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
Tamara
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is when you are making a circle skirt, the easiest way to turn the hem is to line it. It does not sound easier, but you end up getting a nice smooth hem instead of trying to awkwardly turn it little by little. You can use something very lightweight if you are worried about bulk, or you can use something a little heavier if you want the skirt to stick out a bit.
kathy m
January 02, 2023
Pre-wash fabric, iron to ensure smooth lines and always always measure twice and cut once!
Karen L
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to make or purchase a pocketed pad for your sewing machine. I made one that my machine sits on. The front has three long pockets attached to the pad. The three pockets are the entire width of the pad. I then use these pockets for often used supples I.e. scissors, seam ripper small ripper, eye glasses, etc. theses pockets are long but narrow in height so their don’t interfere with sitting and the supplies are easily accessible.
Patricia
January 02, 2023
“My best sewing tip is to always press your seams well so that your fabric lays flat like it should. It is always worth the time.”
Ginger Dykes
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is pre wash and iron. That ensures the tiny garment you are making will hold up and be perfect!
Jan Thomason
January 02, 2023
My best seeing tip is keep your iron handy! Press your seams as you go!
Sylvia
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip- compare your actual pattern measurements to the dolls measurements before you cut…each doll is just a little different and the older dolls especially need a little more room.
kathleen a
January 02, 2023
iron as you go
Marty Blinde
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to use freezer paper to print the patterns on. I heat seal just about 1/4" of the top of the freezer paper to a regular piece of paper so it will glide through my printer easily. I can then cut out the pattern using freezer paper and I don’t have to pin.
Suzann
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is have fun! Know that most things can be undone and fixed so take time but try not to stress too much
Sparkle
January 02, 2023
The best sewing tip I ever heard was “your seam ripper is your friend”. It transformed me from feeling failure to seeing that I have a second chance to get it right, Happy New Year, All!
Lindsey
January 02, 2023
Use old clothes as free fabric for projects.
Linda
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to read through all the instructions on the pattern first and to iron all seams as you sew.
Leanna
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to hand-baste curved seams, such as sleeve caps. Then they don’t shift as you machine-stitch them.
Lezlie
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is have plenty of full bobbins ready before starting the project. No one like to run our in the middle of an important seam (or zipper !) and have to stop and fill bobbin before returning to the seam and re-sewing that area. I speak from experience on this one. Thank you Pixie Faire staff and Happy New 2023 !
Karen Funk
January 02, 2023
My tip is to keep sewing notions on hand for small doll clothing: narrow elastic, seam binding, velcro, etc. It is frustrating to get started on a project and find that you don’t have the elastic or whatever you need to finish. I live 35 miles from the nearest store that carries sewing notions, so I have to plan ahead – and I sure don’t want to wait for it to come in the mail. I keep a running list of all the things I need to buy (including groceries) so I have what I need when I need it.
Susan Hope
January 02, 2023
My favourite sewing tip is simple, press.
I have a tiny iron for reaching tiny spaces, that and a wool pressing mat have been some of my best gifts
Diane
January 02, 2023
My sewing tip is to save cereal boxes and use to make or cut out patterns you use often. . .they are much more durable and easier to work with than the tissue paper, or printed patterns you get from your printer from on-line patterns.
Amy
January 02, 2023
Thanks for the giveaway
Sandy
January 02, 2023
When cutting notches on curves only use to tips of small scissors to prevent cutting through the seam.
Cherie
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to NOT read thru the pattern first but to read each step as you go. Some patterns are so complex that they can be overwhelming to read thru ahead of time. I have found it much less confusing and much more “doable” when taken one small step at a time.
Shelley
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip has been mentioned multiple times. Press press press. Also just have fun sewing.
Amy T.
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to use a chopstick to hold an extra spool of thread for sewing with a twin needle. I love how professional the twin needle topstitch looks.
Sue L
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to organize my patterns in clear sleeve protectors and then organize them in 3 ring binders. We go through the patterns with the girls and do fabric and trim selection and place right in the sleeve with the patterns. Usually do 5 – 10 items and decide what order to do them.. Now I have my projects all lined up to work on!
Debbie Trapp
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to read through your pattern and gather your materials before you start to be sure that you have everything you need and that you understand the instructions.
Carol Eileen Forgette
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to press, press, press as you go to keep the item looking smooth and crisp. Also, hand sew all the small items. Makes for a much better product. My Granny taught me this years ago.
Sue
January 02, 2023
My sewing tip is to use a piece of masking tape marking where you stop sewing and pivot to turn corners. My machine doesn’t have these sorts of aids so I started with tape to see if it worked for before I used a permanent marker on the machine itself. Different colours for each seam width’s pivot point.
Rachel Grech
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to buy clothing at the store at the end of the season instead of buying fabric.
Cassie
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to use school glue (it’s temporary and washes out) on seams, bias tape, and anything else that is hard to pin and keep in place while sewing (especially with knits or slippery fabric). There are glues marketed for such use at fabric stores too. It might be cheating, but it sure makes my life easier.
Also, thank you everyone for the tips in this comments section!! I have gleaned a LOT of helpful tricks.
Also, sewing when frustrated is always a bad idea. Don’t try to push through, just walk away for a bit and cool down. Sewing with young kids around who are screaming and fighting is also a bad idea. Make sure they are all fed and napped before attempting to sew with them around.
Nadine
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to use a frixion pen to draw on fabric when cutting out patterns and get rid of when ironed.
Kelly
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to gather everything you need and have it all at hand before you begin a project.
Carol L
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to change your sewing machine needle often. They dull much more quickly than you realize.
Heidi
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to press as you go along. It looks more professional and is easier than waiting to press the project until you are finished.
Kerry
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to press hems before sewing them so they stay in place and are easier to sew.
Sharon
January 02, 2023
I’m dyslexic so I’m always sewing things wrong. My best sewing tip is to take your time and double check you have the pattern pinned right before you sew. If not, you can become good friends (or enemies) with your seam ripper.
Randy
January 02, 2023
Press as you sew
Elaine L
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to use 1/4 tape in tricky places.
Barbara
January 02, 2023
“My best sewing tip is i keep a note pad next to my machine. I make note on pattern adjustments and also note notions I need to replenish. My second-best time is to press-press-press.
Julie
January 02, 2023
Many days I don’t get sewing time until evening hours. If I am too tired to start on a new design I am not familiar with I work on something that is a simple ‘no brainer’. I still get some sewing time (me time) during that day.
Joan
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to always use matching tread, Your clothes will look professional rather than home made.
Maurine
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to seek out beautiful expensive ready-made garments in thrift stores to be upcycled into doll clothes at a minimum of cost. Since the patterns are small compared to the ready made garment, there is minimal seam ripping and the potential to utilize existing finished areas for the doll clothes. Truly a win-win option.
Melonie Richards
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to always buy a good quality thimble. When sewing thick fabric, I’ve had the needle push right thru a cheap thin thimble and right into my finger.
sheila
January 02, 2023
My favorite tip is when using clear thread, sew a small piece of fabric and let it hang off the end of the machine. It keeps the thread straight and you can easily find it when ready to cut. Always remember to sew another small piece on before cutting and you’ll be ready to go again.
Debbie Forringer
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to organize my patterns. I take a picture of the front of the envelope or the PDF pattern. I then place them in a three ring binder by company and pattern number. I leave room beside the picture to note the date I used the pattern, how many items I made, if I had to alter it, and if certain pieces of the pattern fit well (hacks) with other patterns. I also store my patterns in a drawer organized by pattern company and number so they are easy to locate. PDF patterns are in file envelopes by company or pattern subject.
Janet Fenton
January 02, 2023
Press everything as you sew
Rita C
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to use Dritz Turning Tubes to turn your doll garments right side out! Game changer for me!!
Bev
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to use leaders and enders and also for best results with the least problems to be precise in cutting, sewing pieces together and pressing.
jennifer
January 02, 2023
my favorite tip press or ironing is a key to make things look good!
Jan Thomason
January 02, 2023
My best seeing tip is keep your iron handy! Press your seams as you go!
Laura
January 02, 2023
Issues with your machine, start with a new needle.
Diane
January 02, 2023
Best sewing tip to new sewists: Do NOT watch the needle. Be aware of the seam allowance.
Susan Biles
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to cut out and assemble everything you need for a project before beginning to sew.
Deb
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to cut out pattern pieces with a pinking blade in my rotary cutter (or pinking shears).
Carol
January 02, 2023
My best tip is when sewing a circular skirt hem, first stitch as 1/4 inch line from the edge of the material and then fold on that stitch line.
Kay
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to keep a pencil and notepad next to your machine to make notes of changes or special stitches etc. Then you can go back and write on your pattern copies for next time!
Sarah
January 02, 2023
My favourite sewing tip is to measure many times so you only need to cut once and the more you press every seam the better is looks.
Sandra Lelleck
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to use a coffee filter to keep the fabric from getting stuck in the machine. I learned it from SWC.
Mary
January 02, 2023
So many wonderful tips! My tip is to use a journal to keep your ideas in order, the changes you made and accurate measurements. It saves your memory.
Joy
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to make sure not to drop pins accidently into the carpet as the other person here does not appreciate that. :)
KATHLEEN
January 02, 2023
I COMMENTED
Linda
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is Press, Press, Press as you go. Crisp seams define the lines of a garment make any piec look more professional.
Kathleen Oravitz
January 02, 2023
My favorite tip is to use a heavy tapestry or leather hand sewing needle as an extra aid in holding those tiny seams when sewing. The needle is bent at an angle for ease in getting close to your work while protecting your fingers. It basically is a homemade “That Purple Thiingy”. PRICELESS
Ticia
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to iron as you go.
Kathy
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to clean your sewing machine after doing lots of sewing, to get rid of all the lint and thread pieces.
Ronda
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to use a stiletto to guide the fabric and prevent it from getting stuck in the feed dogs and help the foot go over bumps.
Kelly
January 02, 2023
One of my best sewing tips is to make sure to use the correct sewing machine needle type and size for the fabric you are sewing! Makes all the difference in the world! Press, press, press is a close #2!
Patty Gennario
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is put a drop of fray stop on the thread after you sew on a button, especially if it’s going to be used to put the clothes on and off. Less chance of the button coming off during play!
Kathy S
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to pay attention to how you lay a pattern so the design isn’t upside down and try new tips. There is always help to learn how to do things out there with so many wonderful videos by ppl sharing their ideas, including Pixie Fairie.
Julie A Vasbinder
January 02, 2023
My tip is: use a sticky note to write the size of the needle in your machine and the date you put it in the machine, stick it on top of the machine.
Lory
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to try the item on the doll every now and then, not just at the end. Sometimes there are adjustments to be made.
Dianne G.
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is have your iron beside you when you sew and press seams as you go. Doll clothes are so small that it is difficult to wait and press at the end. You will end up with results you will be proud of by pressing as you sew.
Jenni Rose
January 02, 2023
Hi Pixie Faire! Great contest! I don’t sew very well, but my brother does. He swears by tailor’s chalk! He told me it is always better to have lines to work with when you sew.
Linda M.
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to relax and enjoy it!
Sharon B
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is using coffee filters to sew knits
Kathleen A
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to clean up and reorganize after each project. I am a messy creator! I get ideas in the middle of a project, and start pulling fabrics out of my stash, pushing things around my work table, and making a general mess of the entire room. I find that if I clean up between projects, I get less frustrated, and can more easily find my tools when necessary. It is nice to get a fresh start for every new adorable outfit!
Kat
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is get your sewing room clean and organzed before you start a new project. Sewing is much more fun in an organised room.
Kristen
January 02, 2023
I love reading all the amazing sewing tips. I don’t have anything new to add and learned a few new ideas!
Michelle
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to relax, take your time and have fun with what you are doing.
Charlene
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to make a mock-up of whatever I’m going to make before cutting into my good fabric. I sew for My Life, Our Generation, and Journey Girl dolls and always have to make alterations to the patterns. I use bed sheets I get from thrift stores or that others give me for this purpose.
Dianne
January 02, 2023
My tip is to hand sew a lot of the little details (buttons, hems, embellishments, etc.). It takes a bit more time, but it’s relaxing and makes a difference in the overall look of an outfit.
Ellen
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is one that was totally ingrained in me in high school sewing class. Mrs. Taliak constantly told us to “Press, press, press every step of the way.”
Marilyn Mancini
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tup is to let my daughter do the sewing for me!
Thanks!
Mary
January 02, 2023
my best sewing tip is to press s you go
Rhonda
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to keep all your basic supplies within reach when you are sitting at your machine. I have stacking drawers next to my craft table so I can easily grab what I need.
Marion
January 02, 2023
The best sewing tip I learned from SWC is using a paper coffee filter under knit fabrics when sewing on my machine.
Carol
January 02, 2023
My sewing tip: Use a piece of half round from the hardware store. Before turning the tube, stuff it inside and iron the seam open. Then turn the tube. For smaller diameters, a dowel or skewer can be used.
Ginger
January 02, 2023
Iron, Iron. iron.
Brenda
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip, ……do not sew when you’re overtired, unless you love spending time with your seam ripper 🤷🏼♀️
Pam R
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to read through the directions, carefully, before you begin to pin and cut.
Rana Durham
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to lock your stitches.
Gara
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to read through the pattern directions before beginning to sew.
Sylvia Burton
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to clean and oil your machine and change your needle!!
Judy
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is press, press,press!
Cynthia
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip (as I have nothing new to add) read all of the tips listed in this post. I have already gained many new ideas.
Jane
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is read the instructions completely before you start to make sure you have everything you need.
Marjorie Brown
January 02, 2023
I always use double sided tape to hold zippers and hems for sewing. It disappears when washed
Martha L
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to attach a Command hook to the side of your sewing machine and hang a small pair of scissors there. It saves time looking for where you laid them down last!
Nanita Adams
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is always have your iron ready to press open your seams.
Connie
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to do what you love and love what you’re doing.
Kim
January 02, 2023
I don’t sew enough to have any tips but I do read others helpful tips when I start a sewing project.
Tamara
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is when you are making a circle skirt, the easiest way to turn the hem is to line it. It does not sound easier, but you end up getting a nice smooth hem instead of trying to awkwardly turn it little by little. You can use something very lightweight if you are worried about bulk, or you can use something a little heavier if you want the skirt to stick out a bit.