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 Hacks tutorials available in Sewing With Cinnamon! You'll find them sprinkled through many of the courses!
Here's a little more about pattern hacks, from the SWC course:
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...
Have you explored the new site and full set of mobile apps yet?
Sewing With Cinnamon has just gotten a huge upgrade! We so excited to announce that you can find our app on all streaming services! You heard me right! Roku, AppleTV, Fire TV, IOS apps, Android Apps, and Google Play!
If you haven't joined yet - go take a look! It's free for the first 7 days!
Explore the content! Try it out! Download an app and see how Easy it is to use!
Existing SWC members already have access, just check our email to find the emailed invite to the new platform :)
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 Sunday, 1/2/2022.
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
Judy
December 26, 2022
I would like to see a sew along for the hello Oscar dress
Sandy
December 26, 2022
Measure Twice, Cut Once. Not just when cutting fabric, but along the way!
Janie
January 05, 2022
My best sewing tip is to press as you go.
Cathy
January 03, 2022
My best sewing tip is to never cut anything but fabric with your scissors. This keeps them sharp longer.
Kate piotrzkowski
January 03, 2022
My best sewing tip is using a piece of paper to start stitches on knits
Linda
January 02, 2022
There are a lot of great tips here! My tip would be to use the correct type and size needle for the type of fabric. Ball point for knits always.
Carol
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to tape buttons down before sewing them on by machine.
Teresa
January 02, 2022
Like many before me, the best tip is to press as you go.
Always makes the item look professional and you professional as well.
Regina
January 02, 2022
Make sure your pins are sharp so you don’t snag the fabric.
Nikki
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to be patient.
S.C.
January 02, 2022
My sewing tip is to use good fabric scissors. Not only will dull scissors make it harder to cut, but the jagged lines it will create can be a pain later on.
Barb
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is, be patient! If possible, avoid working with a deadline.
Riekje van Schie
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is shorten your stitch length when sewing curves, like neck lines! Press as you go is super important and take your time! Have fun and use quality materials as much as possible. If in doubt about whether a pattern is the right size for the doll, make a quick version in cheap fabric before using your quality expensive fabric.
Mary Cox
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip is Cinnamon’s tip about using a coffee filter when sewing necklines on knit shirts.
Susan
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to get to know all your presser feet and how they can help you to sew better and with less hassle. I didn’t know there were so many feet that have particular functions.
CK
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip is to keep used dryer sheets to use as lining for neck areas and sleeves. It gives them extra support and smells good, too!
CK
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip is to keep used dryer sheets to use as lining for neck areas and sleeves. It gives tthem extra support and smells good, too!
CK
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip is to keep used dryer sheets to use as lining for neck areas and sleeves. It gives tthem extra support and smells good, too!
Crystal
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip is…to read all these wonderful comments from the wonderful sewiest because there are lots of awesome tips.
Katherine
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to be choosy about where you attach hook and loop tape. Make the scratchy side facing toward the doll’s body and the soft side facing outward. This makes it less likely the doll’s hair will get caught on the hooks.
Monica
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is baste. Basting is the best way to make sure the pieces are sewn together correctly.
T
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to read the directions before you start and to not be too nervous if you are a beginner, as we all have to start somewhere.
Martha
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to have all the needed supplies and equipment out and ready to use before starting to sew because I don’t lose momentum and enthusiasm when I have to go get something out or set up.
Callie
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to not sew in a rush because it will probably end up in mistakes.
Heidi
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is not to rush through a project and thereby avoid mistakes. Take time to understand the written instructions.
Cassandra
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to have everything you need before you start sewing.
DeeDee
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip is to always use double threads on delicate or thin material
jj
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip is keep my sewing machine clean so the fuzzies don’t clump in seams.
Milica
January 02, 2022
my sewing tip is to keep needles on magnet pad not in pin cussion.
R
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is read over the pattern before starting.
Linda
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to always put back the items that you use for sewing, i.e. scissors, seam gauge, seam ripper etc in the same place every time you use it!! It saves so much time and frustration in looking for these items when they don’t get put back in their usual spot!
Emily Rasi-Koskinen
January 02, 2022
My best tip is to give yourself time, and don’t worry about mistakes. Improvement comes with practice
Susan
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to follow all the pattern directions as you sew.
Karen
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to buy the best machine that you have the money for. A good sewing machine makes sewing so much easier.
Jeri
January 02, 2022
I loved reading all of these great tips! My best tip is to make sure your seam allowance is correct.
Deborah L Sebring
January 02, 2022
Measure twice and cut once. Press always. Shrink fabric if the item may be washed..
THERESA
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to make sure you read pattern before starting and then make sure all supplies that you will need are at hands length.
Jackie Minnick
January 02, 2022
My tip is to press as you go. I haven’t been sewing for too long, so I don’t have many tips.
Rose Ann
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to have my pins ,scissors, thread and all pattern pieces, along with directions all ready when I am set to sew.,
Bonny
January 02, 2022
My best tip for sewing is when making pants, if the waiste is too big, create a circle with 1 inch elastic that fits your waist. Then invert your pants and slip them on and place the elastic over the top and pin in place. Then you can trim the top to fit. This really helps of you are short from waist to crotch.
Jen H
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to wax thread when hand sewing. It makes such a difference.
Susan
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to press your fabric before cutting, then again before attaching another piece of fabric.
C myrick
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip is to use tissue paper under knits. After sewing fold paper then it releases and leaves a nice clean stitching without puckers.
Phyllis
January 02, 2022
best sewing tip: Gee there are so many. Press as you go. Buy quality tools, Use the fabric scissors for only fabric, don’t fear the ripper (seam), Don’t be afraid to try something new, you’ll learn something when you do. Above all have fun.
Kerry
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to use a neutral color for your bobbin thread and fill several bobbins before you begin your project. I always use black, white, grey or beige in the bobbin and the color that matches the fabric I’m using in the needle. I always have plenty of bobbins to pop in when I need them and don’t have any waste of the thread purchased specifically for one project.
Michelle
January 02, 2022
There are so many awesome tips here! I don’t think I could add anything better.
Susan
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is read your pattern carefully and then read it again. Once steps are in your mind, sewing goes quickly!
Melinda Kemink
January 02, 2022
My best tip for sewing is change your needle often.
Mollie Bradford
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to use cam snaps instead of bulky hook and loop. The smallest two sizes, 14” and 16” are proportionallly good for 18” doll clothes.
Lori
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is get the tubes for turning strips right side out! They are awesome
Cindy
January 02, 2022
I don’t have a best sewing tip. I hardly feel qualified to give anyone sewing tips. I consider myself still a beginner!
Ginger Waltemyer
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is don’t be reluctant to throw out needles and replace with a fresh needle. I have been known in the past to try to get the very last stitch out of my needles as they struggle along to sew. Now I"ve learned to not be so “stingy” and it makes sewing much more relaxing!
Marichu
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to invest in good tools — like a rotary cutter and mat.
Elisa
January 02, 2022
My favorite tip I’ve ever gotten is, “always use a fresh needle.” Nothing worse than cutting something from a piece of fine fabric, only to have it get all chewed up by an old needle.
Liza
January 02, 2022
Best tip…presses you go. It’s really important to
Kyle
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip is to always double check the bobbin! Can’t count how many times I’ve sewn a good bit without any bobbin thread or enough left to finish the job.
Diana
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip seems to be a pretty popular one- use the iron and press as you go!
Kathy
January 02, 2022
Press and clip threads as you go.
Susan T
January 02, 2022
Check your measurements and layout twice before you cut anything! Waste not, want not.
Deanna
January 02, 2022
Use SWC to learn how to do anything: zippers, shoes, use a serger, all kinds of creative ideas, the list seems endless!
Debbie
January 02, 2022
my best tip is pressing the item you are sewing .
Shari
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to read the entire pattern packet! I annotate mine, too!
Debbie
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to press as you go…it makes your outfits look so professional!
jeansews
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is take the thread out of your sewing machine needle, stitch where you want some trim, then use embroidery floss through the holes for your trim.
Kathleen
January 02, 2022
Be sure to have all the supplies you need for a sewing project before starting.
Martha R
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to read all these wonderful suggestions from experienced sewists and try them out.
Tatyana
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is alway read the materials list and instructions first before starting a project. It helps reduces frustration and prepares you for what’s to come
Lorraine MacLeod
January 02, 2022
Always press after each step and keep your bobbin case clean so your machine will work perfectly, as well as changing needles often and the right type of needle for smooth sewing..
Elaine
January 02, 2022
My best and most important tip when doing anything is to enjoy and love what you do and just be patient with yourself and if you make a mistake, so what, just leave it alone, walk away and come back to it so you don’t get frustrated and what to give up. Making mistakes is part of the journey of life, not just sewing and this is how we all learn and grow and become better creators of whatever we are making. Happy New Year everyone and God Bless
Rose
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is two fold. Press every seam after sewing and use a coffee filter to keep fabric like knits from being sucked in the feed dog. This is especially important when sewing the t-shirts for dolls.
Soozee
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is clean up your sewing area after each project. A neat room is a stress free room. No hunting for the irems you need
Hazel
January 02, 2022
Do what the pattern says. Don’t think you can take short cuts. The results are always worth the time spent creating.
Lynn M
January 02, 2022
Press, press, press! Ironing makes everything look crisp and neat.
PATRICIA
January 02, 2022
my best sewing tip is wash and dry first and iron then cut carefully and the sew like the dickens
Karen Niehaus
January 02, 2022
Read all directions before beginning a new pattern.
Betsy
January 02, 2022
use hairspray on the thread if you struggle with threading a needle
Peggy
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is alway press as you go.
Linda M.
January 02, 2022
My sewing tip is to purchase a mini ironing board to press those tiny doll pieces! Thanks!
Bridgette
January 02, 2022
My sewing tip is to use a knitting needle to turn small corners!
Rena Walter
January 02, 2022
My favorite tip is to read the directions and pay attention to what you are doing, so you can get it right the first time.
Kathy
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is keep your machines clean and well maintained. Nothing worse than fighting your machine when you’re supposed to be enjoying yourself.
Janet
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to be patient and take the time to do everything right the first time.
Betty
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is, “Stop and take a rest if you start making mistakes (even small ones).” Things will only get worse if you let yourself get more and more frustrated. Trust me. I’ve done this too many times over the years!
Judith Martinez
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to press after each step.
Mason
January 02, 2022
Make a mockup out of scrap first! Its so easy to make mistakes the first time you sew something!
Sarah P
January 02, 2022
My number one tip is to trace patterns onto a sheet of freezer paper. Then, cut out the pieces and iron them onto your fabric. This is especially helpful when cutting out small pieces.
Beth P
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to stitch off the end of each collar point, rather than pivoting at the points. So much easier to turn and get a sharp point.
barbara
January 02, 2022
my favorite sewing tip is to organize the things you will need.
Glenna
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to not be a scrooge on the quality of fabric. If you are putting all this time into it, you don’t want to waste it on cheap fabric.
Holly
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip is to use 1/4” Steam a Seam. It makes sewing life so much smoother.
T.A.D.
January 02, 2022
Keep trying
Julie A Vasbinder
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tips are first read all the pattern instructions, always iron between steps, don’t hurry.
Noel
January 02, 2022
My best tip — I keep an end roll of blue painter’s tape at the machine. I use the tape for many things, and it’s especially for leaving myself a message on the machine about the needle type and size currently in the machine. Works for presser feet, too. I also sew multiple items at the same time, so the tape also goes on the zip lock bag holding the pieces to each, and on the sewing machine if I want to mark a seam allowance other than 1/4".
Natalie
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to never keep an open cup near your project, nothing worse than coffee spilled on hours of work
Ksenia Gutzke
January 02, 2022
My tip is Clover products. They are a little higher, but they have been well designed and engineered, in my experience so far with them. I especially admire the little clips. They now have narrow pointy doll size clips That I think would be perfect for you guys sewing doll clothes. I tested them against pins in my corset fittings, and they held about as well as pins.
Sandy R
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to read through the whole pattern before you start. This could save you lots of time in the long run.
Charlene
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is use wonder tap to keep things in place such as ribbon trim. It makes sewing so much easier!
Kansas Girl
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to relax and have fun—-choose your item to stitch and just enjoy what you are stitching and treasure every moment of your creative activity. You will have SEW MUCH MORE FUN and ENJOY YOUR activity and final product SEW MUCH MORE when you make a point to have fun.
Sharon Howell
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to reinforce your stress points. I always sew sleeve seams twice—in my own clothing as well as any body else’s clothing. Also be sure to backstitch any seam that won’t be sewn over. Nothing is worse that dressing, and finding out that a seam has ripped open.
Carol
January 02, 2022
My best tip is read the directions first. Then take your time. Rushing doesn’t usually work well and we all use the ripper more than we want to anyway!
Judy
December 26, 2022
I would like to see a sew along for the hello Oscar dress