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
Marlene
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is be sure to clean and oil your machine often and don’t forget to change your needle too.
Lisa
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is work clean. Only have out what you need and be organized about it. Pick up as you go.
Elizabeth
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to read the instructions thoroughly before beginning to sew and get all supplies together. Saves time and frustration.
Elian
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to keep all your fabric scraps! You never know when you’ll need them! I use them in collages, on tiny clothing, on embroidery. A purpose always comes and if that purpose comes and you don’t have them you’ll regret it and need to run to the store or buy something online…
Mary
January 02, 2023
My best tip in sewing is to use a pointed “extra finger” when sewing those tight little places. Save your fingers!
Kimberly Chidsey
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is iron, iron, iron!
Eleanor
January 02, 2023
My best wewing tip is when using patterns downloaded from Pixie Faire and other omline sources print 2 copies of the pattern (I use white paper for first copy and I NEVER EVER cut this out, The second copy I use a colored paper (A different color for each doll I sew for). I cut this pattern out and laminate the pieces. I punch holes where they appear on the pattern pieces. This tip allows me to trace and mark my patterns onto the fabric without the patten shifting making uneven seams. Pattern and instructions are then stored in a three-ring binder, along with a laminated copy of the cover. The original is always available to copy a piece I may lose in the process of cutting and sewing. Each doll I sew dfor has their own bibder(s) and the pattern pieces are easy to keep separate as they are printed on different colors per doll. Sorry for such a long comment.
Becky
January 02, 2023
Finishing seams – either pinking or serge. This gives a neat look and no worries about raveling.
Sue Urich
January 02, 2023
My best tip is to look at recycling clothing for doll clothes making.
Larie Chandler
January 02, 2023
My best tip is to press as you go.
Susan
January 02, 2023
I use a hole-punch to mark darts, snap positions, etc
Cindy
January 02, 2023
Best tip – iron your work – pre, during, post
Betty
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is when I need to correct a mistake on one of multiple pieces, I don’t take out and restitch the bad one til I’ve done at least one of the others correctly, trying different techniques til I like the result….then I fix the bad one….saves me frustration on ripping and sewing one piece many times
Connie Grandon
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is have all of your supplies together before starting your project. Saves time
Bridgette
January 02, 2023
My best tip is follow the pattern.
Kathy Goldenbogen
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to mark the direction, of the nape on the wrong side of velvet, or one way designs. This way, everything goes in the right direction
DellaSue
January 02, 2023
Measure twice, cut once!
Susan Fritz
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip goes along with repurposing fabric and ironing. You can make your wool fabric look new by wetting a hand towel, wringing it out, and using it as a pressing cloth with a team iron to revitalize the wool. (If it’s previous owner smoked little fabric softener in the water you wet the towel in helps.)
Linda Reynolds
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to first read through all the instruction, then reread each section before you cut or start to sew.
Aimee
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to buy up ultra washable markers during school supply sales to have on hand for marking fabric.
Heidi Brown
January 02, 2023
My best tip is to iron everything! Start by ironing your fabric before cutting it. Then iron every seam as you sew. It makes a world of difference .
Kim
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is press ,press ,press. Press after each step in order to keep the bulk out of your seams and make your project stay neat
Dorothy S
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to use elastic thread anytime the pattern calls for gathering. I sew two rows with the elastic thread, one on each side of the seam line. After I sew the seam, I take out the elastic thread. It may seem like extra work but it is much easier and a lot less frustrating to get even professional looking gathers consistently.
Janet
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is keep a separate pair of scissors for paper handy, don’t use your fabric shears for paper it will dull them quickly.
Leslie
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is just to jump in and try things! I’m no expert but the best way to learn is to do it. Doll clothes are great for working learning techniques without a big risk (since they are small and don’t use much fabric). I haven’t progressed to making actual clothes for my kids, but I do make costumes for them, which are forgiving and don’t need to be perfect. Practice makes progress, so just get started!
Rebecca
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to use a 1/4" sewing machine foot when sewing doll clothes.
Florence
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is measure, then measure again before cutting.
Kim K
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to use wash away wonder tape when sewing seams of slippery fabric.
Darlene
January 02, 2023
My best sewing trick is to not be too critical of your own work. No one ever notices a small mistake except you.
I always say my mistakes make my items original and special.
This makes sewing and creating so much more pleasurable. Took me a long time to get to this point. It’s hard being a perfectionist. Go easy on yourself. Enjoy life. Your dolls will not complain I promise. 😁
Susan
January 02, 2023
Mine is more a quilting tip than a sewing tip, when getting a new pattern always check online for errors that the pattern maker might have posted, I have run into this several times that the pattern was never changed and it caused wasted fabric.
Tanya
January 02, 2023
One other tip is when patterns go on sale or patterns at a garage sale I buy and use them to trace my patterns on. Wedding dresses or bedspread patterns have a lot of the tissue and generally cheaper than buying pattern tissue!
Deb
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to learn to insert zippers in your doll dresses – especially invisible zippers. Your finished product will look very professional and it’s so easy for little one to open and close with no snagging on Velcro.
Pat
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is support your local sewing shops. They have classes and lots of knowledge to share.
Sylvia Hougland
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is if you are sewing on your machine, change your needles every 4-6 hours. Makes sewing go much smoother.
Michelle M
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to do a project with someone you love. I sew because my mom taught me. Therefore my wealth of information comes from her passing it down to me. I enjoy doing this hobby with her. I take every chance I can to sew together.
E. K.
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is… The same ad everything… practice makes improvement.
Tanya
January 02, 2023
My tip is for serger users. I use an alternate method of gathering. It is a way to make smaller more in scale gathers without using a gathering foot! Set the Macy your serger up to use either a 3-thread or a 4-thread overlock stitch. Tie off one end then pull the center thread/threads and slide the gathers down. The 4-thread will hold the gathers without having to pin. Makes a beautiful gather and the edge is encapsulated. You can go back and stitch over the gathers with the overlock stitch and it flattens it a bit more if needed!!!
Mardelle
January 02, 2023
My sewing tip is to only buy fabric that you need for a particular project. Don’t be like me and end up with a room full of fabric with no memory of what I was planning to do with it.
Helen
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is press as you go! Everything you sew will lay better while you are sewing!
Laura O
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to use a stiletto like “That Purple Thang” to keep fingers out of the way.
Cynthia C
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to secure items like velcro and trims with a glue stick before you sew to keep them in place. You don’t need an expensive one made for fabric, an ordinary cheap school glue one works fine and washes out completely.
Ruth Ann D.
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is helpful in other cases also — measure twice, cut once.
Erica
January 02, 2023
My sewing tip is to trace pattern pieces onto reusable pattern tracing paper. That way you don’t have to cut your actual pattern pieces. You will always have your copy and can make as many back his as needed. Also the pattern tracing paper is way more flexible and durable. It’s my favorite!
Bonnie
January 02, 2023
If you’re frustrated with a certain project walk away for a day. This always puts the pattern in a whole new perspective and easily finished.
Patricia Johnson
January 02, 2023
my best sewing tip is to have your seam ripper always at your side
Trudy
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is always read pattern instructions even if you are experienced as each designer has different was of achieving the same look and always always press with a hot iron as you go. Your item will look so much better when you are done.
Meg
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is don’t sew when you are tired or frustrated.
Vicki
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is “press, press, press”—seams, hems, all of it!
Lynn F
January 02, 2023
My all time favorite is the coffee filter stabilizer for t-shirt necklines. It was a game changer in making these little patterns.
Diane Goff
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is do not rush. Allow time to read instructions, for ironing and to pay attention to details, etc. When you rush, you are more likely to make mistakes and then you either spend time redoing or end up with a poor quality finish.
Kate
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to recycle as much as possible. I have found beautiful fabrics at thrift stores often at almost give away prices. You need to know the actual cost of fabrics, because some will over charge. I have also found trims, notions, and zippers at great prices. Buttons seem to be pricier for some reason, but bargains can be found. I also love to repurpose the fabric and trims from unwanted clothing. It’s special to make a doll dress for a granddaughter from a beloved piece of clothing that no longer fits her.
Carole
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to quit when you are tired. That is when mistakes happen and are harder to deal with than if you were fresh. Also, walk away when you get frustrated and do something else you enjoy. A solution usually comes when you are thinking about or doing something else.
Amanda McCullough
January 02, 2023
I don’t have any sewing tips yet because I’m a newbie, but I enjoy reading tips by others.
Helen Meece
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is press the hems in pants before you sew the side seams. Open out the hem to sew seams and it will be easier to fold when you are ready to sew the hem.
Norma Middendorf
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is shop thrift stores for clothes to recycle onto doll clothes. I have found some beautiful fabrics.
Marybeth
January 02, 2023
My tip would be sure to press and use good quality thread
Joan
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is clean up your sewing area after each project before starting a new project.
Beatrice Martin
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is organize before starting..have everything laid out that’s needed for project
Diane Lloyd
January 02, 2023
Keep the seam ripper handy! Even the most professional sewers make mistakes.
linda
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is enjoy the process! Take pride in your work, but don’t stress over a detail, keep sewing a relaxation!
Katherine
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to use clips rather than pins when sewing on fabric that tends to slip.
Lucy A
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to oil your machine once in awhile, as your manual shows, and the write it on the calendar.
EM
January 02, 2023
My favorite Sewing tip is Explore, explore, explore! There are so many things your machine can do, from automatic buttonholes (we used to have to do them by hand), to decorative stitches that can make your projects look expensive, elegant and fun!
Nancy Curitti
January 02, 2023
Press as you go. It makes everything look better.
Cathy
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to press.
Nan Weber
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is read through the directions completely before beginning any project.
Jennifer
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is pressing everything. I love the pressing tools that are offered on pixie faire as well. They really come in handy with the small pieces. Didn’t really think I would use them as much as I do. Also if you are making them I went to Lowe’s and got saw dust from where they cut wood for free to fill the little pieces. And yes they looked at me like I had lost my mind again!! (I am in there looking for free little things that they are throwing away for some crazy ideas I have!)
Mary
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to finish all you seams and press them as you go.
Diana G
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is to run your thread thru beeswax before hand sewing. I learned this from my Grandmother …
Sally
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to use 1/4 inch dissolvable tape when adding trims/ribbon. It holds it in place for stitching and dissolves when item is laundered. It’s also usefel when sewing narrow hems.
Linda
January 02, 2023
My tip is to press fabric and cut accurately. This makes a project go as smooth as possible.
Debra Blake
January 02, 2023
Measure twice(or 3 or 4 times if you are really tired!) and cut once!
Carol
January 02, 2023
Read through the pattern well and pay attention to details. Choose trims and buttons that are small enough to look “real” on dolls.
Gail
January 02, 2023
Fancy fabrics can be very expensive, so I stop by thrift shops every chance I get and try to find dresses and shirts made of fabrics other than cotton. I also get leggings because stretch fabric is expensive as well! A great way to upcycle fabrics! My other favorite hack is to use the Pilot brand Frixion pens to mark my fabric. As others have mentioned- they are GREAT to use!
T
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is use a small rotary cutter when cutting out doll clothes. Makes it very easy to manipulate the fabric on small pieces.
Kathy
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to group small projects by color and complete them while the machines are threaded with the same color.
Teresa
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to remember to replace your needle occasionally.
Suzy J
January 02, 2023
… is ask if yourself if you can “live with it”, “it” being mistakes. Sewing is very involved and there are many chances to mess up. It can trigger perfectionism. But if you can step back and ask yourself if it’s really worth the hassle fix it (sometimes it is!), you learn to go with the flow and actually create.
Ruth
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is when you are serging. If I need a 3rd or 4th cone of thread the same color as the first two cones, I will wind bobbins on my sewing machine using my serger thread and use the bobbins as the serger needle thread. Because the needles uses less thread than the looper threads the bobbins will last a while, but you do have to watch you don’t run out during a major stretch of serging.
Liana
January 02, 2023
Press as you go, and then press again!
Linda Potts
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to enjoy and believe in yourself that you can accomplish anything you start.
Jenna
January 02, 2023
My tip is to keep a magnet in your sewing area. Run it over the floor to collect stray pins and needles each time you finish sewing.
Marianne Lohnes
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to use a good quality sewing thread. There’s nothing worse than trying to sew by machine (or by hand) and your thread keeps breaking. I once bought some thread I had never used before because it was a great deal, but ended up throwing it all out because it kept breaking. Never again. I’ll stick to my tried and true threads.
Eileen
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is use good thread. You want your project to last and look good.
shaun
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is press as you go and use coffee filters or pattern tissue for small or flimsy fabric as you sew. This makes small pattern pieces so much more manageable!
Tammy
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to read through the directions first and stay patient and enjoy the whole process.
Anne
January 02, 2023
Iron your material first and make sure to use your sewing pins to keep material in place.
Anne
January 02, 2023
Iron your material first and make sure to use your sewing pins to keep material in place.
Cheri
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to pre-read directions and read other sewists tips because everyone can learn something new!
Pamela
January 02, 2023
Cut very accurately and press every seam that you sew. If your seam is not 1/4 inch (or the stated measurement all the way down, rip it out and sew it again. Press every seam that you sew (unless it is faux leather or something similar). If you cannot topstitch well, practice, practice, practice!!! Do not use a contrasting thread if your topstitch is going to be crooked!
Donna
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is take your time, don’t rush through it.
Beth S
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip I’d to watch the scale of everything…fabric prints, buttons, trims, pattern details, everything!
Debby B
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to find a video on the technique you are learning, then put together a few practice pieces, then practice, practice,practice before sewing on your actual project.
Shaphan
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is for people like me who constantly lose their scissors. Put a command hook on your machine to hang your scissors on. Never lose them again!
Kathy
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is like so many here – press your sewing every step of the way. I use a doll sleeve board and take my time.
Gina B Reiley
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is be patient
Roslyn
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is, when printing a PDF pattern, Use clear plastic paper protectors to to keep the pattern/instructions from being lost/damaged. Keep the pages in a plastic folder (the kind that has prongs to hold the papers). Used pattern pieces can be put in an envelope and kept in the folder’s pocket. Label the outside of the folder. I have folders for shoe patterns, doll knits, ballet costumes. My “Pajama Party” folder holds patterns for pajamas, quilts, sleeping bags, etc.
Sonja
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to iron each piece as you sew. Everything looks much nicer, and easier to sew on following pieces.
Kathy
January 02, 2023
My favorite sewing tip is like so many here – press your sewing every step of the way. I use a doll sleeve board and take my time.
Cathy
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is to read through all directions before starting and then follow directions.
Marlene
January 02, 2023
My best sewing tip is be sure to clean and oil your machine often and don’t forget to change your needle too.