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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The Pixie Faire Team
61 Comments
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
Jeri
August 12, 2020
Great tip! I need help with narrow hems and seams. Thanks!
Marian
August 12, 2020
I appreciate all the tips that remind me of all the things I studied years ago in college.
Doll Lover
August 12, 2020
I need to know how to easily do tiny button holes!
Linda A C
August 12, 2020
I would like to know how to get the mitered corners on a blanket to look right on the front and back when I am sewing a binding on the blanket. I generally get the binding to look okay on the front but not on the back.
BevM
August 12, 2020
Cute.
Sheila chelednik
August 12, 2020
I loved this tip. I could use help on button holes .
Kaylee
August 12, 2020
I would love to see a tutorial on small buttonholes!
Monique
August 12, 2020
I would like tips on how to change pattern sizes from 18 inch to Disney Animator size.
Thanks for all the great tips
Monique
August 12, 2020
I would like tips on how to change pattern sizes from 18 inch to Disney Animator size.
Thanks for all the great tips
Karen
August 12, 2020
I crochet a lot of doll clothes and would like info on creating buttonholes for closures..
Marietta
August 12, 2020
How to eliminate bulk at waistline when pattern calls for multiple layering of skirts on a gown
Katherine E Ackerman
August 12, 2020
That demo totural was very helpful. I sometimes have problems with making a rolled hem. I only have a regular sewing machine and the tiny pieces can be challenging.
Diane R
August 12, 2020
I would like to know more about sewing zippers in pants and that includes the front, side, and back seams. Cool hack for turning spaghetti straps. Thank you!
Leanna
August 11, 2020
I perpetually shred the edges of my fabric when I do a rolled hem with the Serger. I wish I knew how to do that well!
SARAH K
August 11, 2020
Sewing invisible zippers in doll clothes
Lorraine M
August 11, 2020
I would like a tutorial on sewing invisible zipper.
Lorraine M
August 11, 2020
I would like a tutorial on sewing invisible zipper.
Tamara G
August 11, 2020
I wish I could figure out the buttonhole attachment that came with my newer sewing machine!
Maureen Fry
August 11, 2020
I guess I would like more info about zippers.
Janet
August 11, 2020
How to topstitch straight.
Julia
August 11, 2020
I’d like to know the easiest way to make flat-felled seams in doll-sized sewing.
Debra
August 11, 2020
What a clever idea! Looks easier then the tube turner. I’m going to try it.
Gail Beam
August 11, 2020
making a narrow hem at the top of a blouse that does not have a collar
Judith Martinez
August 11, 2020
My biggest challenge is tiny little pieces that get eaten by the machine.
Rose
August 11, 2020
How to sew a zipper in hand knit and crochet items.
How to sew Velcro in hand knit and crocheted items
Thank you for all the tips you share with us!
Donna Landreth
August 11, 2020
My challenge is doing narrow hemming of sleeves on sleeveless outfits. I would like to know an easier way to do this. Thank you Cinnamon for the awesome giveaways.😘
Lyn K
August 11, 2020
How to finish the bottom of the back seam that overlaps When using Velcro.
Lyn K
August 11, 2020
The vent on a blazer. Can’t seem to get the angle, cut to look finished on a unlined vent.
Jo
August 11, 2020
I would really like to know the secrets of sewing a zipper. It is so bad I won’t make anything that has a zipper.
Beth C
August 11, 2020
How do you prevent a rat’s nest from forming on the underside of your fabric when you start sewing or how do you sew through thick layers of fabric when the fabric doesn’t want to feed under the presser foot well?
PF Strong
August 11, 2020
I would like to know how to convert a Velcro closure into a zippered closure. Thanks!
Theresa
August 11, 2020
Maybe something on sewing buttons.
Sam
August 11, 2020
sewing in zippers, especially invisible ones or thick/bulky fabric
kathy m.
August 11, 2020
how to gather length of fabric to add to top or in making dress ? one row or more gather stitches ?
Denise Darby
August 11, 2020
tips on invisible zipper.
Amy G
August 11, 2020
I would like tips on how to pivot and keep from puckering when making an L shaped stitch.
S.C.
August 11, 2020
I would like some tips on how to make perfectly even pleats, those are so intimidating.
Heidi
August 11, 2020
How to change gathers at the waist on a pattern to box pleats.
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?