Is an Industrial Machine Required for Bag Making? 

smashing seams with a mallet is so therapeutic

I have worked on an Industrial machine for 30 years in one factory or the other. Now that I have become disabled I am down to a domestic sewing machine. I really miss the industrial machines. It's like driving a expensive sports car all your life to down sizing to a small economy car. If I could afford a industrial machine I would buy one in a heart beat. They sew so much nicer and faster than a home machine. You're right on with the thread making a difference too . Thank you for sharing your knowledge and tips .

GREAT video! Highly informative, and not boring to watch. I really think that some people just don't know a lot of the things like you talked about, especially with stitch length. I didn't anyway. Thank you again for helping the newbies out there!

Love my Juki DU1181n. Favorite machine in over 50 years of sewing. Bagmaking is fun with this machine, which was less money than some domestics. I rarely use my cylinder arm.

I found that I can avoid skipped stitches by using a top stitching needle. The bigger eye makes a biggg difference when sewing multiple layers. This combo worked for me. I have a non-industrial machine where I am able to lift the foot a little furthermore, so no problem from this aspect. Additionally, rivets took of the anxiety of attaching straps, etc.

Good Information. I just started making bags. Wish I had known this for one bag.

I love your videos! They are so helpful and informative.

Thank You for this information, I am 71 years old and I have been sewing since I was 5 years old. I have made some of every thing, but I am just now making tote bags and purses. I have had a few of the problems you talked about and I just think you are Brilliant! Good job Girl Friend. I.M. IZZY.

Thank you for this video. I recently purchased a Bernina 880 and then found bag making and was just not sure I’d be able to make a bag with this machine. Now i have more confidence to at least try :)

Thank you so much for all your tips. I think my bags will come out a lot better using you tips about hammering the seams and stitch length. Glad I found you. Thank you.

I convinced my hubby that I NEEDED an industrial machine to make bags, so I bought (with my own $$) a Sailrite Deluxe Fabricator Sewing Machine Package. I love it!

Another great video. I'm learning so much from you :)

I have a Juki DDL8700H I use for a variety of tasks. I bought a Sailrite LSZ1 portable walking foot which will stitch through wood, I think. I was so surprised by it's power. I would love a Juki 1181 or 1508 or 1561 but "unfortunately", the Sailrite is all I could ask for and has zigzag. What I can't do with my Juki, the Sailrite has no problem with. I sew for fun although I might consider opening a side business making bags, hats and accessories in the future. I would be worried about doing that with a domestic machine. I have a Juki DX7 which a wonderful high end home machine but I would not use it to make projects with thick seams. For a bag with a lining and straps, you could easily be sewing 10 to 12 layers. I love my DX7 too much (cost more than the industrials) to do that. Great video. I am a new subbie.

I got a Bernina535 after sewing for about two weeks. I mostly make bags and I feel so fortunate that I went with a nice machine as it really sews through anything like butter. I have done faux leather and cork besides normal fabrics. It is able to top stitch eight layers of cork without any problem. The more I learn about bag making, the more I realized that my starter Brother machine really would not be able to do what I am doing with bags even though I am still a beginner.

I had been searching - and patiently holding back - for a very long time, because I wanted to make sure that I didn't buy something that I didn't need. I love vintage machines - but I also found that too many of them simply couldn't give me exactly what I wanted. Newer machines were ridiculously too expensive, and also couldn't really give me exactly what I needed and wanted. So, last year, I decided to take the plunge and get a truly high-end heavy duty industrial machine for bagmaking -- a Juki 1541S. Hands down, it's the most powerful machine I've ever used -- and was way cheaper than the home machine models. I agree that most people don't really need an industrial -- but I discovered that after so many attempts to avoid getting one, that I actually NEEDED ONE. Thanks for the awesome videos!!

Yup. Totally agree with you. My Janome MC6500 can handle the bigger needles and even Tex70 thread (but not always in the bobbin). That said, I’m shopping for an industrial as it’ll make my life easier AND I can sew doors for jeeps, bigger luggage, and Tents!! Thanks for a great vid.

This was incredibly helpful! Thank you!

Wow! Awesome explanation and details! I'm having to learn everything about sewing from RU-vid. You have gotten a new subscriber.

I have a domestic machine. I just started sewing the last 6 months (I consider myself a newbie lol idk if I really am any more bc I’ve literally sewed EVERY SINGLE DAY since I started). When I started, I honestly had ZERO idea what I was looking for. I did a little research into machines and brands and found that Singer and Brother are fairly reliable brands for domestic’s (I knew absolutely ZERO about industrial 😂). I got EXTREMELY lucky with the machine I got. It’s a Singer and it handles quit a bit of layers. It’s not a HD or SD (that I know of anyways). It’s actually a quilting machine. I use it for bags (I’ve recently found I love making bags!). I’ve made 3 Diedelbug Mini mini bags. The first two I made for my kids just basic cotton to get familiar with the pattern. Then I made mine using vinyl and cotton. Using vinyl for the main source of the outside of the bag. I had a bit of trouble sewing the side panels (which I lined with Decovil instead of fleece) onto the gusset but I got it done. I had to sew down one side then come up the other to meet the seams but it’s worked. Lol idk if I will make that bag like that again with my machine though. But I will say a bigger needle (size 16) seriously made a HUGE difference.

After steaming use a clapper. Very helpful.

My machine is a 1962 Bernina 730. So far I have used it to make a set of saddle bags for a bicycle, as well as various repairs to denim pants. Not only does it have the power to punch through four layers of leather (as tested by someone else), but they have the precision to work on delicate fabrics as well. Well worth the $900 CAD that you would pay for one today.

I have a small handheld machine. It seems to do most of the work so far. I got it at the dollar store for $5.☺ I wish I could upload a picture of it it's about the same size is my staple gun! I find this hilarious due to the fact I am trying to make all kinds of things with this new Cricut metallic paper but I refused to use the expensive products to apply it. Thank you for teaching me some very valuable info!

I feel when I purchased my sailrite fabricator machine - it was phenomenal! That was several years ago and you gotta know - I still just chuckle and smile when this machine takes on any project, any thickness and then just moves thru it. Oh thats just nice. You are correct, the price was completely do able and has made such a difference in my bag making. I even made a belt using webbing and a cool retro buckle. Never could my domestic get that job done. Yes. She takes up a fair amount of room but oh so worth it. Love your informative, fun videos. Can't believe I just discovered your channel but sure glad I did.

Came across this one after seeing the video on interfacing as its my next project and was struggling with what to use. love the points in this video thank you. Ive been sewing for 4 years now with my mum and our hobby has grown into a obsession. Ive done amazing stuff with my HD singer surprised at how much thickness it sews. (this last year mum and I have been buying our first Pro machines we share them, but we still use my heavy duty machines.) Like the comment on the missed stitches never thought on stich length Thank you!

I purchased a Janome MC6650 - I LOVE it! I started sewing just iver a year ago - since we own 2 thrift stores I was able to try, singer & brother machines - they were okay BUT not that great and always frustrating..So my 1st personal use machine was an average use Janome - it was good - sewed like a dream but did cause me some difficulty with the corners of my bags. I researched and researched & Researched before deciding the Janome MC was what I was going to purchase - This machine will do anything my lacking skills will ever eant to do - hapoy sewing and thank you for this great video.❤

Great advice. I also agree that a domestic machine can do a lot. My favorite go to is an old Singer 301 though. I've tried using my shiny Janome 15000, but she's a princess meant for fancy things, not hard work!

Thanks for sharing from Atlanta Ga USA helpful 👀 next time

I am going to try to put a 16 needle with a little bit thicker, stronger thread, to sew more material or thicker layers and increase my stitch length and see how that goes before I make a decision whether or not I need to buy a stronger machine. Thanks for this invaluable info ❤

I want an industrial machine, just because I want one. I don’t even make bags. I’m 53, been sewing forever, I’m locked up in lockdown, and I just want one. Maybe soon I will indulge myself, as soon as we get out of lockdown and I can go to try some out at a dealership.

Thank you so much! I haven't made a bag (yet) but this information is certainly useful in mask making. Stitch length, jumper thingy, needle size all would have been useful had I know before struggling with my (very) inexpensive machine. Again thank you so much.

Great tips, 2 👍🏻👍🏻 up. I used my domestic Babylock Brilliant when I started bag making and it works wonders. Since I use my Brilliant mainly for clothes making I went ahead and got myself a Babylock Accomplish. I can’t ask for more, it’s the perfect machine (mpo) for bag making.

Thank you for this video! I’m originally a quilter, and recently jumped into making vinyl pouches and bags. I haven’t made a lot, just a couple. The first was one was a hot mess! The stitches on top looked great, but the bottom stitches were a birds nest. I will follow the advice with the needles and other tips. Thank you!

SO helpful. I am subscribed. Thank you for this video.

Thanks so very much for making this video. Quite informative. Definitely need a rivet machine as I am into making market bags. A very new beginner.

I'm glad you showed the jumper tool! I stumbled on one in a little sewing shop a while back and was stunned I'd never seen it before. Such a simple tool that would have saved me a bunch of headaches in the past (and not even for bag making- even just basic twill pants can end up with pretty thick seams that your presser foot might struggle to overcome.) Also, love your hair in this!

Thanks for the video! very informative. I want to start making bags and this and your interfacing video have helped me out a lot so far. Can't wait to see what other videos you have.

Thanks for this! I bought a BabyLock Jubilant having only sewed like one thing in my life and now I find out I love making bags and I fight with this thing constantly. I think I have Juki envy :)

Thank you so much for this, it answered a lot of my questions. I have been seriously considering getting an industrial machine but the size has put me off. Juki do a table top mini semi industrial. But am undecided on this. I have a brother V5 which does handle quite thick layers. It’s great to get this information from such an expert. I’ve learned a few things the hard way! I’ll definitely be watching more. Thanks again.

I just found your channel. And I am so grateful I did. Great video! I learned a lot from this video. 😊

Thank you for sharing this video. I’m a bag maker and I’m ready to go heavier with the machine. No need as you said for an industrial so I’ll be looking into the HD domestic machines. ❤

Thank You, The best information!!! Surprised you do not have over 100,000 subscribers!!

I have a singer fashion mate made in Italy in the early 70’s. It is heavy, absolutely no plastic inside. I use it for denim, canvas etc. I make bags with it. I love it, but it’s slow sewing, which is fine for really thick seams or fabric. I need to upgrade the motor, it need to look into it. I have a Janome 740dc that I only use for garment making.

Wow! What a great video for someone starting in any business, really. The Pobox tip is gold. Your return policy is fantastic. Thank you1!! I personally think industrial lockstitch mechanical machines are the easiest thing to deal with, and I am not a professional industrial sewer by any means. IMO, frustration holds people back and make them give up doing something, and sewing in a cylinder arm lockstitch for making bags is no brainer, plus they are not expensive as the fancy electronic home machines. .

So informative. Thank you

just getting into sewing and your tips seem so good. this is exactly what i was looking for

Thanks so much for helping love your videos

Nice video...I just jumped to a Juki industrial because my domestic doesn't like some of my thick layers already. I am planning to recover outdoor furniture cushions and gazebo top with heavy materials. I also want to modify many of my leather handbags and maybe make some small accessories. I may try some of your tips on stitch length and needle type to remedy my multiple layers of quilting on the domestic, but anything leather, canvas or vinyl I will do on the industrial. Thanks for sharing!!

Thank you so much for this video soooo helpful!

Love your videos!

Most industrials are for garment sewing;, the difference is operating hours. Domestics are built for a certain level of use (intermittent) while that word industrial means factory use. They’ll run 24/7 for years with maintenance. So you want the correct industrial machine. If you sew 8 hours a day, you’ll wear out a domestic. People think an industrial is a tractor when most are a bus. Leather kills domestic machines. It’ll mess up the timing, sometimes fatally. It voids warranties. But that’s another subject.

Thank you! You explain things very well

Thank you. The ppl on r/sewing had me feeling like I had to start with semi-industrial to get in the biz. This gave me back my wind 🌬. Xo

Wonderful Video! (As are ALL your videos!) Very informative and answers many questions! Thank you!

super useful advice, thanks!

The black knob at back - right of pressure foot Built in humper. 🤺💐

I got to the very last step of a hobo bag trying to close a seam with the strap connectors (using leather) and my Heavy Duty Singer said NO. I had to use rivets and that just made me so sad. Amazing Italian leather. Everything was sewn perfectly, and then that. I either have to avoid that swoon pattern or buy an industrial. I am still sad about how perfect the bag could have been. Anyway, I just sew for pleasure and sell to a small boutique store here in Italy. Over here, a Jack or Pfaff machine seems to be the popular brand. So no one is Juki shaming me 😂

Thank you, just found your video. It's hard when you don't know where to start and have no options for classes in your area. I have a Brother Innovis BQ3050 quilting machine. I now think it can handle bags as long as I make some changes in my process. Oh, and I will be watching more of your videos!

This video has helped me tremendously! I have a Husqvarna Viking Tribute machine and was having trouble with it skipping stitches on thick layers. I'll try using a 14 or 16 needle. Also, I've just discovered rivets! Amazing! Thanks for making this video. You are always so fun to watch! You are my "Go to" for bag making questions!

i tried making a bag with layers on a non industrial and it was very hard cause it doesn't rise up as high as the industrial machine and you don't need 3 hands to pull stuff in and out. so the industrial machine makes your life easier.

I have a Juki DDL-8700 servo industrial straight stitch sewing machine ,servo motor with table and legs

Thank you for all of your expertise. I swear your the best🤗🤗🤗

I just LOVE your videos

I’ve recently started making bags and wallets using my Brother PQ1500SL straight stitch machine and if I go really slowly I’ve been able to get through all the layers using vinyl etc.

I am finding it hard to sew different weights of fabric together and combined with webbing straps or zips sandwiched between, the line of stitches, even when I go slowly, can wnd up going awry!

Get what you said about carrying that thread I've got an old Kenmore I'm not sure what the threat is I get it from Hobby Lobby it is an upholstery thread this machine carries it no problem but I want to invest in a bigger machine I don't sew for a living I do welding fabrication so it's hard for me to spend money on something that's not going to make money if that makes sense

Yeah, but, but, but now I have to admit that I don't _need_ an industrial machine, only that I _want_ one..... Could you please record a new video showing the absolute NEED to have an industrial machine for making bags please (and then, of course, take this one down and erase it and any copies that you may have laying around)? My conscience, and more importantly, my lovely wife, need further assuagement in this regard... Perhaps a title like "Dave Absolutely Positively Needs an Industrial Sewing Machine to Make Bags or the World May End as We Know It"

Think I learned enough to sew my own :) .

I used an industrial machine for 13 years at Disney, and now with my domestic machine I feel like I'm watching paint peel, but If I buy another machine my kids will think I'm running a sweatshop!

I actually have an antique hand tool that's used for pressing seams buy flattening the fabric

Thanks for the tips! I'm about to attempt the Magdalena Circle Bag with my domestic. I'm sure these suggestions will come in handy :)

I have a Janome HD9. It’s a decent workhorse (it will get finicky and skip stitches or hesitate at times) but I HATE that it doesn’t have good foot clearance. A couple of layers of vinyl, cotton, and foam will barely fit under the foot. I really don’t understand why it was designed that way when they sell you on “it can sew through 6-7 layers of denim!” Well, maybe, but you have to be able to get it under the dang foot first. I’m seriously considering an industrial. I’ve been a quilter for years and have my travel machines and fancy embroidery machines (too many- I need to downsize my machine collection😬) but after Covid layoff at age 65, I thought I’m DONE so I retired. I wanted to learn new skills and got into bags. I’m officially addicted and now friends actually want to buy my bags😱. I said no custom work- I don’t want to get stressed over anything. If I make a bag and you like it and I’m not planning to keep it, I’ll sell it to you. I’m at the point where I’m already thinking about the next bag I want to make before I’m finished with the one I’m working on😆. AND, the kicker is, I’ve mentioned industrial to my husband before. Yesterday he was telling me about this video he watched where some guy was making car upholstery with a really cool sewing machine that had a really cool foot (the walking foot) that fed the leather like it was going through butter! I think that’s my sign that he’d be okay with me getting an industrial. Besides, it’s my money😂

Great ideas

Amazing video

Great topic, thanks 👍

You are awesome!!!

Hello! I really like your channel and videos. I have a question: What do you think about cylinder arm machines? Are they really necessary? Thank you in advance!

I love this and your other videos. I am starting to work with leather so while the walking foot on my domestic was doing ok - powerhouse Janome it’s time for industrial. However the walking foot when I tried it marked my leather. Is my only option to go for a compound or is there a way. Also a lot are suggesting I need a cyclinder arm ?? They are not easy to get where I live so wondering how well you can get the finish on cross body and tote bags for the top stitching ?

Can you please show us how we can dye the DIOR like bags in house

I think if someone is very serious into sewing, then consider getting at least a portable walking foot or drag foot sewing machine. If you are super cheap, the 100$ Chinese hand crank shoe cobbler works great, has good clearance, takes almost any needle size, but is a pain to thread and wind bobbins on. The Rex or yamata sailrite clones can work if you are not wanting to spend a fortune,. You can always join the hype and get a sailrite. If you have money and are dead serious, then get the Juki 1508, Cobra class 4, or juki /Thor 1541. I went with the Thor 1541 and might get a sailrite leathermaker in the future

Vintage Singer 403A will sew leather. The old vintage machines are tough as nails with super strong motors. Relatively inexpensive as well. Might be a good option if you want something stronger but don't have the $$ or room for an industrial. I have a Singer 301 which does really well in thick layers. My 403A is still being cleaned and tuned up. 301 was free and the 403A was $75 at a thrift store. Both came with tables. Even with buying new cords and getting them cleaned and tuned they were pretty cheap.

Thank you!

That was an interesting video. I have the juki TL 2000 machine and sometimes I am not sure what to fabric to use with what needles order thread so it's a little bit confusing if you want to make canvas bags with the cotton webbing handles.

Dear Fierce Kittenz, I am currently on a quest to re-create my bicycle travel bag that US airlines accept as a standard piece of oversize luggage (No excess bike fees which can be as much as $150 per trip). It's single layer nylon broken up into panels for durability, with an ~8 inch gusset, one pocket for tools, and dense foam squares in the middle on either side for the wheel hubs. It conveniently folds up and I throw into the top of a traveler's backpack so I can truly be mobile on my bike when I travel interstate. Though, it's on its last legs, so it's time to reproduce it with some added design features derived from my user experience. I have sourced the materials required for this project, however I am yet to overcome one hurdle - my wife. She is adament that her JUKI DDL-8300N sewing machine is not capable of handling the nylon ripstop material. You mention at the end of this video that you will make a review on your JUKI machine (I think your model might be different) but I couldn't find such a video on your profile. I would greatly appreciate it if you could weigh in on this topic as a mutual party and hopefully I can continue on with the project!!

And I have a singer heavy duty HD6800 computerized sewing machine can I use this one to make bags and use what you talking about

How I long for a Juki DU-1181N. I'm trying to be disciplined, but I don't think I can hold out much longer. It's the perfect stitches...I love the perfect stitches, and you simply cannot create them with lesser machines, unless you sew your bags with quilting cotton.

i have janome xv5, and its even do not move linen with weight 100g/m2, but i use right needle. just trying to stich together with zipper. and thinking about get a new heavier and powerful one, but not industrial yet, because still learning and dont have money for it

Thank you for this!! It gets so annoying seeing people online who are new to bag making asking about industrials.

How can I do if the willow is stuck

hunny, i will politely stay in my range and continue to work with my plain, ordinary canvas tote bag and work it with my trusty Singer 4411. But, i will bring that ugly duckling of a tote bag and GIVE IT DOTTIELIFE!!! LOL!😁😁😁😁😁😁

Poor "Karen", I have a feeling they're going to get picked on a lot based on yesterday's twitch stream lol

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="366">06:06</a> lol that's a first for me. 💥👏 🤺💐

Thanks for your video. It was really helpful. I have a few questions for you. - what is your opinion on sailrite lsz-1? - what is the difference between denim and heavy duty needles? - can you please send a link to the tool you used to sew through thick layers of vinyl? Thanks!

I am trying to sew on straps and the needle won't pick up the bobbin thread. I tried a larger needle, but it won't go through at all. I will get a denim needle tomorrow and see if that helps. Thanks for the tip.

What do you do if the industrial needs repair and or maintenance? Even with a warranty it seems like it would be very pricey to ship an industrial long distance. There are not even many places that sell Juki let alone repair the industrial.

Question...! - if I want to make a backpack should I grab a Industrial?, or a Domestic Heavy Duty is fine? - if industrial is necessary for backpack, can anyone recommend me Industrial machines that can do both Straight and Bartack stitches? coz : - I am aiming atleast the machine can do straight stitch and bartack stitch, and the material I am gonna use are Canvas, Ballistic Nylon D1680 and D600-D1000 polyester...

What about a large Bernina machine? Would like your opinion on this brand.

I’m having a hard time making bags with my Elna Excellence 680+. I don’t know if I’m the problem or it just isn’t cut out for bag making. Very frustrating.

My #1 goal is perfect, straight stitches that are the same size. It's what I notice about your bags and other high-end bags. I sometimes use faux leather and faux fur. Am I right to think that, realistically, my only alternative is the Juki walking foot (DU-1181N) to achieve my goal? In my experience, nothing will make up for stitches not looking perfect, and I do not want to worry about it. Thank you.

Muchas gracias hermosa.

Hi, I loved this video. What is the Juki machine that was shown on this video. The industrial Juki , with the table? Thanks