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
Janet
January 02, 2022
“My best sewing tip is continuous sewing. Start the next seam without cutting the thread, just keep sewing. Saves a lot of thread.
Cathy
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip is to switch to a single hole needle plate when sewing seams in doll clothes. It keeps the tiny pieces from being pulled down into the bobbin area.
Tamara
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is for slippery fabrics like lycra. Cut out your pattern pieces from freezer paper and lightly iron them onto the fabric. It makes the pieces so much easier to cut out! They will work a few times before wearing out, if you are making multiples.
Jennifer
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to keep doing the math. For, circumference/radius math, I often do it multiple times for the same measurement that I’m trying to figure out because somehow I’ll come up with the wrong answer the first time. Guess that’s why they say, “Measure twice, cut once.”
Nancy
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is if you the machine (or you) keeps messing up, take a step back and leave it for a few hours or even a day. Coming back with a fresh set of eyes after a break can help things go back to being smooth working.
Cindy
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is, having the money to buy the supplies you need won’t magically give you the time you need. Find time for sewing first so the supplies you bought don’t haunt you because they’re not being used.
Linda C
January 02, 2022
Best sewing tip, press, and iron as you go.
Bonnie R
January 02, 2022
Such cute ideas! Great instructions, too.
Sandy
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to read through the directions while prewashing your fabric. I helps to know what you are doing and that your finished product won’t shrink once made.
Lori b
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to wash the fabric before you start.
Miriam Sukraw
January 02, 2022
Pressing and finishing seams as you go is so important.
Kelly
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to not get stuck in a rut where you just continually do the same types of projects and techniques you have done in the past. Keep learning new techniques and acquiring higher skill levels, no matter how many years or decades that you sew. Then share your techniques and skills with others. Sewing and crafting is most enjoyable as a shared and/or generational lineage that we pass on to as many other people as we can possibly influence. I love learning new skills and am especially excited to attempt making something when my first thoughts are, “I wonder how they did that?” or “That looks new and interesting. I’m intrigued and can’t wait to figure out how it is done!” Once I’ve done something new, I am excited to share it with others and teach them how to do it themselves. — With this philosophy, sewing and crafting is always exciting and new! That’s what I absolutely love about it! :)
Cathy
January 02, 2022
my favorite sewing tip is read thru pattern before starting to make sure you understand all steps.
Melissa
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tips are to press everything and finish seams nicely.
Derin
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip is that wax paper one you mentioned in your video last week
Bev Hiler
January 02, 2022
“My best sewing tip is taking all the classes from SWC and Pattern Acadamy.” My learning curve pleasantly never ends with all the tips learned with the wealth of knowledge I continue receiving from SWC.
Madeleine F.
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to put a coffee filter or a strip of gift wrap tissue paper underneath my knit fabrics when sewing on a machine. I love this tip because the coffee filter or the tissue paper keeps the feed dogs from stretching the fabric too much. This helps a lot when sewing both simple and complicated patterns that involve knit fabrics.
Susan Griner
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip is to use 2 rows of basting when gathering an edge. I resisted this for so long! It seems like extra work, but it saves time in the long run and the gathers are so precise and professional.
Meg
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is don’t sew when you’re tired or upset. It almost always guarantees mistakes.
Cheryl P
January 02, 2022
My sewing tip is to use a “spider” when seeing knit fabrics. A “spider” is a piece of fabric you begin seeing on before the knot fabric. It helps prevent the knit fabric from being pulled into the machine by the needle.
Kathy H
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to thoroughly read pattern instructions before you start your project. I’m guilty of skipping steps on occasion. I’ve been sewing for 45 years and because clothing assembly is usually pretty much the same, I tend to skip past steps. However, making assumptions has made me either have to start over or scrap a project.
Andrea
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip: gently remove all cats from your sewing area. Repeat.
Rachel
January 02, 2022
I have commented every day but doesn’t matter. Because widget above doesn’t work to credit me an entry. Neither does the other link to enter. It takes you to a page but none of those work either. So my 8 days are useless for this contest n I am not even sure its legit now
sue
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to have the seam ripper handy. Don’t “settle” for an unmatched pattern, or unbalanced pleats. You will be much happier with the final product.
Jennifer L
January 02, 2022
don’t clip your seams before checking that your seam is smooth. lol
Rebecca Christie
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip; is to not give up- read and reread the directions, go online for tutorials of the thing that is giving you problems, ask for help. You will be so proud of yourself for persevering and learning new skills.
Rita C
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip is holding both threads behind the sewing foot and pulling slightly as you start to sew on knit fabrics.
Nancy
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is press as you sew. Also be sure you lay your pattern on the straight of the grain and match plaids. This may take a bit more time, but the results are definitely worth it.
Jennifer
January 02, 2022
my favorite sewing tip is using coffee filter!
Melody Link
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to remember that you probably have several face plates, so if you are using a single needle and have fabric getting stuffed down into the face plate with a wide slot, you can switch to a single hole face plate and save yourself a LOT of hassle. Just remember to change back if you decide to zigzag!
Deb
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to press as you go. The little extra time it takes makes a big difference in the final product.
Rachel
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to read all the directions before you start to be sure you know how to sew the item. That gives you a chance to learn a step if you don’t know it already.
Sissy Lingle
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to buy porcupine quills on ETSY to use to push and arrange fabric as it goes through the sewing machine.
Anna
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to prewash your material before sewing.
Melanie
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tips are to always read through the pattern first and to finish your raw edges.
Leah
January 02, 2022
My faovrite sewing tip is to read all the comments from the Pixie Faire site. I’ve gotten some great ideas from all of my readings!
Sonja
January 02, 2022
My best tip is to reuse the fabric from clothes you no longer wear to make doll clothes. You usually can’t find the colors and patterns in regular fabric stores. The second most important tip is clean your machine regularly!
Kathy m
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip is tissue paper to sew with slippery fabric and work great with zigzag stitch for seam on doll clothes extend over the seam to catch all threads and after sewing tear it off it makes smooth edge
Margaret Wood
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is follow instructions unless you have done the same thing before you you know a better solution.
Suzanne Krueger
January 02, 2022
My tip would be to understand that ironing is half of sewing! Match the scale of the fabric to the doll you’re sewing for,
Rene'
January 02, 2022
My sewing tip is to make a note on your fabric if it is directional fabric. Sometimes when you get cutting you are trying to use the least amount of fabric and flip pattern pieces to save fabric and then end up using more since you cut it upside down.
Shar
January 02, 2022
Myb st sewing tip is to always double check before sewing to make sure nothing is tucked under your seam, it’s not sewing right to wrong side or not pinned correctly. My mom always said “a stitch in time saves 9” do I take my time to check to save time later.
Aimee B
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to press all your seams! Also, take your time to make sure you’re sewing it right; ripping out a seam is always more frustrating than taking your time.
Bee
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip is to use a washable glue stick to place small trim before sewing.
Ali
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip, which I learned from Liberty Jane (!) is to use a coffee filter or tissue underneath knit fabrics to keep the sewing machine from eating them.
Linda
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is when teaching someone to sew , do the unsewing (lol) for them so they don’t get frustrated and decide that sewing wasn’t fun.
Sue
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to take time to read the instructions first!
Sue
January 02, 2022
my best sewing tip is to use the five and ten minute bits of time to sew when waiting for something or someone.
Kaylee
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip is using coffee filters for all those tiny seams! I sew barbie clothes, so sleeves and necklines are really small. When I put a coffee filter under the seam my feed dogs don’t eat it :)
Margaret
January 02, 2022
Pin. Pin. Pin. Pinning close together helps keep things in place as you sew. Love all the tips.
Linda A
January 02, 2022
My best tip is to cut out multiple projects on one day so that when you are ready to sew, you can pick one and be ready to go when you are in the mood to sew something fun.
Corinne Janes
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is use tissue paper under fine knit stretch fabric so it won’t go down in bobbin whole.
Laura Davis
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is press all seams. Pressing gives a professional look.
Angie
January 02, 2022
Take it slow.
Ava Smith
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to choose your fabric carefully. Cotton is the easiest for beginners. Silks, satins and other specialty fabrics take a lot more time, patience, and are much less forgiving of mistakes even for advanced seamstresses.
Linda Reynolds
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to read and reread the pattern instructions!
Marion
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip (which I learned from SWC) is using a paper coffee filter, instead of tissue paper, and walking foot, to sew knit fabrics. Makes sewing with knits (my favorite) a breeze.
Lisa A.
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is clean your machine! I throughly clean my machine and put in a fresh needle every Saturday morning, and sometimes more often if I need to. I can hear when my machine is running different … a little cleaning makes a big difference!
Martha
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is wash your fabric before cutting out and sewing your project.
Pat
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to set a timer so I remember to take a break, move my body, get some fresh air and clear my mind.
Ruth Ann
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to walk away when you start to get frustrated — it probably isn’t going to get better at that time! After making one mistake, I usually keep going, but if I make the second one, it’s time to stop.
Kelly
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to prewash your fabric! No one ever told me this and it saves a lot of heartache when it shrinks in the wash!
Rebecca
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to use precision when cutting out the project, and also using the correct seam allowance when sewing. With such small seams, even a little mess up can make a big difference.
Violet
January 02, 2022
my favorite tip is if you are sewing on fine material or knitting , use a tissue paper under the material for an even feed, it rips off easily after .Sometimes I have to use it under and over but its usually at the edge so one can see where to sew.
Bev
January 02, 2022
My favorite tip is to be precise when cutting patterns and sewing seams. Project will go together easier and the end project will look and fit much better!
Nancy R
January 02, 2022
My favourite sewing tip is, if you pin isn’t quite going through your material, run it through the hair on top of your head and try again. I know, really weird,but my Mum and Nanna did it all the time. It works.
Maurine
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to try on the garment at different stages of construction so that sizing adjustments can be made before the garment is fully assembled.
Rose
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is splurge on a serger…seams are so much for professional if they are serged. I wouldn’t be without one now that I have it.
Brenda
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is, if you’re feeling frustrated walk away, get some fresh air and you’ll be ready to tackle the problem again!
Sharon
January 02, 2022
tip- keep a mini pin cushion on the sewing machine
Samantha
January 02, 2022
Don’t be afraid to try something new or ask for help. You might find a different or easier way of doing something.
Joy
January 02, 2022
Best tip for sewing is clip carefully on curves like collars/neck to avoid cutting beyond the seam line. :)
Erika
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is, If it doesn’t turn out right the first 3 times, there is always the 4th time lol. Seriously though just take your time. Don’t rush it. Leave a good enough seam allowance. An always remember to have fun. You are creating fashion if it looks like you made it with your feet. Just know that some people actually pay top dollar for that… just look at the runway.
Edith Garrant
January 02, 2022
My sewing tip is to learn about needles, which one to use and why. It makes all the difference in stitch quality.
Kassy
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip is take a class and join a group. It expands your repertoire and you get to know other people outside your own space.
Linda
January 02, 2022
Favorite tip is read and follow the instructions.
Kim C
January 02, 2022
“My best sewing tip is to use a hemostat for turning things right side out.
Sandy
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is if you have a directional print or napped fabric to be sure to cut it all out the correct direction.
Shawn Stover
January 02, 2022
To have good lighting!
Janet
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to use a fork to achieve perfectly spaced pleats. If I remember correctly, it’s a trick I learned from Erin Hentzel of Avery Lane and it works so slick.
Nadine
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to use good lighting!
Jacquie Corrigan
January 02, 2022
My sewing tip is to read the pattern carefully before you begin, and then be just as careful when you are cutting out. Then the sewing part will be a snap!
Rebecca M
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip is but a good iron and use it after every step. My middle school Home Ec teacher told us, “Pressing is the difference between homemade and handmade!”
KATHY
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip? — Take the time to baste. It’s well worth the effort (even if I don’t always do it when I should).
Patty
January 02, 2022
Best sewing tip: pin everything before you sew, even if you know you don’t need to.
Catherine Hines
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip: Read the pattern instructions, then carefully think of what you can change. There’s always a way to make sure there are no exposed seams in a lined bodice
Terri
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip is to iron carefully at each step of construction. A tailors ham is immensely helpful in pressing curved hems. I also organize all of my fabric scraps by color in zip top bags.
Connie
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is organization. When starting a project make sure you have everything you need on hand to complete it. I have found that if some item is missing when you’re working on something you are less likely to complete it.
Catherine Hines
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip: Read the pattern instructions, then carefully think of what you can change. There’s always a way to make sure there are no exposed seams in a lined bodice
Debby
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip is to take the time to reinforce all your seams… This makes the garment last longer… also to check the grain of fabric… especially on prints so you don’t make something with an upside down pattern…
Marietta
January 02, 2022
Have a designated room or area for sewing so you can stop when tired and leave it just as you have it. This is my tip.
Vickie
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is press after every step and really enjoy what you are doing. Also measure twice and cut once.
Kathleen A
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is…quit before you are too tired. Often, if I’m close to finishing a project I try to rush to get it done, even though I’m tired. That’s when I make mistakes, and sometimes they are costly ones! It’s just not worth it!. Take a break!
Kay Goebel
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip is to have fun and enjoy the process!
Deb
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to press every seam as you go.
Catherine Walden
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to read the instruction and follow them. If you don’t, have a seam ripper handy.
Ruth
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to stay organized and have fun!
Kathy
January 02, 2022
My best sewing tip is to have good lighting where you sew, and when you sew to press, press press after each step. It makes your garments so much better when finished.
Charlene
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip is to read the instructions several times.
Marilu
January 02, 2022
My favorite sewing tip is “enjoy what you are doing” be happy and take your time, don’t rush
Janet
January 02, 2022
“My best sewing tip is continuous sewing. Start the next seam without cutting the thread, just keep sewing. Saves a lot of thread.