The 2026 12 Days Of Christmas Start Now!

Linda Hamilton

January 05, 2026

I do not have a serger and so I need to rely on proper zigzagging, which I find difficult, to finish seams.

Marcia G

January 05, 2026

The sewing text I most want to master is using the proper presser foot for the right project. I have several presser feet but can not figure out how to use them on my projects & everything lining up correctly. Next would be altering a pattern to fit a different doll/person.

zuest

January 05, 2026

I keep thinking about smocking, modernised somehow, perhaps at the sleevehead or cuff. I have some Irish lawn scraps I could try some on. Maybe seems less daunting in doll sizes.

Sand

January 04, 2026

I want to learn how to taylor outfits better to my body.

Lynda Taylor

January 04, 2026

Day 12
I want to work on my finishing this year.
I know that entails pressing throughout and sometimes top stitching, but its the small things that make the big differences.

Lynda Taylor

January 04, 2026

Day 11
I like using simple embellishments like braid or buttons.
I’m not a fan of distressing fabric.

suzanne krueger

January 04, 2026

Sewing snaps on more neatly.

Mae Lynn Beck

January 04, 2026

Mostly I use lace, trim, buttons as embellishment but I do love ruching, pin tucks, etc for interest.

Julie

January 04, 2026

I haven’t done any distressing of fabric, but I do add embellishments as much as I can where they seem to fit.

Lezlie

January 04, 2026

When I distressed a denim skirt, I used a fingernail file to gently rough up the fabric without destroying it. Nice touch. Mini buckles and odd buttons are good accents.

Linda Leigh

January 04, 2026

I love adding just a touch of embellishments to my projects. I little bit of lace, buttons or a little bit of beading.

Susan G

January 04, 2026

I rely on jewelry, fabric texture and print

Tess

January 04, 2026

Day 11: Distressing & Embellishment
I haven’t done distressing, but I do like to embellish with trim, buttons, etc. A little pizzazz makes an outfit memorable!

Sharon

January 04, 2026

Depends on what I think would look best for the pattern and what I have available to me. I like to do both.

Sharon (Sandy)

January 04, 2026

I’ve never understood the why distressed – shredded fabric on knees or legs of jeans has been and is still popular. However, I love the ripped hem look on a casual dress (Joy Doll Joy Dress pattern). Embellishments need balance. For texture – corduroy is always an easy one – a jumper, slacks, etc. A “sailor” style garment in a solid navy is nothing with embellishments (contrasting colors used in bias strips, buttons and maybe a tie under the collar). A busy bright multi-colored floral dress would require only an accent of one of the colors … maybe a thin strip of fabric at the hem and same color repeated with vertical piping on the bodice and the edge of a ruffed sleeve. Even a solid colored bodice with buttons.

Bonnie

January 04, 2026

“Do you enjoy embellishing your projects with fabric manipulation or added details?”
Yes, i do both. I add handmade appliques, embroidery, sequins, beads, felt.. whatever adds interest. I also made a paper piecing dress.. just like a quilting process.

Kim

January 04, 2026

Day 11: “Do you enjoy embellishing your projects with fabric manipulation or added details like buttons, beads, or trims?”
- I’m not good with fabric manipulation. I don’t trust my skills. I’d rather add buttons and trims.

Vicki

January 04, 2026

I love using all types of embellishments. I have never done distressing.

Deb Helfrich

January 04, 2026

I love using embellishments like pin tucks, piping, lace shaping, etc. Adds just the right interest to a garment.

Yana

January 04, 2026

I haven’t tried distressing but I like using trims and lace for embelishment and add details in contrasting color.

Syndi

January 04, 2026

I let my mood move me. I lean more toward simple designs when I just want to get a quick one done. But I love to do detailed designs adding beads, buttons, sashing, trims, tucks and/or embroidery to make the perfect fitting outfit.

Renee Finney

January 04, 2026

I love to do embellishments with an unexpected detail, like a button, a patch, or some machine embroidery. I have been sewing for over 50 years and I have yet to distress fabric. I just don’t know if I could that to a perfectly good piece of fabric. LOL

Mama T

January 04, 2026

Jackie, I love your ideas. Rocking it!

Day 9: no particular designer or era.. I work a lot with people costumes as well, so get inspired by visions of how the actors envision their characters too which then leads me to new ideas to try for my doll clothes.

Ruth

January 04, 2026

I love to embellish using lace. There are so many ways to use it – as a neck ruffle, overlay on fabric, an applique, use instead of a fabric sleeve, let it peek out from under a hem, insertion….to name a few.

Kathy m

January 04, 2026

I used button lace etc to add more details to design of the pattern . I don’t do the distressed of fabric

Sherry Maxwell

January 04, 2026

I am just getting started making the clothes. I haven’t embellished much yet but am looking forward to getting into it over this winter.

Janet

January 04, 2026

I like to use embellishments like buttons and trim.

Mama T

January 04, 2026

Day 8: interesting question, I guess I tend to high or natural waistlines. I think I may have to challenge myself with a low waistline with a cool 70 mod printed pattern and GoGo boots and a high ponytail. Thank you for the inspiration.

Pam

January 04, 2026

I love adding embellishments to my projects. I recently learned to make pintucks and will do that again. I like adding buttons,lace and embroidery to make them look special. I would really like to learn to add beads and sequins.

Chantal

January 04, 2026

I like to embellish the doll garments with beads, buttons or ribbons.

Janice

January 04, 2026

I don’t usually manipulate the fabric, unless ironing counts.

Judith Martinez

January 04, 2026

I love embellishments!! Some of my favorites are pintucks and embroidery.

Jackie

January 04, 2026

For texture, fabric manipulation, distressing [[jeans!] and embellishment I try to keep a light hand and suggest rather than overwhelm. These fictional people are pretty short. I’m a big fan of functional pockets for dolls. You can see so much of the personality by what is carried there. One of my boy Sashas nearly always has a mouse in his pocket. Some of the girls wear dresses that have most of the interest in color and texture but carry a cross body bag [both hands free] that is gussied up a whole lot. Holiday or seasonal pinnies, tabords, hats, shoes , vests for the boys or simple jackets for anybody can be fairly fancy. The simple jeans , corduroy pants, dresses and turtlenecks that the dolls wear with the fancy stuff is usually simple and chosen for becoming c olor and texture. Rotating the fancy bits makes for a harmonious whole. I do most of my doll sewing by hand.

Hannah

January 04, 2026

Not only do embellishments add interest, they can hide tiny flaws! SHHHHH.

Cathy

January 04, 2026

I love to use embellishments if the fabric and pattern can accommodate them. Beads, crystals, lace and ribbon can add to a garment especially if the fabric is plain.

Christine

January 04, 2026

I enjoy adding trim, buttons, and even fabric yo yos sometimes, but I would not add beads as I’m not confident with those.

Crystal

January 04, 2026

I use buttons, beads, trims, and sometimes a combination. I want my item to be “unique”!!

Lise

January 04, 2026

I love to try different embellishment if it doesn’t take away from the original design.

Jean

January 04, 2026

I like to use decorative buttons, lace, rick rack, and other trims to embellish outfits.

LAURIE

January 04, 2026

For me it’s beads, trims or buttons.

Jacqui Starr

January 04, 2026

I prefer buttons & trims for embellishments.

Penelope

January 04, 2026

In my mind, embellishment is keynote to individualize any well done project. The main thought is to not overdo it.

KathyS

January 04, 2026

I love buttons in different shapes and colors and seasonal ones to add for embellishments. I also like little appliqués and lace

Carol

January 04, 2026

Adding embellishments give unlimited possibilities

Virginia Goodwin-Gray

January 04, 2026

Embellishments offer a limitless array of possibilities for customizing a garment. It is fun to experiment with different options until I find one that really speaks to me. Favorite embellishments include hand embroidery, piping, lace, buttons and mini trims like rickrack and braids.

Karyn

January 04, 2026

Just Enough Texture can enrich; boo much, or done poorly, can destroy a design. With doll clothes, it’s important to keep it all in the proper scale!

Connie

January 04, 2026

I love tiny pintucks and tiny beads. I’m watching a lot of edge beading videos now.

Mama T

January 04, 2026

Day 7: the most surprising or fun detail to a project was little embroidered purses that matched the white and black outfit on an 18 inch doll. It made the whole thing. Well maybe the little pearl necklace but it turned out cute!

Cindy D.

January 04, 2026

Definitely embellishments!! Other than purchased lace, trims, and ruffles, I’ve braided embroidery floss in color(s) to coordinate or contrast with my fabric, then hand-stitched it in intricate patterns to the garment. Lightly draw the design on the garment, measure the length of the design carefully, and add another half of that length to allow for braiding the three “strands” together, like braiding hair. To control the different strands while braiding, each is wound onto a separate piece of cardboard that has a slit cut into it. Knot the strands together and clamp the strands with a binder clip about three inches from the knot. This three inches will allow you to thread needles onto the floss and carry the threads to the wrong side of the garment to fasten them. As you braid, unwind the floss from the three cardboard pieces as needed. By using the slits, you control the lengths of the three strands as you are working. Periodically, refasten the binder clip directly on the cross-over you just completed and wind the finished braided floss on a fourth cardboard piece fastening it into a slit. Continue braiding. By using a safety pin to secure the binder clip to your pant leg, (tension for a tight, even braid) and having a ziplock bag on hand, creating this braided trim is a portable project.

Stephanie A

January 04, 2026

I love embellishing with trims, buttons etc.

Charissa

January 04, 2026

Often the first time I try a pattern i just do as guided and embellish (or not) as the pattern suggests but after that I tend to make several alterations and embellish in many ways and compare the outcomes. When I teach someone to show it affords a variety of interpretations. lately hand beading, embroidery with rick rack have been my diversion. My next trial is reverse applique

Melissa

January 04, 2026

Fabric manipulation vs embellishment: I like both. I tend to fussy cut most bodices, even if I am trying to sew in bulk. I love all types of trims, but for historical outfits, I try to keep the embellishments and trims accurate to the time period.

Marti

January 04, 2026

I love adding embellishments. My favorite is smocking and also using beads in smocking.

Trudy

January 04, 2026

I tend not to add much to the basic pattern. I making doll clothes for my 4 year old granddaughter.

Sue D

January 04, 2026

I like to add details like buttons, trim or beads.

June

January 04, 2026

I use more embellishments like lace, piping, appliques, ric rac, ribbon, buttons, trims etc. But I have done some distressing, mostly on jeans.

Sue

January 04, 2026

I do not like distressed clothes most likely because of when I grew up – comfortably ‘worn’ clothes are fine but once you get holes/rips then, to me, they are to be upcycled. And people PAY for clothes with holes!!! Light embellishments if the style calls for it then ok but never for deliberately destroying clothes

LouAnn

January 04, 2026

Pleads or a little tuck but mostly with physical embellishments, patches, lace, buttons & eyelets with ribbon.

Mollie Bradford

January 04, 2026

Pintucks, pleats, buttons, beads and trims… I’m all about the embellishments when appropriate to the design or time period. I love medieval gowns with removable sleeves. I can make all types of different ones to change the look.

Mollie Bradford

January 04, 2026

Pintucks, pleats, buttons, beads and trims… I’m all about the embellishments when appropriate to the design or time period. I love medieval gowns with removable sleeves. I can make all types of different ones to change the look.

Susan Smart

January 04, 2026

I’ve never distressed anything and almost never embellish beyond what the pattern calls for.

Tanya Walker

January 04, 2026

I embellishing. I have an embroidery machine and generally add something to whatever I am making. I add flowers, or straight line trim like zig zag or even make some if my own lace then sew it on. I’ve decorated a jeans jacket and a pair of jeans I made and added floral on the jacket pocket, a matching design in the back pockets, down the jeans side seams and a bigger design on the back of the jacket —a horse head with flowers in the mane.

candy

January 04, 2026

I use what ever fits the style and theme

Tanya Walker

January 04, 2026

I embellishing. I have an embroidery machine and generally add something to whatever I am making. I add flowers, or straight line trim like zig zag or even make some if my own lace then sew it on. I’ve decorated a jeans jacket and a pair of jeans I made and added floral on the jacket pocket, a matching design in the back pockets, down the jeans side seams and a bigger design on the back of the jacket —a horse head with flowers in the mane.

Emma W

January 04, 2026

I love embellishing my makes! I particularly love lace and unique trims! Especially with simple constructions, I feel it can really elevate a simple piece.

Julie C

January 04, 2026

I like to add trims and buttons to the garments I am making. However, if the garment is going to be for a baby doll (younger child) I try to just use more gathers, pleats, tucks and embroidery for safety reasons).

Lorraine

January 04, 2026

I love to try different embellishments, never tried distressing but I will now.

Kristin

January 04, 2026

I think I already replied to today topic, but I can’t find it and can’t remember for sure. I only would do a very little bit of fabric manipulation. One example I am about to do is to pleat a small rectangle to then lay a yoke overlay on to get a little pleated “bib” on a dress.

Nancy S.

January 04, 2026

I love to add embellishments, like buttons, lace trims, ribbon roses, iron-on appliques, etc. to my outfits. I’m not confident with trying techniques like distressing denim, but if I can find something that adds to my outfits (pleats, ruffles, different fabric accents, etc.) as suits the garment.

Jennifer Little

January 04, 2026

Only if the pattern/style/era calls for it. Sometimes I will skip extra trims.

Sharon murk

January 04, 2026

Added details definitely!

Sherry

January 04, 2026

I generally embellish as the pattern indicates. But I like trying and learning new embellishment techniques so sometimes I will make a dress just to do that.

Beverley

January 04, 2026

I prefer added details like buttons, beads, or trims.

J.J. Goody

January 04, 2026

I think the embellishments are the fun of it. Adding embroidery to gingham is one of my faves, or adding ruffles, ribbons and trim like in this Ballet Folklorico dress I made: https://pin.it/6Olm4t5GA).

Ruth

January 04, 2026

I think it’s always fun to add embellishments to projects. Each project is different and is fun to add touches according to what the project will be used for. A chance to be artsy and creative :)

BrendaK

January 04, 2026

I enjoy using trims to embellish my doll outfits. I also like to mix coordinating fabrics but I do not understand by what is meant by “manipulating” fabrics!!

Barb

January 04, 2026

I am a strong believer in less is more. Although in certain circumstances embellishments or distressing can be the focal point, generally speaking, I believe they should be subtle and add to the overall design.

Sarah

January 04, 2026

I like doing both! Fabric manipulation is an incredible tool but it can’t take the place of a bit of lace or beading.

Jennifer

January 04, 2026

I like to add beading and lace. I think they look so pretty on dresses and tops.

Barbara E.

January 04, 2026

In most cases, I feel like an outfit isn’t complete without trims. There are some exceptions, though, where the style speaks for itself.

Clarissa

January 04, 2026

Since the grands are now too
grown up for dolls, I’m making clothes for my own large collection. No worries about little ones pulling off beads or buttons so I do add lots of embellishments and fabric manipulation to the doll outfits and costumes. The dolls are very into lace and beading. I like using # 11 and #15 beads for hand embellishing. I use silk thread in black, white, cream, beige and taupe to sew on embellishments because it “melts” into the background of fabrics. A tip I learned as a quilt appliquer.

I also like to combine different kinds of fabrics and trims, like the costume for a grownup Dorothy of Oz who has a dress with an attached overskirt in greens and browns over a green velvet dress. The overskirt is open in the front and curves on both sides of the front into a trailing train in back. The gauze has old gold #15 beads all along the edge at 1/4" apart to match the gold holograph trim on the velvet at the hem, waist and neckline all hand stitched in place.

Annalene mcKenna

January 04, 2026

I prefer a minimalistic look and let the fabric speak for itself.

Barbara

January 04, 2026

I am enjoying fabric manipulation lately. I just made the Colonial Day Dress for a Christmas gift to my granddaughter. It was my first experience with ruching and I love it. I also received pintuck feet as a gift and I’m looking forward to learning this technique.

Florence

January 04, 2026

I like using both, add on embellishments or fabric manipulation to get the look I want. It really just depends on the outfit.

Milica Virag

January 04, 2026

I like to wash the fabric sometimes before sewing to make it softer. Adding patches can create distressed look too.

Bev

January 04, 2026

I do enjoy embellishing projects with fabric manipulation or added details like buttons, beads, or trims. I also enjoy small embroidery work and adding bits of tiny jewelry pieces recycled from larger pieces.

Sherry

January 04, 2026

“Do you enjoy embellishing your projects with fabric manipulation or added details like buttons, beads, or trims?” I do enjoy adding elements, like lace, trim, beads,etc, but I have not done any distressing. Personally I don’t like the look.

Julia Christman

January 04, 2026

Distressing and embellishments depends on the look I am trying to create. The buttons might be subdued or bold. The lace might be neutral or colorful. The use of extras is something I let the outfit tell me it needs.

Madeleine

January 04, 2026

Day 11 – I have not done any fabric distressing. I do embellish with lace, ric rac, buttons, ribbon bows/small flowers, decorative stitching and embroidery.

Sewbig

January 04, 2026

Day 11 — “Do you enjoy embellishing your projects with fabric manipulation or added details like buttons, beads, or trims?”

I’m on both teams this time! I use trims, buttons, beading and lace (embellishments), but am also likely to use gathering, tucking, ruffles, shirring and applique (fabric manipulation).

Julie Vasbinder

January 04, 2026

I have done some fabric tie dying with bleach to make 1980’s style jeans and jackets. They turned out cute, but I didn’t enjoy the process. I prefer to add embellishment, buttons, lace, ric rack, jewels, etc.

Lynda

January 04, 2026

I love to add lace and trims. I also enjoy smocking so pleating the fabric and adding embroidery on the pleats

Marcy Mahle

January 04, 2026

I do enjoy adding a little something extra to my sewing like ribbons, buttons, embroidery etc etc. I think it adds pizazz to the garment and a little bit of happy.

Debbie

January 04, 2026

Day 11 – I add buttons, different trims, ribbons – always adding something special.

Pam

January 04, 2026

I guess it depends on the garment and my mood. Sometimes I go all out, others I make simple.

Betty

January 04, 2026

I very much enjoy embellishing with fabric manipulation and added details

Karen

January 04, 2026

For me the garment determines what kind of embellishment I will use. I have a ton of lace, Rick rack, buttons, beads… I tend to use bits and pieces of everything but I also love embroidery

Theresa

January 04, 2026

Love to add something to make it “Wow”!

Sheila

January 04, 2026

I use a variety of items for details: trims, jewels, buttons, etc. I do leave the to make the statement if it is special.

Trish Glavin

January 04, 2026

“Do you enjoy embellishing your projects with fabric manipulation or added details like buttons, beads, or trims?” Mostly through fabric manipulation, but I do frequently use buttons, and occasionally trims (usually because the outfit demands that “one more thing”). I’m not a fan of fuss/frills like lots of lace, lots of layers, ruffles, beading that overpowers both garment and the base fabric. I like clean, crisp and unfussy; I like manipulating fabric by incorporating pintucks, inverted/box pleats details that add depth, quilting/piecing/patchwork incorporated into a dress bodice or gathered skirt.