12 Days of Christmas - Day 11 Giveaway! (January 4, 2021)

Maureen

December 26, 2021

Wonder Tape. My favorite sewing tip for making doll clothes is to use Wonder Tape to hold seams or hems in place while I sew. I find pins get in the way when doing such small, delicate work. I press as much as possible then use Wonder Tape to hold everything.

kim deems

December 25, 2021

Keep a small piece of bar soap or candle for inserting pins in to keep them gliding in and out of fabric easily.

Renee

November 12, 2021

Be patient with yourself when making mistakes. We ALL make them. Make sure you have the correct size sewing needle in your machine at all times for the fabric you’re working with (I’ve messed up numerous times being new to all this, ugh) Don’t rush a project, if it needs to be done soon and it’s complex, then start the project well before hand so you do not get overwhelmed with having a deadline. Lastly, I love this site! I don’t get to check a lot as I have cancer but when I do there is always something neat to find. Thank you for taking time to create this site!

maria

January 17, 2021

love,patience ,and learning are the three sides of the success’s street in sewing .

Dena Akbar

January 12, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is patience and just have fun.

Dena Akbar

January 12, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is patience and just have fun.

Valnora

January 07, 2021

My favorite tip is to keep the machine clean and oiled with a sharp needle

Libby

January 07, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to invest in a serger. I sewed for 30 plus years without one. My sister-in-law showed me how to use hers, and she found me a used one. I just love it.

Stephanie Sheridan

January 06, 2021

I do not have a trick or tip for sewing. Sorry.

Kathy

January 06, 2021

My favorite tip is to use tissue paper when sewing thicker garments, using vinyl/leather/lycra fabrics or sewing tiny seams. Quite often, despite using a straight stitch foot, fabric often hangs up, doesn’t feed smoothly, or gets “eaten” by the feed dogs. A bit of tissue paper under the fabric works wonders!

Heather

January 06, 2021

Using the edge of the metal plate on the machine or a piece of tape as a guide for smaller seam allowances.

Lauri

January 05, 2021

basting, basting and basting!

and chapstick for threading a needle easier.

Sharon Judkins

January 05, 2021

My favorite sewing trick is to embellish a few of your doll clothes and make them personal with a sewn flower or beads and rhinestone, or embroidery. Children love bling, too!!!!

Stephanie

January 05, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to baste, check the fit, especially when using parts of more than one pattern.

kathy m

January 05, 2021

more pattern for 1920"’ like evening grown and hats to match too

Elaine s.

January 05, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to change your sewing machine often! It makes a big difference.

Katherine

January 05, 2021

Would love to see more Boy Fashions and styles for the career minded. Like office, mail persons, shop keepers (Grocery workers), Daycare, Teachers. For all dolls

Sue Bennett

January 05, 2021

I like finding different ways/items to use for fasteners. I don’t always like to use Velcro. Cutting several things out at the same time saves time.

Patricia S.

January 04, 2021

My sewing tip, especially for small downloaded patterns such as doll clothes, is to make two copies of the patterns. I file one whole set in a notebook, and use one to cut out and use on my cloth. I file these with the original and re-use or re-copy as needed. A good pattern deserves many uses.

Laura

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to chain all my pieces together with like colors and then cut them apart and do the same with the next seam.

Laura

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to chain all my pieces together with like colors and then cut them apart and do the same with the next seam.

Laura

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to chain all my pieces together with like colors and then cut them apart and do the same with the next seam.

Mary

January 04, 2021

My best trick is finding a different way to useapattern

Mary

January 04, 2021

My best trick is finding a different way to useapattern

Diana

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to keep a piece of packaging tape next to my sewing machine so that I can stick all of my loose threads on it.

Joann

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to use fusible pelon and iron on the tiny doll pattern pieces they last for a much longer time and are easier to work with.

Cindy D.

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to purchase or make a “tomato” pincushion and mark the sections with sewing machine needle sizes 9, 11, 14, 16, 18 with a marker. Use a thumbtack in the correct section for the size of the needle currently in your machine. When you change the size of the needle, put the machine needle in the correctly-sized section and move the thumbtack to the section reflecting the size needle you just inserted into the sewing machine. Now you’ll always know what size needle is currently in your machine. You can buy or make a differently colored tomato pincushion, mark it with the needle sizes and a thumbtack, and keep ballpoint needles in it. Much easier than reading the size etched on the needle.

Carol

January 04, 2021

My favorite trick is to put a piece of water soluble stabilizer under tiny pieces so the machine doesn’t eat them. Wash out basting tape is great for sticking small pieces together when a pin would be in the way.

Lisa

January 04, 2021

One of my favorite sewing tips is to leave a small scrap of fabric from my last sewing project under the presser foot so I know what l was working on. I also like to use white shop towels or paper towels instead of muslin to check the fit of a pattern. Then when I have finished with it, I can use it for cleaning up and throw it away without remorse. :-)

Vicky

January 04, 2021

I’ve sewn for MANY years but always learn something new when others share tips.
If your stitching doesn’t seem right, rethread your machine, even if you’re sure you did it right the first time. If you’re getting skipped stitches, change your needle. When sewing on knits use the correct needle for your fabric. Because 1/4” seams are so narrow, I’m sometimes reluctant to make a clip into the seam line to use for matching. I’ve started using thread markings instead. It really doesn’t take any more time than inserting a pin. I thread a needle and take a couple of running stitches, leaving a short tail. So, if I were to place a pin at a matching point, instead I would just do a short running stitch instead perpendicular to the seam line. Clip tails and go to next mark repeating process. This has proven helpful when matching gathers in a skirt to the bodice or when applying elastic in the round to the waist.

Tamra

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to iron. Iron often.

D’Net Layton

January 04, 2021

My favorite snowing tip is never under estimate the power of an iron. Ironing after every seam makes such a huge difference.

Annlee

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is to measure you doll before you cut out your pattern.

Janet

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is press, press, press!! It makes all the difference.

Jo

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is not to be afraid to either search the internet for help when you have questions or get stuck, or ask in sewing groups for help.

Dee Read

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to have a pair of scissors at each of my work stations – serger, sewing machine, embroidery machine, cutting table and iron board. That way I can trim threads without have to search for scissors every time I need them.

Julie

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use a small scrap of similar weight fabric to my particular project as a leader when I’m chain sewing fabrics together. It helps so much, and I do it all the time.

MARYANNE

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tips… well, there are two… one is “Use good tools!” …the other is from my grandmother, who taught me. When you’re getting depressed at how often you’re making mistakes and having to fix them, she would say, “A good sew-er rips 100 times!” What she meant was, yes, you have to fix it, but the bad seamstress leaves the mistakes in.

Jean

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to use the internet to ask question about a procedure or you tube to watch a video explaining how to do it.

Ellen Barth

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is trace the pattern on the back side of fake fur fabric. Then either carefully use a utility knife or scissors to just cut the fabric backing.

Margaret

January 04, 2021

I make a lot of doll clothes. After I cut out the pattern I use Fray Check along the edges of the fabric to keep them from fraying. Cottons don’t always need it, but “fancy” fabrics do. With 1/4" seams there is no room for raveling or fraying!!

Monica

January 04, 2021

My favorite trick is to use a long hand basting stitch instead of pins before pressing on hems, waistbands, etc.

Elizabeth

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to keep a 6" ruler nearby to help when placing things like pockets and buttons on doll clothes. It helps to get them evenly spaced and straight the first time!

Violet

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to do a careful/neat job when ironing it makes a big difference with small items like doll clothes!

Suzanne

January 04, 2021

My tip is to start early in the day before I get tired. But don’t be afraid to unsew and re-do. Anything worth doing, is worth doing right, Mom used to say.😊

Renee

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is to use small stitches instead of back tacking.

Deb

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to watch Cinnamon’s videos/tutorials. Even those of us “seasoned” sewists have learned a lot from Cinnamon! Thank you Cinnamon!

Hazel

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to use a bobbie pin when turning straps inside out.

Sandra Cox

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip would be relax and take your time to enjoy the process!

Kyle

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is an oldie but one that still manages to trip me up from time to time. Measure twice (or 12 times) and cut once. Always frustrating to get nearly done with a project only to discover you don’t have enough to finish and have to figure out what the heck to do!

DT

January 04, 2021

As you sew a project, make notes on your instructions that is in your words so when you do it again it becomes easier. Use pencil so you can update it.

Susan

January 04, 2021

My Favorite tip is to press all seams well. Do hems before sewing seams together, when possible. My other favorite tip is to use double sided basting tape to hold seams together allowing me to avoid getting stuck by pins.

Sara

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to press your fabric before you cut.

Cynthia W.

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to chain stitch small pieces. Instead of stopping and starting small pieces, sew almost to the end of the first one, life presser foot and put the next one in, and continue sewing.

JoAnne

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is to buy a magnetic pin picker upper with an expandable handle. It’s saved my feet many times when I’ve inadvertently dropped pins. A quick swish across my sewing room floor and it’s safe to walk on again.

Kristine

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is to use a rounded on one side flat on the other stick to press those tiny arm and leg seams open. Gives a nice press without leaving marks on the right side of the material.

Heather

January 04, 2021

My newest favourite tip to to use ultra fine pins with an easy grip head on them. Perfect for doll clothes

Monica

January 04, 2021

A trick I find helpful when sewing doll clothes, is to use wash away tape on appliques and small embellishments rather than pins. This method holds everything flat which makes it easier to run through the sewing machine.

Benita

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to take the time to press as you go. Saves time in the long run and makes for a more finished look.
I’ve learned so many tips reading through these comments! Thanks for the advice!

Pat Wiebe

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip…. change needles often, sharp, sharp, sharp, and use a sewing spider!

Angeles

January 04, 2021

Hello,
My favorite sewing tip is to pin fabrics before stitching, other good tip is to iron whenever you find it necessary. These tips I learned here, at Pixie Faire, make a big difference in the final look of the doll clothes.
Thank you

Mary

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to keep a small trash can in front of my knees, then I snip excess thread directly into the can.

lydia

January 04, 2021

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is always press as I sew. Makes project look professional and classy. ~ Thanks for all your fun patterns and tips.“

Patricia

January 04, 2021

I was taught many years ago in Home Economics Class that the key to perfect sewing of a pattern is the pressing of the fabric. seams. etc. I have found that to be so true. It makes a huge difference in the outcome.

Betty Adams

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is always press as you go!!!

Dixie

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip or trick is to use a wooden skewer to keep fabric area held down in place as fabric runs under the sewing foot.

Frances E Leiter

January 04, 2021

My slickest tip is for turning tubes/straps more easily. When sewing the tube, insert a strong ribbon, shoe string, etc., longer than your tube/strap, inside and anchor it at the top by sewing across it before sewing the side seam, taking care NOT to catch the ribbon in your seam. To turn the tube/strap, push the sewn top down inside the tube/strap an inch or so then pull on the ribbon to continue turning the strap right-side out. Cut off the ribbon at the top and press your strap before attaching to your item.

Barb

January 04, 2021

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is when sewing on fabric that is very similar front and back before cutting out each pattern piece, I fasten a small safety pin on the right side of each piece before cutting. If the pieces are too small or safety pins interfere with construction. I make a single running stitch using contrasting thread and tie the ends on the right side.

Pat B

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip regarding Pixie Faire patterns is to print off the first page and pieces. I then file them in clear page protectors. I write the date I purchased the pattern so I can go back to my account and download the directions on my tablet and use that to see. I store the pages in a loose leaf notebook.

Eli

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is that a set of tube turners is a worthwhile investment for anyone sewing doll clothes or other tiny projects.

Paula

January 04, 2021

Iron iron iron, press between steps for a nice clean finish!

Marianne

January 04, 2021

My favourite sewing tip is when sewing with vinyl or leather, use a strip of thin paper on top of where you plan to top stitch. The paper makes it easier for the pressure foot to slide over the vinyl while sewing and prevents the foot from sticking to the vinyl causing your top stitching to bunch up. Once top stitching is done, simply tear paper along the stitching, one side at a time.

Maureen A

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to have really good lighting!

LizT

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is good lighting. I use a small tabletop Ott brand daylight lamp purchased with coupons at Joann’s and it makes a huge difference especially in sewing with dark thread on dark fabrics.

Toni

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to invest in a mechanic’s wand magnet from a hardware store. It is the most useful tool! If a pin or needle is accidently dropped the wand can be swept across the floor until the tiny, powerful magnet catches the metal object. It is also useful to run across a gathered or pleated doll skirt before sewing it to the bodice to be sure you have removed all of the retaining pins. Just having on your desk, you will find lots of other uses!

Mary

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is best press and wool pressing mate by my sewing machine

DIanne Mann

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to use double sided sewing tape on the zipper to keep it in place until it’s sewn.

Marilyn

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip or trick for sewing is loosely stitching an inch or two on the wrong side of a hem (or long stitched area). Then, when I flip it over and can’t see the seam, I can use the stitching as a guide. Works wonders! Worth the minute or two it takes to pull out the guide seam.

Christine

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to have a small bowl at my sewing station to throw all the threads and small bits of fabric into, it’s really handy and keeps my work area clean.

Sherry R.

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is cutting patterns with rotary cutter (the smaller the blade the better) and mat. I found a really small cutter and blades at Hobby Lobby. It goes around the small curved neckline and arm holes so nice. And cutting flat reduces distortion that scissors can cause by raising the fabric.

Martha

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is setting up my ironing board and iron when I set up my sewing machine so that it is ready to use.

Monya

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to make sure you buy enough fabric for your project and maybe get a little more because if you are short on fabric and need to buy more, many times the color dye of the new fabric will not match your previous one and it will ruin your project!

Kristen

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to pin the instructions on a board so I can look up at it during sewing.

Barbara

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to keep my sewing machine and serger well tuned and my supplies well organized!

Melinda

January 04, 2021

My sewing tip is to read through a pattern more then once to avoid making mistakes.

Jo Collins

January 04, 2021

Gathering: I zigzag over a piece of string. Also, I mark at 1/4 , 1/2, 3/4 of the gathered length and make each section evenly gathered . Pin and sew then remove the string

KateE

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to measure before cutting. When I sew for dolls, I measure the pattern against the doll’s measurements to try and assure the garment will fit. If I assume the pattern will fit a doll just because she is a certain height, I’m bound to be disappointed sometimes. I measure the dolls the same way I would measure a human being. That would include the bust, waist, hips, arm cap, back and front upper chest, measure around the arm above the elbow, measure the wrist, measure the inseams, measure from neck to waist. It’s a process that I’ve been doing for years to try and avoid issues when sewing. Thanks for this opportunity.

Theresa

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is “all of them”! I have found by trial and error that it is easier to read the instructions a few times before starting a pattern as well as ways to gather, embelish and use/save fabric!

Carol P.

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip or advice is to relax and enjoy sewing, it’s therapeutic, calming and you’ll not tire of it if you just have fun and sew. I worked in customer service for over 25 years, the saddest thing I used to hear was when people had to “ downsize”, their sewing was the first thing to go, NO way, sewing will keep you going, how else will you use your stash!

Laura

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing trick is to organize each pattern in a 9″×12″ envelope. I open up the original envelope (if purchased from Joann’s) or print an extra copy of the title page (if an online pattern) and glue it onto the outside of the envelope. All pattern pieces fit inside. If it is a doll dress, my cut-out fabric pieces and notions fit inside the envelope, too!

Finally, if I am re-stuffing the small envelope of an original pattern (purchased from Joann’s) and the pieces won’t fit…I fold the pieces in a pile to the size I need them, and I iron the pieces. They slip right into the envelope then!

Mary Cox

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to use a zig-zag stitch over small round elastic for shirring on doll clothes. Another is, read all instructions Before you start to sew!

Maretta

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip for gathering (such as for a skirt or sleeve is to sew two basting stitches close together, then pull 1 string from each stitch. This more evenly gathers the fabric.

Rose Ann

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to use a washable glue stick to easily baste seams trims, hems,etc. to fabric.You can use an iron to set it if you wish, and it washes out.

Mary Cox

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to use a zig-zag stitch over small round elastic for shirring on doll clothes. Another is, read all instructions Before you start to sew!

Peggy

January 04, 2021

My tip is have patience and just have fun.

Julie

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to sew as many items with the color of thread I already have loaded to my machine. Not having to change thread with each garment (especially when sewing for dolls) saves time. This tip was given me by a sewing teacher: save money by not buying expensive scissors to keep by your machine just for cutting threads. Buy an inexpensive pair just for cutting thread or small tasks. Then if you drop the scissors, they get bent or they get lost you’re not out a lot of money. But do spend money on good quality shears etc. for cutting out patterns and other larger tasks.

Vicky

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to be sure & clip the curves when you have finished a curved seam. It makes the it lay smoother!

Mary

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to keep a supply of precut 1" squares of coffee filters next to my machine for beginning and ending seams – works just as well as more expensive tear-away fabric.

Becky

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to us the internet! There are so many great videos to watch others providing sewing tips.

Patricia Peterson

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to put a tiny piece of a commercial pattern tissue under the fabric at the end of a seam. I sew into the old pattern piece and pull it away. I wish I could change the fabric guide on my machine from inches to centimeters. Is there a tip for that?