - press, press, press -
Pat Brownfield
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is relax, try to stay organized and when it’s necessary enjoy your seam ripper.
Rose
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to always press with an iron and have all the tools you need handy for your project.
Thank you for all the freebies and giveaways!
Lynn
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to use a piece of Scotch tape over a button to hold it in place while machine stitching. The tape easily pulls away when you’re done.
Clarissa
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to use a John James #11 sharp for hand sewing. I used to use a between, but an appliquer friend suggested the JJ sharps and I’ve used them ever since for all hand sewing. They’re harder to thread but slide through fabric “like a hot knife through butter”. They’re especially good for buttons, snaps and trims, like beads and sequins.
MJ
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip – Clip all curves and above all…keep your iron on and ready to IRON!
Sonja
January 02, 2023
When having to tear out a seam, use an eye brow razor..
Carol Ferensak
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to use plenty of pins or clips so your pattern doesn’t shift.
Olive
January 02, 2023
Read the instrutions before and twice while you are doing the project
Lourdes
January 02, 2023
Press, press, press!
Mandalyn
January 02, 2023
My best tip is if something about your project seems confusing or especially difficult, take a little break or work on something different. In my brain, it’s the equivalent of “have you tried turning it off and turning it back on again?” Usually when I come back I find that it wasn’t as hard or confusing as I thought
Judith
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to relax into the rhythm and be present when you sew. A good presser foot with measurements on it also helps with tiny seams.
sue
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to use the correct type of fabric for the pattern you are making.
Judith
January 02, 2023
My bedt sewing tip is
Patricia
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is using a McDonald’s plastic straw on your metallic threads when you are using it to embroidery. It keeps the thread from fraying and twisting while being fed thru the machine! Works ONLY on those fatter straws. It REALLY works….promise! 🥰
Tommie
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip :
Use pellon 830 easy pattern (with the interfacing supplies). I love to trace my favorite patterns onto this product so I can reuse it without the tearing involved with paper pieces.
I sew for the boy American Girl doll and make lots of Liberty Jane Moto pants. I have several sets of these pieces. I cut the pants multiples. Then, I sew the pants in batches.
Kathy Loegering
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is don’t skip ironing fabric before cutting and to press seams open
Deanna
January 02, 2023
Best sewing tips: press as you go
Elizabeth
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to always pin the seams you are going to sew first. It takes extra time, but it is worth it.
Ava S
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to keep everything very neat as you go. Clip curves, finish seams, trim off loose threads, and of course, press everything!
KateE
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip when making clothing for dolls is to thoroughly measure the doll then measure the pattern pieces. You could make a muslin form outfit to test the fit; it’s a very versatile method to assure fitting. I like to find accessories and small buttons to accent the outfits.