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

Ambrosia Blasier-McCollum
Ambrosia Blasier-McCollum

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing trick is to trace and cut out my patterns on freezer paper. They can be ironed directly onto the fabric, and will stay put even when your kid decides that your project should be worn as a cape. They can be reused multiple times, as well.

Bonnie
Bonnie

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is

Kathy
Kathy

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to iron all seams as you sew them. I use a little iron instead of the regular size. It is so much better when sewing doll clothes.

Paula
Paula

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to use a rubber band or loop of elastic to mark where the edge of the fabric needs to be. This is helpful for wide seam allowances, pleats, etc. It is also moveable—unlike using tape.

Sha
Sha

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is when you start to make mistakes you need to take a break.

Joan
Joan

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is the put a post it note on my machine noting the date and needle size/type of the needle as I put it into the machine.

Darlene W.
Darlene W.

December 27, 2017

My sewing tip is to use your rotary cutting tool for any straight lines you have on a pattern—short and long sleeves and hems lines. You’ll have a nice crisp line for measuring your hems.

Elaine
Elaine

December 27, 2017

I combine my love of sewing doll clothes and going to garage sales. It’s surprising how much nearly new fabric you can find in gently used clothing. Prom dresses make elegant doll gowns, leather jackets can be used for shoes, chaps, jackets, etc., used sweaters make fun warm clothing for dolls, and the embellishments you can find are unlimited. I have sewn for over 65 years, won several awards, attended many work shops and retreats but I love reading all of your comments and always learn something. This website really turns my crank!! Thank you all.

Kris
Kris

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is just to get started. Once started, it’s hard to stop!

Jeanne Bartlett
Jeanne Bartlett

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to always use a walking foot when sewing knits. You get a neater seam and much less stretching.

Judy
Judy

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is using 1\4 " wonder tape for holding seam ends together while serving and holding elastic in place for sewing.

Anne
Anne

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing trick for small doll pattern pieces is to “fussy cut” the fabric to get the desired result of the fabric’s designs in the proper placement for optimum appeal!

EL
EL

December 27, 2017

Another favorite sewing tips or tricks for sewing doll cloths, is to buy a used serger to sew doll fashions. It is well worth learning to use a serger for sewing.

Randi
Randi

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is using steam a seam for hems on knits

And uaing tissue paper as well
Deb
Deb

December 27, 2017

My favorite tool is fray check.

Carolyn
Carolyn

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to be patient. If you rush, it will only end up taking longer, because you’ll have to correct your mistakes!

EL
EL

December 27, 2017

One of my favorite sewing tips or tricks for making doll clothing and fashions, is to recycle the sleeves of sweaters. Ladies clothing often gets stained from the use of deodorant and then get discarded or given to thrift stores. With modifications, the sleeves make lovely dresses and skirts. Also, the use of new-born sized baby outfits, with modification make lovely pants, leggings, etc.

Connie
Connie

December 27, 2017

Press, Press & press some more. When pressing small dresses and other items, use a small iron. I have a small steam iron for skirts and larger doll items and a petite press for those really small areas. My hubbie made me a doll ironing board years ago which makes it all that much easier!!! (an item someone should manufacture!!).

Rieta  Walker
Rieta Walker

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to wet the eye of the needle as well as the thread to make threading the needle easier; this can be done with both hand sewing and machine needles.

Rose Marie Andreozzi
Rose Marie Andreozzi

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use a stiletto when trying to see tiny pieces of cloth together.

Marie lafranque
Marie lafranque

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to iron everything as you go. So needed!!!

Peggy
Peggy

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to put thread and bobbin together in a little bag so they always match.

Elizabeth
Elizabeth

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to copy the pattern to a woven fabric using the woven fabric as my pattern so that my original pattern pieces remain together.

Olga B
Olga B

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to cut out my patterns that I will use a lot with Viva paper towels. It will adhere to most fabric and it last longer than tissue patterns. I will also draw on the pocket placements and grain lines with marker.

Genevieve
Genevieve

December 27, 2017

I’m too new to this to really have tricks. I guess, read the pattern and collect all the materials before beginning. That way you aren’t missing something and need to run to the store or computer midway through the pattern.

Janice
Janice

December 27, 2017

My favrotie sewimng tip is to only use good threads. It’s better for our machine, and the results are nicer too.

Jill
Jill

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip was to place a red headed pin in the case when I take out a new machine needle. That way I know which size needle I left in the machine.

Sherry Jagels
Sherry Jagels

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to use the bridesmaid dresses from their weddings for my daughter and daughter in law’s wedding to make dresses for their daughters AG doll . they loved them and it recycled the dresses no one wanted to wear again!

Lynett
Lynett

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to read the directions!!!! Also, iron after each step.

Rachel Mutchler
Rachel Mutchler

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to take the time to make a practice piece in scrap fabric before sewing a pattern for the first time. You will catch mistakes and help with fit before cutting into your good fabric. Plus sometimes you end up with 2 great pieces.

Grandma Freckles
Grandma Freckles

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to zigzag over knit-cro-sheen thread for gathering skirts & on heavy fabrics for sleeves, too. I usually to 2 rows close together to the fabric lays flat.

Debbie
Debbie

December 27, 2017

My sewing tip is to buy a type of fabric which you have never sewn with before and try out a new sewing technique to advance your sewing skills.

Priscilla
Priscilla

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip for sewing is to look for useful videos in Youtube! As a beginner, getting help visually really helps!

Susan
Susan

December 27, 2017

My favorite tricks were learned from Mom as she taught me to sew my own clothing. One that makes the doll tops easier and prettier is to make the top double so I can shave a sliver off the lining seams and pull the outer fabric around to the inside. No facing/lining shows. Especially on the sleeveless top sew trim and clip then turn right side out via the back going thru the shoulder area of the top. Then sew the skirt to the outer layer fabric. Smooth the seam up into the top. Fold the bottom edge of the lining over and top stitch in the ditch around the waist. The lining should cover the raw edges of the fancy fabric top and skirt.
Generally the outer fabric is more fragile and prone to fray. The lining protects all those raw edges.

Cassandra
Cassandra

December 27, 2017

“My favorite sewing tip or trick is is to encase PU in fusible when sewing as it makes it so much easier to use.

Dianne
Dianne

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip for sewing is to tilt your scissors slightly to your right while cutting around corners or tight spots . This will enable you to cut close to the pattern not leaving a space.

Pauline
Pauline

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to always stitch on a scrap piece of the fabric you will be using first to ensure the thread is a match, the needle is in perfect condition, and the tension is where it needs to be.

Heather
Heather

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing trick is to so as many pieces that I can in a continuous line with a space between each so not to cut the thread on the machine,this could be two different outfits using the same color thread, then press alll the pieces and continue again. Thank you

 Sandy
Sandy

December 27, 2017

Press as you go. I use a old wooden T.V. tray that I keep next to me and my machine. I covered it with batting and scrap fabric. Works like a champ!

Kim
Kim

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is “measure twice, cut once”!! Has been a blessing for me!

Ellen F
Ellen F

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is one that my high school home-ec teacher drilled into us… press, press and press again. So whether sewing people clothes or doll clothes, I find that keeping the iron hot and pressing as I go really helps!

Sarah
Sarah

December 27, 2017

I don’t have a room to leave my sewing out full-time, so when I get ready to sew, I have to set up two tables in my guest bedroom. The tables are just the right length to set up my sewing machine next to my server next to a padded board for pressing as I go. I have a desk chair on wheels, so I just glide between the three as needed. It makes sewing faster and more convenient than having to get up and down to get to the various sewing “stations”, and insured I am not going to skip out on serging an edge or pressing a seam because it’s inconvenient to do all three.

Marci
Marci

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to read the reviews for the patterns and look at what other followers have posted. If they have had difficulty with a particular step I like to see what they did to solve it. Thank you for amazing patterns and tutorials. You make sewing these treasures more fun!!

Char
Char

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to press after almost every step as I am sewing.

Laura S
Laura S

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to let my seam ripper do double duty as a stiletto to help keep tiny doll-size seam allowances in place as they go under the presser foot.

Jeannie
Jeannie

December 27, 2017

My tip is to make a sample of any stitch, or new technique before sewing on your actual project.

Tracy
Tracy

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is When I’m notching a curved edge I always (if type of fabric allows) put a tiny drop of Fray Check at the tip of the notch. Strengthens the thread and keeps fabric from unraveling.

Irene Watt
Irene Watt

December 27, 2017

My tip is remember to remove your hot red lipstick before sitting down to sew. Many times I have found a small red or pink stain on my fabric or thread because I have touched my lips unconsciously before.

Darlene
Darlene

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to fully line the bodice of dresses and press well. The finished item has a professional appearance.

Debbie
Debbie

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to remember who I’m sewing these darling clothes for. Even when I get stressed I see my three darling granddaughters with their darling dressed dolls. Makes it all worth it.

Mary Schlabach
Mary Schlabach

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to use a coffee filter under doll material to help it slide through while sewing
Thank you for all pattern designers out there. I don’t do a lot but I like trying the patterns offered on this site

Maren
Maren

December 27, 2017

My sewing tip is that I keep the cut parts together with the cut and the sewing instructions in a brochure cover. I can store these later in a folder. And find again ;o)

Karen Larson
Karen Larson

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to read the instructions, read the instructions, read the instructions and if you still don’t understand them . . . call your Mother!

Lorry
Lorry

December 27, 2017

My favourite tip is to keep my machine in tip top shape

Helen
Helen

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is cut 3 or 4 out of the same pattern in different materials and put each in a baggie and sew them all at one sitting that me extra outfits for when the grand kids come to play and shop at Nan’s.

Teena Rasmussen
Teena Rasmussen

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is I use my Clover Point 2 Point turner for holding fabric in place was it feeds into the sewing machine, press open seams, and turn tubes right side out or making sharp points in collars, and crisply turned edges. some times I use it to hold the fabric as a iron a small hard to hold area so I don’t burn myself.

Martha K F
Martha K F

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is that when I am making a doll’s top or dress with a lining, I line sleeves, skirt and everything so that I have a reversible top/dress. Two outfits that take up the space of one.

Diana
Diana

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to keep a piece of packaging tape face up to catch all the small pieces of discarded thread

Pat
Pat

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is if you will be using a pattern several times, make notes on the instruction sheet while you are using it the first time. For example, if it says “insert waistline elastic” I will look back to see how long the piece is supposed to be and write the measurement next to that step. Then the next time I won’t have to look back, it is right in the instructions. The same goes for “press up hem allowance” check the measurement and write it there. This saves me lots of time as I sew in “assembly line” style for most of my doll clothes.

Sandy
Sandy

December 27, 2017

When snipping excess (or to ease) fabric on a curve seam, use only small scissors and only the tips of the scissors and always snip shorter than the seam. This prevents cutting through the seam by accident.
Thanks for all the tips. Sandy

Peggy
Peggy

December 27, 2017

Thank you!

Patty Stephens
Patty Stephens

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to read the directions first!

Kim Barnett
Kim Barnett

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is putting painters tape on my machine where my sewing allowance is to be. That way I can sew a straight line and even allowance. I’m a newbie sewer. ?

Betty
Betty

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is if I’m going to use a pattern quite often then I print it out onto light weight sew-in interfacing, also use good quality thread.

Cathi
Cathi

December 27, 2017

My sewing tip is to always iron as you sew. It really helps your sewing look better

Kara
Kara

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use steam a seam to stabilize hems

Mema
Mema

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is when working with knits or very fine fabrics to cover the foot plate with tissue paper or even a coffee filter. This prevents the fabric from getting “sucked” into the throat plate!

Cheryl R.
Cheryl R.

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to carefully read through pattern instructions not once but twice, and make notes of other materials or tools you will need that may not of been listed in the materials list of the pattern. This ensures you have absolutely everything you will need when you start the project. It also allows your mind to start processing the instructions before you even start, or mentally constructing it, and often helps minimize or even eliminate those stumped moments in the constructions details because your mind already has a grasp on it.

CoraVee Caswell
CoraVee Caswell

December 27, 2017

To gather, I zig-zag over a heavier thread that is secured at one end. Pull the other end for the easiest gathering ever..

dana
dana

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing trick is to create tiny little pleats instead of actual gathering. Makes it look like gathering but is even all the way around.

Kim J
Kim J

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is making sure my sewing surface is clear before I start a project so I can lay out my pieces, find them easily and not get projects confused.

Kasey
Kasey

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to always be a hoarder. LOL! You just never known when those fabric scraps can come in handy.

Maryann
Maryann

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is using kite string to gather a skirt. “

Judith Martinez
Judith Martinez

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to set aside some time to cut out all the pieces for multiple projects and then bag them up with everything needed. Then when you have a few minutes to sew you just take a bag to the machine and go.

Hailey
Hailey

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to constantly try the clothing on my doll as I see to make sure everything fits perfectly. Nothing is more disappointing than finishing a project and then realizing it’s too small to fit on the doll

Linda Kay
Linda Kay

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is that I heard you could copy 18" doll patterns at 128% to fit 23" dolls. However when I have tried I have to add about 1" in length to waist.

Ruth
Ruth

December 27, 2017

I just started using Elmer’s glue to hold pieces together. It works.

LInda Haynes
LInda Haynes

December 27, 2017

My tip is to start the seam with a small square of scrap fabric, chain pieces together and end with a scrap which starts the next seam. This saves on thread and avoids bunching at the start of a seam.

Toni
Toni

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to use iron on stabilizer for clothing, on tiny pieces for stabilizing the fabrics. Its easier to begin to sew & if necessary also number pieces inside with the heat away pens
Love the cute dresses to add to my word robe of many home mades.

Susan Frashour
Susan Frashour

December 27, 2017

Read the instructions twice all the way through before you start

Linda M
Linda M

December 27, 2017

Another of my favorite sewing tips is to use leftover fabric from the doll clothes to make a doll quilts.

Lane D
Lane D

December 27, 2017

Use a piece of tape to mark the edge of the fabric on your needle plate. You’ll get straight seams that way.

Sabrina E
Sabrina E

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use wonder tape if having issues with tiny finicky stretchy knits seams.

Linda M
Linda M

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to use a stool with wheels to move back and forth between sewing machines. I have a basic machine for finishing seams and a better one for basic construction.

Pam
Pam

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is learning all about the sewing machine needles. What a difference the correct needle makes. Learning about the twin needles is a lot of fun to use.u

Penny Scott
Penny Scott

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is not doing a set in sleeve. After putting in the gathering stitches put right sides together and sew on the curve of the sleeve at the shoulders matching dots and centers. Then sewing the sleeve seem and the side seem all at the same time. It is so much easier than doing a set in sleeve on dolls clothes. Works great for kids and adults clothes too!

Tonya
Tonya

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use small pieces of tear away stabilizer under buttonholes. It makes them so easy to sew and keeps the stitches on top of the fabric.

Tamra
Tamra

December 27, 2017

My favorite trick is Elastic ribbon. Simple to use, perfect results every time.

Frances Hopper
Frances Hopper

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip is to press as I go and to serge before sewing.

Margot
Margot

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is having a labelled sewing machine needle case near by to put the needles into when switcing those hard to see numbers on the needle itself. The case has dividers, I labelled each section being # 10, 12, 14 stretch, ball point etc. Now I don’t have to strain to see. Easy.

BarbB
BarbB

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to use a wooden bamboo skewer to hold small details in place while using the sewing machine. You can secure articles temporarily until your machine needle reaches the spot. Much safer than using your fingers to hold articles down…ask me how I know!

Janet
Janet

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to clean my sewing machine before each new project and to clean out the bobbin area throughout lengthy sewing projects.

Pam
Pam

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is not to rush through your project. Take your time & you’ll be happier with your end result!

Jane
Jane

December 27, 2017

My favourite sewing tip or trick is that I stick a piece of double-sided tape to my pants (on my thigh). When I clip threads I just stick them there instead of dropping them on the floor. When I’m finished my sewing session I just pull off the thread-laden tape and toss the whole thing in the trash. No more need to gather up bits of thread.

Anna
Anna

December 27, 2017

My favorite tip or trick is to get some plastic bins with lids from dollar store. Use a post a note of what you are making. And put your supplies, material etc in the bin. You can get some small ones to hold your decorative buttons etc , so they don’t disappear amongst the material. When you stop for the day clean up is so much easier. Yes my dream is to have a place just to sew only.

Pam
Pam

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is not to rush through your project. Take your time & you’ll be happier with your end result!

Laurie
Laurie

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip or trick is to use elmers glue to attach small seams or pieces before sewing.

Charlene
Charlene

December 27, 2017

One of my favorite things to do is recycle clothing into doll clothing and quilting projects.

Deb
Deb

December 27, 2017

My favorite sewing tip is to number my pattern pieces (1-5) (2-5) (3-5) (4-5) (5-5) so I’ll know if I’m missing one.

Judy Klep
Judy Klep

December 27, 2017

My hint is to print the pattern pieces at actual size, then print the rest of the pattern to fit the page and 2-sided. If you cut 1/4 inch off the page side, the whole pattern will fit in a sheet protector in a notebook and you can store the pattern pieces in there too. I’m into storage.

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