Hints for working with small pieces of fabric for miniatures:
Single hole plate – useful
Use a Sharp needle size 60 or 10/11(instead of quilting needles – give better stitch, but may cut thread. Universal #11, okay
Avoid loose weave fabric if possible - tighter weaves are easier to work with when doing miniatures.
Scant ¼” seam
Press seams open before trimming
Cut down to generous 1/8th after sewing
Use thin silk pins and 3/8th" or 1/2" applique pins
Use 2-ply, 60 weight thread = strong seams but less bulky(embroidery, orafil, metrocene cotton)
Try 12-15 stitches per inch and backstitch a few stitches at the beginning and at end of each seam.
Use same ruler for same project
Batting to use – low loft
Paper piece when possible, sew strips of fabric together and cut seqments for 4P's or 9 P's or make two-color HST's.
Use tweezers, awl, or seam ripper to guide pieces though needle.
Use tweezers to pick up small pieces - especially applique. Washable glue is always helpful to hold fabric in place when the pieces are too tiny to pin. Will post more if I think of any more hints.