12 Days of Christmas - Day 3 December 27th 2017

Welcome to the Day 3 of the 12 Days of Christmas Celebration! Today we are giving away 3 Party Dresses to 1 lucky winner! The 3 dresses included in this giveaway are designed to fit 18-inch dolls such as American Girl®.  They are ready-made and will be shipped to you after the giveaway has ended. If you are interested in the sewing patterns for these dresses, please click the links below to learn more.

Giveaway Update: Congratulations to Linda S!  You've won the set of party dresses and have been contacted through email.

These beautifully handcrafted dresses featured are:

 

More pictures of these darling dresses...

Many of you have been sewing for years and many are just learning to sew - but all of us face challenges! The best part is we can all learn from each other! 

To enter simply respond to this post and complete this sentence:

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

Comments must be left (on this blog post) by midnight (pacific), 12/27/2017.

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.

The winners will be chosen randomly from the comments received and contacted through the email provided in the comment.

We will choose the winners and modify this post tomorrow to let everyone know who won.

Okay, good luck, and if we’ve forgotten anything we will modify and/or update this post as needed.

Merry Christmas,

Cinnamon & The Liberty Jane / Pixie Faire Team


100 Comments

Vickie
Vickie

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is using freezer paper to trace pattern pieces out and iron the pieces to the fabric to make cutting out material a lot easier.

Jeana  Hill
Jeana Hill

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is keep a votive candle or wax chip in tray next to sewing machine. When you need to thread needle, rub about 2 inches to cut end of thread over wax a few times. Clip end then thread machine. Wax stiffness end of thread, making the job less frustrating.

Linda
Linda

December 27, 2017

Prewash, iron, keep all leftover material…you never know what you might need! Love everybody’s ideas!

Kathy
Kathy

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to use a divided organizer to keep scissors, needles, seam ripper, screw drivers, bobbins and other sewing tools handy by my machine while I sew, and easy to put away when I finish.

pam vanoteghem
pam vanoteghem

December 27, 2017

my favorite tip is to make more than one of each item so I always have a ready supply for charity.

Ruth Haworth
Ruth Haworth

December 27, 2017

My favorite hint is for a nice hem use hem tape. It makes your hem look great!

Molly S.
Molly S.

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to iron pattern pieces onto freezer paper. Makes those flimsy patterns much easier to use!

Sonia
Sonia

December 27, 2017

I don’t have a favorite tip. But I use all of the above tips.

Anne
Anne

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to keep a small plastic bowl near my sewing machine to use for all the bits of fabric and thread that pile up while sewing. And to try to sew in natural light whenever possible – these old eyes of mine do better then. :)

Margie Arnold
Margie Arnold

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is urging my family and friends to never throw away their old jeans but to recycle them through me for authentic looking doll clothes

DeLynn
DeLynn

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is organization. I get everything I need & set it on my sewing table prior to starting my project. That way everything is right at my hand.

Linda Reynolds
Linda Reynolds

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to put a coffee filter under fine material that I am sewing so that it does not get stuck in the feeder.

Margie Arnold
Margie Arnold

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is urging my family and friends to never throw away their old jeans but to recycle them through me for authentic looking doll clothes

Debbie
Debbie

December 27, 2017

Always listen to others advice, but my favorite sewing tip is enjoy the journey and keep two things handy…the seam ripper and a glass of wine!

Genn
Genn

December 27, 2017

Press as you go/sew for a more professional looking product. For faster sewing, read pattern thoroughly and collect all pieces that need to have gathers, etc and get that all done as prep sewing near the beginning. Saves time readjusting your sewing machine.

Amy
Amy

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is I cut a little slit into a chopstick to help grab and stuff small areas that need to be stuffed. Cut slit in chopstick to look like a fork and twist batting around. Easy way to stuff arms and feet for dolls and softie.

Barb
Barb

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to use a walking foot as much as possible

Diana
Diana

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is using paper tape sold in the hair care dept to hold items like trims and zippers before sewing.

Ann Nagosky
Ann Nagosky

December 27, 2017

I always do the sleeves and bodice lining before sewing up the sides.

Brittany
Brittany

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is testing a swatch of the material you are going to use first, so you can adjust the stitch as needed so you don’t ruin your pattern pieces.

Linda K
Linda K

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip, like many have mentioned, is scrap material at the beginning of a seam to prevent the machine from’eating’ the material.

Cheryl McArtor
Cheryl McArtor

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to take your time and familiarize yourself with the complete pattern before beginning to sew.

Sassafras
Sassafras

December 27, 2017

I would like to enter! A new sewing trick I love is to trace a circle around the spot where you want to sew a snap with a pencil. That way the snap is sewn in the exact right place!
~Sassafras

Patricia
Patricia

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is always iron.

Chris
Chris

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is that I get all the supplies ready, cut out my pattern, load up my bobbins and get ready to sew.

Lisa S.
Lisa S.

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is in buying adult clothes and using the fabrics for doll outfits.

Christina
Christina

December 27, 2017

Something that helps me is to use tissue paper between slippery material and the presser foot. It helps prevent the material from moving and missed stitches.

Dee M.
Dee M.

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to use a sleeve pressing ham or sleeve ironing board when pressing garments for dolls. This helps keep excess fabric out from under the iron and keeps the garment shape.

Nancy
Nancy

December 27, 2017

When sewing for dolls always sew the sleeves and hems first before sewing the garment together

Kathy
Kathy

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to pin, pin, pin and don’t rush.

Jerilyn
Jerilyn

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to use lace and ric rack that my mom used to make doll clothes for me years ago.

Ann
Ann

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is using a chalk pencil to draw the seam line of small curves such as the neckline and armscye onto the fabric before sewing. It only takes a minute and prevents the frustration of having to remove stitches and resew a crooked seam line!

Arlene
Arlene

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip having a small pair of sewing snips at each sewing machine. I have then hooked onto the machine

Renea
Renea

December 27, 2017

I try to complete all sewing “on the flat” before sewing that last seam which makes the dress/shirt/whatever so much smaller and more difficult to get under the needle!

Robin
Robin

December 27, 2017

My tip is to press those seams down as you go so they will always be flat.

Peggy Stirling
Peggy Stirling

December 27, 2017

When sewing doll clothes for charity craft sales I make several items from each pattern. If I’m making several pairs of pants I will do them all in a similar colour of fabric so I don’t have to keep changing the thread on my sewing machine and serger. I also cut out 6-8 pairs at a time and have them all pinned and ready to run through the machine. It goes so much more quickly that way. If I am doing tops to go with them I also have them already cut and pinned so I can just keep going with the similar colours. Then when I have finished with one colour move on to a new colour.

Suzan
Suzan

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing tip is to up-cycle old clothes into doll clothes and accessories. Even my kids are into it!

Julia
Julia

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to use a 6" piece of a one inch diameter dowel as a pressing aid for small doll sleeve seams. I wrapped the dowel in flannel batting and covered it with a piece of cotton fabric. Just slide it inside the sleeve and press your seam open.

Maria B
Maria B

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip for sewing is “DO IT WITH LOVE” everything done with love will be a master piece. Enjoy the moment, and it pays even more when I see my granddaughter’s face playing with her doll dressed with whatever I made for her

Alicia M
Alicia M

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip or trick is to find an old sleeve board to use for ironing AG size clothes. It’s a tiny ironing board. They are sometimes on Ebay. And keep ironing as you sew. It’s nearly impossible to iron some tiny parts if you wait until you are finished.

Kathy
Kathy

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is the one I just found!

Linda
Linda

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to use specialized sewing machine feet whenever possible for better results … for example, when top-stitching.

Shannan
Shannan

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to store your patterns – especially after you have cut them up – in gallon size ziploc bags. Easy to store, easy to keep all pieces together, easy to find what you need

Mary
Mary

December 27, 2017

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is reading and putting to use the tips and tricks of others as I master the art of creating doll clothes. I highlight and paste the ones I want to use. Thank you to you all!

Barbara Bouley
Barbara Bouley

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to always test a stitch on a swatch of your fabrics to ensure it is correct for the fabri that fabric.

Jackie Perrin
Jackie Perrin

December 27, 2017

My tip is to cut the doll pattern first with freezer paper then iron on the fabric to keep it in place.

Ann Z
Ann Z

December 27, 2017

A tip I learned from quilting – drawing up the bobbin thread to the top of the fabric if the bobbin thread side of the fabric will show in the finished garment. It avoids a snarl of bobbin thread on the back side.

Jayne
Jayne

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to recycle family clothing as doll clothes. I especially like using stretch denim from old leggings or capris. It’s already preshrunk, colorfast and super soft.

Debra
Debra

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is finding tools meant for other purposes to use in the sewing room. For example I have a 12 inch hemostat that is typically used in hospitals to clamp off tubes & blood vessels – I use mine to turn small tubes such as doll parts. BTW all three of those dresses are beautiful! Thank you for your generosity and thank you Cinnamon for all you do.

Elizabeth
Elizabeth

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is the READ THE INSTRUCTIONS TWICE before cutting out the pattern.

Marilyn
Marilyn

December 27, 2017

I love all sewing tips I don’t know which one is my favorite

Carol
Carol

December 27, 2017

The only tip I can give would be to read through the pattern first, and not jump straight in. Then if possible gather all the tools you will need in one place. This can save a lot of time and help to calm your nerves. I speak from experience on both accounts.

Marilyn Berrill
Marilyn Berrill

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip for doll clothing is to double stitch seams before you clip curves.

Samantha  D
Samantha D

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing tip or trick is pre washing and ironing fabric.

Betty Kudrna
Betty Kudrna

December 27, 2017

Press and press some more! Many tips listed here are wonderful. Always enjoy what you are doing…. It is not rocket science just have fun!

Carol L
Carol L

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to zigzag over elastic cording for the elastic on sleeve. It does’t seem to stretch out over time like elastic that’s been sewn on does.

Dottie
Dottie

December 27, 2017

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is in using freezer paper, from transferring patterns onto for use during cutting out the fabric (from which I can get several cuts as I use fabric weights instead of pins), to putting under knit fabric while sewing, making button holes, etc. (In a pinch, I’ve substituted ‘Cut-rite’ paper.) “

Helen
Helen

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to line the bodice of doll clothes, then you don’t have tiny facings that you have to sew or hem. Makes life so much simpler.

laura
laura

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is using glad press and seal on towels and other items with thick nap…

Becky
Becky

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing trick is using elastic thread on sleeves instead of strips of elastic.

Kellie
Kellie

December 27, 2017

My to is to use small containers like sick organizers next to my sewing machine to store small bits of trim in so I can embellish easily as I go.

Julie.A
Julie.A

December 27, 2017

My sewing tip is don’t sew when you are tired. You make lots of mistakes!

Eva
Eva

December 27, 2017

My favourite tip is to use Elmer’s Glue. A small amount and a tip of the iron keeps this hold. Once the item is washed the glue disappears.

Linda
Linda

December 27, 2017

My most useful sewing tip… keep a magnet close by to run over the floor and pick up loose pins.

Faith
Faith

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is ALWAYS iron before sewing and read the directions 3 times beforehand too. Something my wonderful mom taught me.

Jana D
Jana D

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to never skimp on pins or ironing.

Bethany
Bethany

December 27, 2017

So neat to be able to make use all the great tips and ideas for gifts for my “practice” granddaughter.

Norris
Norris

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to use a magnet to keep seams straight and even

Amanda P.
Amanda P.

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing trick is adding ribbon trim to my inside seams for a prettier finish.

Lynne Thompson
Lynne Thompson

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing tip is putting used coffee filters under the first inch of a seam when sewing stretch or other ‘fussy’ fabrics that need assistance to start moving under the pressure foot. Just place fabric on top of the edgeof the coffee fiter and off you go.

H
H

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to hold a small piece of brown cardboard behind the needle when threading the sewing machine needle. It cuts the glare and makes it easier to see the hole.

Lyn
Lyn

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to make more than one at a time so you can chain piece where possible, serge edges, have fun!

Karen M.
Karen M.

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to have 2 bobbins ready to use at the start of a project. It saves a lot of angst when you are in the middle of a project and your bobbin runs out!

Sharon
Sharon

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to have multiple pairs of scissors, small and reg size to avoid trying to figure out where you laid them.

Terry F
Terry F

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is using painters tape instead of pins. helps hold things in place without the worry of running over pins and breaking needles (just in case it matters to have the first part LOL

Kami Jan
Kami Jan

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip….mom has never been able to throw remnants away so when I need something …mom has it…they’re perfect for doll clothes. I also check every second hand store (value village, thrift store) for lace, ribbon, etc that I can use to doll up my doll clothes…I’ve found some pretty cute stuff for cheap that I’ve never even seen in stores!

Donna Lowe
Donna Lowe

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to keep all my pdf patterns in envelopes or zip lock bag with either the names or picture of the content.

Carol
Carol

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to use Elmer’s school glue to hold together small seams before sewing. Just a bit of glue, then press it dry before stitching. It’s an old quilter’s trick and helps create perfect seams. The glue is just thick starch and will rinse out with clear water.

Tami Hamlin
Tami Hamlin

December 27, 2017

My tip is enjoy the journey. I often cut 3 -4 outfits at a time and then sew leisurely as time allows. When you craft when you are happy, your finished product shows it.

Terry F
Terry F

December 27, 2017

using painters tape instead of pins. helps hold things in place without the worry of running over pins and breaking needles

Linda Smith
Linda Smith

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to have a hot iron nearby. Pressing seams as you go makes a huge difference in the outcome of a project.

Andrea
Andrea

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to iron seams flat. No matter what you sew, it looks better when seams are ironed flat.

Carol
Carol

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use a piece of scrap fabric to start your thread when sewing small seams such as doll clothes. It will eliminate the tangling of thread or sinking of the fabric on pattern edges.

Mae Lynn Beck
Mae Lynn Beck

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to have your fabric visible. I have mine wrapped on 8 1/2″ × 11″ or 6″ × 6″ card stock and stored on shelves in my sewing room. It is much easier to keep up with what you have (translation: don’t buy something you already have) and I have come up with some unexpected but nice combinations. This tip is a result of the Organizing for Productivity class from the SWC blog.

Katherine Ackerman
Katherine Ackerman

December 27, 2017

I agree with a lot of the tips given by everyone who has made comments. But, my tip is just to enjoy the whole process and get creative with your patterns .As sometimes using bits and pieces from various patterns create a new look for your outfit.

Carolyn Bergeron
Carolyn Bergeron

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is cutting lots of items then stacking them by my machine, that way I can work on items in bulk. Saves time as I sew everything to a certain point then move to the ironing board, then back to the machine for the next step and so on. When you get close to finishing you have several items complete.

Diane
Diane

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to put a 1" piece of pattern paper under the presser foot then lay the fabric on top and sew. This stops the fabric from stretching and getting stuck in the machine when starting. You can just pull the paper off the stitching when done. Great for t-shirts.

Kbel
Kbel

December 27, 2017

Sew many favorite frugal sewing tips!:
Dollar store white tissue paper to use under small, flimsy, slippery fabric pieces to prevent pull down into feed dogs.
Always using correct needle type and size (and changing needles often) for fabric/project type.
Upcycling thrift store fabric/clothing/buttons/trim for doll clothes.
Press, press, press as many others have said for the best results!
Love all the tips shared, agree with so many of them!! :)

Rachel
Rachel

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is using the first garment pieces I cut out as the pattern for the rest when I’m cutting multiple identical garments at once. This fabric “pattern” is so much easier to use than the paper pattern.

Kymberly
Kymberly

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to always be open to try new things. It all seems intimidating at first, but you will be amazed what you can create.

Donna S
Donna S

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing trick or tip is using Fray Check on the seams.

connie
connie

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to learn from other sewers" tips. I have picked up some really good ideas.

Mary Rister
Mary Rister

December 27, 2017

My tip is to use a pintuck foot to make tiny piping for the dolls, I also use the same foot to put in invisible zippers. Just line up the grooves and it makes both things a quick and easy sew.

Karen
Karen

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing tip is iron, iron, iron.

Jenny Schear
Jenny Schear

December 27, 2017

My sewing tip is to read the directions completely and thoroughly before beginning so you are sure you understand!

Karen
Karen

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to sew with a friend. My friend has an artistic eye while mine is more technical. Between the two of us we end up with a beautiful well constructed project.

Sarah
Sarah

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is including my kids when I get a chance to sew. It’s worked and now the youngest is hooked on designing and making her own clothing.

Rachel
Rachel

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is using woolly nylon in the bobbin for twin needle hemming on knit t-shirts for stronger and stretchier double hems.

Debbie
Debbie

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip or trick is to line bodice tops. It makes for a nicer finish.

Nancy Garabrandt
Nancy Garabrandt

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is, I always pin my seams before sewing! I have been sewing for 47 years, reproduced vintage pieces for a museum, and sew professionally for a living, If it is a simple straight seam I don’t pin. Pinning and ironing your seams as you go, means a beautifully finished product every-time.

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