Ok I've knocked 2 different machines out of timing in the last 6 months. I make quilted bags, the thickest interfacing I use is Soft and Stable. I have a tiny area to sew in, and occasionally need to use a zig zag stitch and also would love to have decorative stitches. I've learned the hard way that a Singer Heavy Duty (I know, I know...) and a Husqvarna Viking Emerald can't manage my thick seams (like boxing the bottoms). I'm sad because I love sewing bags, but I don't have the space for an industrial machine. I have to be able to put it away when I'm not sewing. My budget is up to $2500. But I'm scared to spend that much and wind up in the same position I'm in.

I tested the Emerald in the shop and it sewed beautifully through many thick layers of denim in the shop, and the salesman assured me it could handle the seams I sew (I had a bag with me and showed him exactly what I like to make). Well it definitely couldn't handle those seams. It worked great at first but the stitches started looking bad, and now the needle slams into the bobbin case.

So, I would prefer not to take advice from a salesman again, lol! I'm curious as to what you personally use. (An industrial Juki is on my someday dream list, but in my current situation it's not feasible).

I just made this shower bag and crossbody to match the tote I made a couple months ago.

I’ve posted the tote before, it’s 1000D Cordura and xpac.

The shower bag is also 1000D Cordura and Xpac with red HyperD300 interior with 3 exterior zippers and 2 interior zippers.

The shoulder bag is 420d robic Ripstop and Xpac exterior. HyperD300 interior with 3 exterior zipper pockets plus main compartment with interior zipper pouch and UltraStretch pockets. All the exterior zippers are YKK aquaguard #5

Last week I managed to stuff up the outer pieces of my current project by cutting the lining piece instead of the outer. No biggie really, I was able to hack it and now have a finished bag. The leather colour is absolutely divine, but it's actually soft bovine upholstery leather and very "meh" to work with. Plus, it's so thick that I switched the "birthed" method for a drop-in and left the leather edge raw. I used a little magnetic snap to hold it closed, and chunky gold strap attachments and zipper pulls. Inside is a zippered pouch and one zipper pocket.

Not my best work - perhaps the next one using the correct pattern piece will look somewhat better!

I make tote bags and chalk bags from upholstery samples. Recently, people liked the travel storage pouches I made with an upcycled tent. Are there any other materials that are similarly lightweight yet durable to make those travel pouches? (Tent material is running out now lol)

Hi, fellow macramé makers! 🧶
I wanted to share a little finishing detail I added to one of my handmade macramé bags.
I made this small interior cover by hand to give the inside a cleaner, more polished look.
I love how small details can make such a big difference in handmade projects!
I’m always experimenting with ways to improve my bag designs and finishing techniques.
Have you tried something similar with your handmade bags? I’d love to hear your ideas and techniques! 🤍

I am fairly new to stitching, never tried to stitch a bag though. It’s my first time and i want to make this tote bag carrier for my pup.
Can anyone advise me how to maintain the shape of the tote bag?
Like what type of fabric or maybe interlacing is required??

I decided my Janome HD9 QCP is a great machines but after 5 months I'm trading it in for this beauty.

Who here uses the Juki 1541S and what are some tips/advice that would help make my experience exceptional?

Any YouTubers I should watch for this Juki?

Accessory recommendations?

Thanks!

I want to make this bag out of fabric (without insulation) and with a zippered pocket inside it to hold sentimental items but I'm having a difficult time finding a pattern for it. I've gotten somewhat close with searching for insulated lunch bags, insulated picnic bags and train cases but none of the patterns I found are what I want.

Does anybody know what the best name for this bag is or what the type of closure is called? The zips on train cases go around too far for my liking.

This is the first time I’ve modified a bag. I’ll probably try my first backpack soon so this was nice practice

After a hard slog of a project, I'm now contentedly working on my next project, with fabric and the most divine teal leather. I'm waiting for hardware and thread, so today thought I would cut out the foam stabiliser - all good. Started to stick the stabiliser on and uh-oh - rude words were uttered. Somehow I managed to use the lining piece to cut out the leather. And I am not sure if I have enough of the leather to recut it! I have absolutely no idea how I managed it either, because the pattern pieces are completely different.

It's such a fun, easy bag to make, too. I think I need a holiday!

Sorry for the weird photo - I did a screenshot and tried to cut out the parts that would ID the person. I want to make a bag with a top like this, but I’m not sure how it’s constructed. It’s not just a casing with a drawstring, because the outside layer softer than a drawstring bag. If anyone can recommend a pattern for a leather bag with a top like this or can explain it, I would be so grateful.