January 04, 2021

Welcome to DAY 11 of our 12 Days if Christmas celebration!

For our 11th Day Of Christmas giveaway, we are doing a GIVEAWAY of one $100 Fashion Fabrics Club eGift Card to one lucky winner. The gift card can be used towards any item available on the Fashion Fabrics Club website! Woot, Woot!

More about Fashion Fabrics Club: Since 1956 Fashion Fabrics Club has been connecting with Fabric Enthusiasts through our common love of fabric. Shop a great variety of fabric bolts and fabric by the yard at wholesale prices from our online fabric store. Our fabric selection includes cotton, silk, linen, wool, blends, synthetics, prints, knits, wovens, bridal & special occasion fabric, home decorating fabrics, and so much more! Always a money back guarantee!

How To Enter The Gift Card Giveaway:

It's amazing when you discover a tip or trick that helps to solve your sewing challenges, isn't it? We try to share the things we've discovered with you through free tutorials, pattern hacks, and in the Sewing With Cinnamon & Friends community! Maybe you've learned some from us, but maybe you have something that you'd love to share too!

Simply comment on this blog post finishing the following question...

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is (insert your amazing tip here) … “

Comments must be left (on this blog post) by midnight (pacific) on Monday, 1/4/2021.

One entry per person.

No purchase necessary, void where prohibited. Must be 18 or older to enter. 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 Liberty Jane Clothing and Pixie Faire.

This is part of the 12 Days of Christams annual promotion, each day from December 25th through January 5th we are going to reveal a special One Day Giveaway for One Lucky Winner! These will be short-term prizes, designed for just 1 day each. So, be sure to set your alarm, bookmark our blog, and remember to check back each day. The giveaway will begin and end at midnight pacific time each day. Don’t miss out!

The winner will be chosen randomly from the comments received and contacted through the email provided in the comment. We will post a list of all the winners in the wrap up blog post on January 6th.

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

Janice

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is for sewers who use a variety of needles in their machine. I save the envelopes from junk mail and place a used machine needle on a fabric scrap inside once I change my needle. On the outside of the envelope I write what the needle size is, what I sewed with it, approximate sewing time it was used for. This not only helps to know when a needle has had its full use, but by reading over my list I have learned what fabrics can be successfully sewn well with each needle size and type.

Donna Wooten

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is two-fold: wash your fabrics and press them (without starch) prior to laying out your pattern, and press your seams! It really does make all the difference.

Marcy Mahle

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip especially for sewing doll clothes is to cover the pattern page with clear contact on both sides, then cut out. Wonderful for sewing the same item many times. Very easy to trace around the pattern. I use tiny hole puncher to punch a hole in top of darts or other markings on pattern.

Betty

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to press as you sew.

Judy Spinney

January 04, 2021

One of my favorites is to wet the tip of the needle instead of wetting the thread, if I am having trouble threading a needle. Also cut the tip of the thread at an angle. Also try using a needle threader!

carla holland

January 04, 2021

your iron its your best friend.. to quote a teacher i once had.. and my moms mantra of pressings is up and down to iron its side to side.. also put my presser foot on top of a rubbery /plastic mat that goes into a sink.. keeps it from sliding away…morning hugs and thank you for this site its inspired me to start sewing again.

Janet

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to thoroughly read the pattern before starting.

JUDY

January 04, 2021

I always iron on thin interfacing to pattern pieces before using as these days the paper is so think one time use about does it.

Nikola

January 04, 2021

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is using my overcast foot instead of serging all my seams."

Carolyn

January 04, 2021

My tip for good sewing is to have everything you need in one place and placed in a plastic sack or other storage. Also you should keep track of your pattern. When I remove the pieces I make sure it goes back into a plastic sack. That way you don’t lose any pieces.

Charla

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to cut out all items first then sew them. That way if you have like colors on different items you can sew all you can of one color on different outfits at the same time so you do not have to change thread as much.

J.J. Goody

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to measure twice, cut once. I have found that math is needed for sewing, and that I should do the equations more than once if things are going to match up. And because I sometimes base my equations on the wrong measurements, I will do a paper outfit first. But even that has gone wrong because I forgot to take into account the thickness of the fabric versus the paper.

Debbie W

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is…..to use a walking foot (even feed foot), which insures that both top and bottom layers stay even as you sew — especially with thicker or multiple layers of fabric.
And when quilt piecing, I always use a ‘spider’ — or as I prefer to call them, ‘stop-n-goes’ since I don’t like spiders— which is a small piece of fabric that you feed through first to prevent your fabric from bunching up at the start.

LOTS of other good tips here, ladies! Happy sewing!

Karen

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is to hold both upper thread and bobbin thread at the back of your machine before you start sewing after you have taken a couple of stitches let it go. Keeps the machine from eating your fabrics.

Brandy

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to have patience! When you rush, you are more likely to make mistakes.

Carol

January 04, 2021

I love all the tips everyone shares. My favorite is using a magnet to pick up all the pins I drop.

Lori

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to get organized in your space — with your pattern, fabric and notiions before you start sewing a project. It will save a lot of frustration.

Christine

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use velcro in place of button and snaps in back—even using it all the way down the center back seam when the pattern does not necessarily do so. It makes it so much easier for children to open and close an outfit.

Peggy

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use leaders and enders to keep my project from being pulled into the machine.

Cristy Estep

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip or trick is to use tear away stabilizer and a ball point needle when sewing knits! The needle makes a huge difference!

Patti Hutton

January 04, 2021

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is using the tip of my scissors to make sharp corners when turning items right side out … “

Sparkle

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is a mental readjustment. Someone once said “the seam ripper is your friend”. After I pondered that I decided instead of seeing ripping as a failure, I’d envision it as another chance to do something right.

Deb

January 04, 2021

My favourite sewing tip is using a doll size tailor’s pressing ham and roll to press the curve areas of
my projects.

Lynn

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to press every seam as you go for professional results. It was one of the first things I was taught when I learned to sew.

Jessica Larsson

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing trick is using the bobbin thread and a zigzag stitch to gather fabric. Works like a charm and no snapped threads.

Charlene

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip – I bought a roll of what is similar to interfacing from my local Menard’s Home Center in the construction area, it’s called NovaWrap, and I use it to make pattern pieces. Does the same as interfacing but cheaper. It can also be used for filters in face masks. You can’t iron on it directly, you have to use a pressing cloth.

Debbie Grant

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is using a coffee filter to help stabilize knit fabric. After sewing thru it the filter easily tears away. Coffee filters are cheap and can be cut to fit the job so there is less waste.

Carolyn Yeaer

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to mark, either on the pattern envelope, or on the top page of a downloaded pattern, any issues you had in making the item the first time around. I also jot notes about what I would have done differently, so I can do it better the next time around.

Angie

January 04, 2021

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is to study the instructions before starting on a pattern. Follow the steps, no short cuts.
This page is a keeper! Wonderful advice here!

Jessie

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is I added an “iron boot” to my iron to prevent scorching both the fabric and my iron plate. I had never even heard of this item, but now I cannot live without it.

time2smile

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is using freezer paper to trace patterns, then gently ironing them onto the fabric in order to cut out the pieces. This is a real game-changer for small pieces!

Betty

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tips is to follow my directions completely.

PAM GAUERKE

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to bond the pattern pieces to lightweight interfacing so they can be used over and over again.

Cindy

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is when sewing small items like doll clothes the iron is your friend.

Rhonda

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to look over my sewing machine first to make sure all of the settings are correct.

Elaine

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to cut out all of my doll clothes on one day and sew the next and then chain sew as much as you can – saves time!!

Elaine

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to cut out all of my doll clothes on one day and sew the next and then chain sew as much as you can – saves time!!

Margarita Gajicki

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip is to have a magnet on or near the sewing machine to hold a large needle which I use as guiding tool from time to time.

Wilma

January 04, 2021

My tip is to read the instructions through first. I always try to find ways to eliminate having to get into very tight sewing situations which are difficult to sew; for example, when sewing small items like Barbie clothes, hem before sewing seams, or elastic casings, leave part of the seam unfinished until after sewing the casing before finishing the seam up into it.

Mary

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is using the iron to press all seams. Also save large scrapes from projects to make doll clothes.

Kathy W.

January 04, 2021

My favorite trick comes out of mid-century methods. To turn fabric 1/4", I first stitch 1/4" from the edge. It’s automatically measured and easier to press into place.

Thresea

January 04, 2021

I tape a lunchbag or other small bag to my sewing table. I put small scraps of fabric or used thread in it as I work. Makes cleanup easier.

Michelle

January 04, 2021

“My favorite sewing tip is to Press, Press, Press the seams as you go!“

Jolynn Shenk

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip/trick when making doll clothing is to mark 1/4" seams with disappearing fabric maker in areas where spacing is tight or making turns to ensure my seam allowances are consistent.

Tamara G

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip…While sewing, iron your project after every step! This results in a much smoother and professional looking finish…Also I keep my most used sewing tools in an Art Bin “tool box” next to my sewing machine. I can always find what I need plus it’s easy to transport if I want to use my tools outside my sewing room. Just lock the lid and carry it by the handle!

Glastra

January 04, 2021

my favorite sewing type is always buy a metal sewing machine. It will be a work horse and sew through anything!

Linda W

January 04, 2021

My favorite trick when sewing knits is to hold gently to the threads behind the machine before I start that first stitch. Keep the machine from gobbling up my fabric on that first stitch.
Another is reading through the pattern before starting. Helps a lot.

Dotti G

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to press, press, press every step of the way – at least with cotton fabrics which is what I use most. This isn’t really an amazing trick, but IMO it makes a big difference in the appearance of the finished product.

olive

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to leave a pair of reading glasses and seam ripper in every room. (maybe not the bathroom)

Karen M

January 04, 2021

I love all these hints- the one from Dawn on turning corners is by far my favorite- I’ll be using that. My favorite tip is to save pattern pieces together with a scrap of fabric that I used so I remember how it turned out the first time.

Dellasue

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is when sewing the skirt to a bodice that is lined, sew it to the lining. Then turn under the seam allowance and top stitch the outside bodice. It looks professional and eliminates hand sewing the underneath.

Kathleen A

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to not “try to get it done” when I’m tired, or I’m in a hurry. More often than not, that is when I make mistakes. When I need a break, I need to take one.

Robin

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to press each seam as sewn before pressing it open. Makes the project so much smoother and more professional looking.

MARLENE GIESE

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to wet the end of the needle (machine needle too) and the end of the thread before trying to thread a needle.

Brandy

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to take your time and have patience. Hurrying allows for more mistakes. And most mistakes are fixable.

Pam

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to have a small stiletto at my sewing machine to feed in seams so they don’t fold over. I’ve even used a porcupine quill!

Fran R.

January 04, 2021

As I have aged I find that threading my sewing machine needle is getting more difficult. Glare seems to be a problem when it comes to seeing where the eye is. At one point I simply put a paper fortune from a Chinese fortune cookie right behind the needle to block out the glare. It worked perfectly and is small enough to not be in the way as I hold it in one hand and thread with the other hand. Voila! I can see the eye of the needle now with the white paper behind the needle

Carol L

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to use a small piece of fabric between seams so that the beginning of a seam doesn’t get pulled down into the base plate.

BRONWYN

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing trick is starting the next seam before pulling the last one off the machine so I dont have long threads to cut. After the new one is started I snip between the two seams to separate them. Saves on thread and helps the feed dogs to move the new seam along instead of it being stuffed into the throat plate!

Roxanne

January 04, 2021

I use small weights to hold my patterns in place while I cut out with a rotary cutter.

Laura

January 04, 2021

… have a clean work area and time to sew; it makes everything so much more enjoyable. tools at easy reach, and everything in it’s place.

Mary

January 04, 2021

One of my favorite sewing tips is to save larger pieces of fabric scraps for doll clothes after cutting fabric for other projects.

Maurine

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to watch a “How to” video done by Pixie Faire before I attempt a new concept in making doll clothes. I am so much more confident and eager after watching the video.

Amy

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to trace your pattern onto Pelion pattern paper or interfacing. The pattern paper is much more durable than printer paper or tissue paper. You can also see through it to choose the best placement!

Vicki L Allen

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to cut out all of my doll clothes on one day and sew the next and then chain sew as much as you can – saves time!!

Alissa

January 04, 2021

When sewing garments, make sure you go by the measurement chart, not your store bought size. Also, each pattern company has their own set of measurements for their sizes. Make sure to remeasure often to get correct fitting clothes!

Marty Blinde

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to use freezer paper to print out digital patterns. I heat seal 1/4" of the top of the freezer paper to a regular piece of paper to keep it from jamming in my printer. Then just pull it off, cut out the pieces and press them onto your fabric to cut out. Gives me a nice clean edge to cut and can be used over and over.

Robyn

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip is to read through all directions making sure you understand them AND that they make sense. I have found some instructions that had steps out of order or would be better in a different order.

James

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is using the iron to press all seams – even knits.

Sarah B

January 04, 2021

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to thread a needle easily, gently rub the needle over the thread, and the thread will go through the needle hole! ✨Magic✨

Heidi

January 04, 2021

One of my favorite sewing tips is to save larger pieces of fabric scraps for doll clothes after cutting fabric for other projects.

BL

January 04, 2021

My favorite tip: you learn by doing.