Do you avoid designs with narrow spaghetti straps because the idea of turning the narrow tube is just too daunting? We have a super easy trick to share to take away that fear and open up the possibilities to sew up those darling designs! The secret is the use of a bobby pin - seriously, it works! After trying this you will have the confidence to turn narrow fabric tubes without fear!
BONUS - Limited Time Giveaway! This weekWe're giving away a $50 Pixie Faire Gift Card!
To enter the giveaway, be sure to scroll to the end of this post and leave a comment. Tell us what sewing challenge you'd like us to solve! Then be sure to follow this blog series to see when we post a "quick tips" solution!
This exciting sewing tip is being shared with you as an excerpt from the full Sewing Curves and Corners course. This course offers a full sew-along for the Liberty Jane Culotte Jumpsuit plus other tips for sewing curves and corners, if you haven't already checked it out I encourage you to take a peek and pick up a copy of the course today, or join the Sewing With Cinnamon community for more sewing tips, tricks, and community interaction.
Now onto the tutorial... All you need is a bobby pin and a 1" wide piece of woven cotton fabric to test this out. It can be any sewing project, it doesn't have to be just for dolls. This excerpt is demo-ing the strap pieces from the Culotte Jumpsuit pattern design.
Wasn't that amazing? Are you ready to try this out yourself? Here's is an additional step by step illustration (from the Culotte Jumpsuit pattern) of the whole process:
1. With RIGHT sides together, fold the strap in half lengthwise. Stitch with 1/4" seam allowance. Trim the seam allowance close to the stitching line.
2. Cut a small slit into the folded edge of the strap about 1/8" from the end. Slide a bobby pin onto the strap. Be sure the small section slides in between the bobby pin. Then feed the top back inside the tube.
3. Continue to push the bobby pin into the tube while pulling the fabric back over the end of the bobby pin.
4. Continue to slide the fabric back while pulling the bobby pin forward.
5. As the tube emerges, carefully slide the fabric all the way to the end.
6. Press the straps and use them with your desired project!
Applying this method can help you approach sewing patterns that include narrow spaghetti straps with confidence! Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
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We'd love to hear from you. Leave a comment and tell us - what sewing challenge you'd like us to solve! Then be sure to follow this blog series to see when we post a "quick tips" solution!
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Thanks for the tip with the bobby pin! Will try it next time.
I have a tendency to stay away from circle skirts as I can’t seem to hem then evenly.
Would appreciate a tip on how to do this.
Love all your tips. Thanks. Without you would never have been able to make the doll clothes I have made.
Nora
August 26, 2020
I would love a tutorial on how to line the sleeveless bodice of a doll dress. This would help me out when I want to make sure the dark fabric won’t stain the doll
J Tabler
August 17, 2020
A tutorial for a lettuce edge hem would be amazing! Thanks for running these giveaways. :)
Candace
August 16, 2020
My fav turner is the Fast-Turn system. I have had that for may years, best sewing gadget ever…
Val
August 15, 2020
Thank you for the tip of using a bobby pin to turn narrow straps, I usually use a small safety pin.
Sue S
August 14, 2020
Great tip! I usually use a small safety pin but it can be too bulky. Thanks.
Kathleen Rowley
August 14, 2020
I would appreciate a truck on seaming&hems! They are so small that they often roll when turning for the sewing. Thanks!
Deborah Hall
August 14, 2020
Love this! I was adding facing to a sleeveless shirt rather than turn over the edge. Could I get a pattern piece for the facing at a sleeve and the neck?
Leslie Koepke
August 14, 2020
Like to see a tutorial on how to cut faux fur.
Char
August 14, 2020
Mu biggest challenge is making sure the item fits properly. My finished project is usually to big.
Sandra
August 14, 2020
What is the right sized hand needle when doing hand sewing. I like the longer needles, but the eye can be too big for the thread. The shorter needles aren’t as easy to use as I’ve gotten older!
Linda
August 14, 2020
I would love a tutorial on putting a lining in a coat!
Linda
August 14, 2020
I would love a tutorial on putting a lining in a coat!
Martha Reese
August 14, 2020
I would love to see a video on how to make pleats.
Cheryl
August 14, 2020
I love this turning tip but I always have trouble when I trim the seam allowance so small. It tends to pull out. I need to know what I am doing wrong.
Donna Sherry
August 14, 2020
Love the bobby pin idea and will be using it a lot in the future.
My machine is 47 tears old so is fussy sometimes on t shirt knits
And sheer fabric. Always looking for suggestions
Donna Sherry
August 14, 2020
Love the bobby pin idea and will be using it a lot in the future.
My machine is 47 tears old so is fussy sometimes on t shirt knits
And sheer fabric. Always looking for suggestions
Connie Jagolinzer
August 14, 2020
What a clever trick! I would not have thought to use a Bobby pin. I would like to learn tricks to sewing doll clothes in leather (the steam punk jacket is calling to me!)
Jane
August 14, 2020
Thank you for the tip. I usually use a small safety pin, but they tend to open half way.
I have doll size hair pins, may try them.
Tanya
August 14, 2020
Love this technique!!! I’d like help to putting in a lining…a complete lining for a jacket, etc. and tips to hide seams and to get it to fit with no bubbles or excess fabric. Tayloring trchniques to make lapels and collars lay flat. Shoulder pads??? Are they necessary.
J.J. Goody
August 14, 2020
How to get an even look on cinched skirt or sleeves to the bodice so it isn’t more bunched in one spot and then flatter in another or even accidentally shows the cinching thread. I make outfits for Barbie sized dolls for Operation Christmas Child and the sleeves especially can be quite frustrating.
Sandy
August 14, 2020
Would like quick and easy ways to accessorize a garment (other than shoes, purses and hats). Ideas for hair ribbons, head bands, flowers on head bands, etc.
Nancy
August 14, 2020
I’d like to know how to sew leather and faux leather
Susan
August 14, 2020
How to make tiny buttonsholes
Pat
August 14, 2020
As others noted, need help in sewing zippers.
Frances T
August 14, 2020
My biggest challenge is getting started. I watch so many YouTube videos on sewing and crafts, I print all kinds of patterns and tips, but I just can’t seem to stop and just go to my sewing table and begin. I can’t be the only one with this problem. LOL! I also don’t have a “sewing/craft room”. My dining room table is covered with fabric, sewing machine, patterns, and notions. Help! LOL!
Susan
August 14, 2020
I would like to know more about inserting zippers—I avoid them.
D’Net Layton
August 14, 2020
I’d like to learn how to do hems on chiffon.
Jo
August 14, 2020
The best tip I’ve seen anywhere! Thank you !!! Now – to find a Bobby pin :-)
Dianne
August 14, 2020
Well Cinnamon has helped most of my sewing issues with her many Sewing with Cinnamon classes. They’re invaluable!
Mardelle J.
August 14, 2020
I would like to know how to sew a narrow hem without a special sewing machine foot.
Sandra Nixon
August 14, 2020
Great idea, never thought of using a bobby pin.
Sandra
Kathy
August 14, 2020
Thanks for the tips, would like tips on button holes and invisible zippers.
candy
August 14, 2020
Your website is amazing, tips, tutorials etc. I still find it difficult to find swim suit material in small prints. The give away you offered during the swimsuit month was great. Can I purchase that bundle? Thank you
Sylvia
August 14, 2020
I would like help with sewing knits. There are lots of cute patterns for knits and I’m just not familiar enough with sewing knit fabric.
Maya S
August 14, 2020
I would love to see some tips for sewing with lace, specifically for when using lace together with stretchy knit fabrics.
June
August 14, 2020
A friend asked me to make clothes for Build a Kitten—-made by Build a Bear. I have searched your site, pattern books and Pinterest and can not find anything.
Please help!!
Ruth Mirabella
August 14, 2020
Would love tips for working with materials that fray easily.
Susana
August 14, 2020
First of all, I would like to congratulate you and thank you for your wonderful website. Then I would like advice on where to find the Doll notions; fabrics but also small accessories, like mini buckles for belt, supplies for shoes…Etc
Lynne
August 14, 2020
That is AMAZING!!! I would like some quick tips on inserting an invisible zipper.
Janet P.
August 14, 2020
I love the toip about the thin straps – I;ll certainly try that with my next sundress venture. I would also like a tip or two on gathering a full skirt and attaching it to a bodice smoothly
I also would love to see more ideas for small dolls- Little Miss Revlon, Tiny Betsy McCall, and vintage Cissette. Those are the mainstay of my sewing ..
Rose Sadzewicz
August 14, 2020
I have trouble hemming sheer fabric. Would love tips on that. Love all your hints.
Marilu B
August 14, 2020
I’ve done the Pattern class but will like tips on how to adjust patterns to our dolls. Not all AG’s are the same, some chubbier than others.
Also finishing touches like how to sew necks, cuffs (all types) to get a beautiful finish
Cecilia Mire
August 14, 2020
I would like easier patterns patterns with box pleats instead of ruffles. How to sew zippers
Lora
August 14, 2020
I would enjoy tips on sewing sheer and silky fabrics. My granddaughters want wedding dresses for their dolls.
MILICA
August 13, 2020
simpler sewing designs that don’t take so much time
Lori
August 13, 2020
The best place to shop for specialty fabrics that work with doll clothing. Joann’s doesn’t always have fabrics that would work for doll clothing and that is called for in the patterns.
Christie
August 13, 2020
How to work with ravelly woven woolen fabrics—I love the way they look and feel but they drive me bananas!
Sparkle
August 13, 2020
Is it possible to sew in an invisible zipper without the plastic adapter foot one buys in order to do that? I am open to and appreciate all tips I learn on this website. Many thanks.
Jeanne
August 13, 2020
Hints on sewing zippers
Cindy
August 13, 2020
Gathering on small dresses, etc.
Kristen
August 12, 2020
Button hole tips!
Sue
August 12, 2020
I would like organizational tips for my sewing projects.
Connie M
August 12, 2020
Great idea! I would like to see a tip on how to hem sheer fabric and circle skirts. Love the hints
Ann
August 12, 2020
The biggest challenge or problem that I find is finding fabrics that work for doll clothes and then that is compounded when I’m looking for fabrics that will work together for one garment. Specifically, small prints, plaids, stripes in soft, thinner fabrics that have the right drape. A fabric that looks like suede, for example, but is thin enough to drape on a doll. I used to spend time hunting in fabric stores but those started to shut and then with Covid-19, well, I can’t tell online what something “feels” like and I’ve been a big surprised at how different a color or size of a print is online vs in person.
Feriba
August 12, 2020
doll size buttonholes ! I continue to use Velcro until I get better at it.
Karen
August 12, 2020
I had some beautiful quilted fabric that I used to make a draft dodger for my bedroom window this winter. But it was so hard to turn that I never made a second one. Now I’m willing to try another one using the bobby pin trick. Thank you so much! P.S. When my granddaughter was little, she thought bobby pins were Barbie pins!
Cathy
August 12, 2020
Hints on sewing zippers.
cathy
August 12, 2020
hints for sewing zippers
Joanne
August 12, 2020
How do you hem sheer fabric? Like chiffon.
kathy m.
August 12, 2020
I did it turn the strap with thees bobby pin saw your post this week few week ago i was sew up a dress with those strap the pattern used a different tip with needle and thread that didn’t work saw this post redid with the bobbys pin and it work thank you so now i keep my bobbies pin where I can find them buy more and guess what found an other package of b bobby pins
Jackie Koepnick
August 12, 2020
lists of places to buy doll notions and hemming a circle skirt
Susie
August 12, 2020
I would like to see a place to post tips and tricks from other users. This would also include places to find accessories for dolls, notions for doll size clothes etc
jacquie Corrigan
August 12, 2020
I would like tips on sewing hens on very sheer fabric.
Maryann
August 12, 2020
I would like help on sewing a pencil case out of plastic.
Marilyn
August 12, 2020
I would like to how to sew a zipper properly.
Marilyn
Jodi Queen
August 12, 2020
Would like to know more about how to alter/adjust patterns to fit other dolls than who they are intended for. Example 18" Doll Clothes need to be adjusted to fit Fancy Nancy Doll as
she is chubbier. I always struggle knowing just how to adjust because an adjustment in one area effects other areas that may not need adjusting.
Barbara
August 12, 2020
Sewing with knits is my biggest challenge! I’d love a tutorial on how to make a lettuce-edge hem.
Julie
August 12, 2020
I also have the proble. Of sewing .achine eating my tiny seams! Also, any beginner doll clothes sewing tutorials. Tha ks- Julie
Jo Collins
August 12, 2020
Great idea for turning narrow straps!
Junie Born
August 12, 2020
I do the sew with Cinnam0n and I never get bored with the new topics you show. thank you.
Debra Luecke
August 12, 2020
I just watched it. How to turn a strap was perfect timing!
Frances Rautenbach
August 12, 2020
How to resize a pattern for a doll of a unique size
Laurie
August 12, 2020
He He…my problem is trying to decide what to make next and what fabric to use when I decide what to make. Thanks for the awesome tutorial and chance to win!
Grannie Frannie
August 12, 2020
Don’t know what you can do about this, but I sometimes lack the motivation to see a project through the end! Any ideas?
Suzi
August 12, 2020
I have no specific problems but enjoy seeing the hints. I have been sewing for over 60 yrs and this is the first time I have seen the bobby pin trick! You never know what others have come up with.
Cynthia C
August 12, 2020
Sewing with knits on a small scale is challenging. I’d like any tips that would help with that.
Angela
August 12, 2020
I have trouble sewing small pieces of fabric because my machine chews up the ends and gets stuck. Some tips on how to handle that would be awesome. Thank you!
sheila
August 12, 2020
i have trouble making gathers even, they never meet evenly at the ends. thanks for your hints; they help!
Deborah Fields
August 12, 2020
Always need advice on reducing bulk from seams at waistline and sleeve arms.
Tina Lott
August 12, 2020
Is it really possible to make a buttonhole for those tiny buttons? I put a snap behind mine and it took forever to sew all those snap halves and buttons. But it did look really neat when I finished.
Sue
August 12, 2020
I would like help/ideas of how to keep the waistline level on both sides when installing a zipper across a gathered area – invariably one side slips while sewing all the bulk so the back waistline has a jag.
Renee B
August 12, 2020
Very neat idea. I have been sewing for many years and never heard of the bobby pin idea. Another easy way to turn a tube is to lay a narrow cord or string inside the fold line and then sew across the end. Be sure to knot the end of the cord. When you sew the tube, be sure not to catch the string in your stitching. Then pull the string from the open end gently. Very fast and no ripping of fabric on the end that is being pulled through the tube. Then just cut off the end of the string with the knot, pull the string out of the tube. This method has always worked for me on any size tube. Works well with fragile or thin fabric.
Tamara
August 12, 2020
I could use help determining when to use different presser feet. I also like the comment that suggested help with invisible zippers.
Gloria
August 12, 2020
This comment was made earlier, but I also have this problem – how to keep the sewing machine from eating tiny pieces of fabric such as while making Barbie clothes or smaller pieces on AG clothes.
Barbara Flynn Buehler
August 12, 2020
I would like to know how to position the zipper correctly when you put it in.
Angie
August 12, 2020
I’ve sewn for many years. That’s the first time to see this idea for turning straps. Great idea!
Shasta
August 12, 2020
Thanks for the tips!
Bridgette
August 12, 2020
I would like to know how to see an invisible zipper! Thank you!
Bridgette
August 12, 2020
I would like to know how to reduce bulk at waist lines
Cindy
August 12, 2020
I like all the tutorials! Thank you!
Cath
August 12, 2020
When sewing my doll clothes I want them to look like clothes do on a human. That means tiny buttons, buckles and closures, thinner fabrics and techniques to eliminate bulk, and fabrics with small motifs or stripes on them. It means using different sewing techniques than I would on a human sized garment, for instance 1/4" seams instead of 5/8". I have a hard time finding cute knit fabrics and closures. I know you have given us a lot of answers on all those, just keep up the good work. Thanks for the opportunities and ideas. Happy stitching!
Connie
August 12, 2020
I would like to see some tips on sewing ruffles.
Betty
August 12, 2020
I would like tips on sewing pockets.
June
August 12, 2020
I have a lot of trouble sewing a pretty hem on chiffon or really sheer fabric. I would like help learning how to sew a hem on sheer fabric.
Carol
August 12, 2020
I love the look of square bottom bags, small and large but never remember exactly how to do the corners. A tutorial on this would be awesome
avucoroj
December 28, 2020
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