Bag Making Tips - Sewing With a Domestic Machine - Country Cow Designs

[@nickilee9822]

I bought some Teflon tape which is meant for vacuum sealers. A bit of this on the bottom of your foot works better than any Teflon foot I have tried. I bought a spare foot just to keep for the tape. You can also stick it to a zipper foot.

[@CountryCowDesigns]

This is the best idea ever!! I’ll buy some right now because my Teflon foot is no good whatsoever. I think it’s actually worse than my standard foot ☺️

[@nickilee9822]

@@CountryCowDesigns I got a meter on ebay for something like £2. Will last forever. I change the tape on the foot when it starts to look scruffy but you only use a foot size bit. Stick some on then trim with some tiny scissors or a craft knife to fit.

[@Madnessmakes]

Such a great idea! I just put blue painters tape on my zipper foot and worked well. But I will definitely get some Teflon tape. Thank you for the idea!

[@helens46]

@@Madnessmakes Scotch tape also works

[@elisabethburgett7473]

I wish I had found your channel a year ago when I first started. So much knowledge GOLD 🎉 Thank you for all your help ❤

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Thanks ☺️

[@annewise1315]

This is great, I just found you. Thank you!

[@nataliefinch6713]

great tips, ty!

[@Cat74]

Great advice really enjoyed this video Jo you’ve blossomed so much your a pleasure to watch. Ps very cute stitching companion!

[@elainen2636]

Great video...so informative and helpful. Love your haircut too!

[@natalierausch1769]

Hi I just ordered from your shop because I have been sewing since high school and the tips and advice you gave out I never knew, so thank you very much, and I hope your dreams will all come to you 😊 😘

[@TADrew]

Great tips! While I occasionally used my hump jumper and always changed needles at the start of each project, after watching your several of your videos, I now use my hump jumper all the time and have started to change my needle to a larger size when doing any of the really thick seams and the final top stitching. Seriously, that's a game changer! My Singer 201-K thanks you :)

[@CountryCowDesigns]

So glad to hear that 😁 I use my hump jumper constantly ☺️ I had to buy a second because I kept misplacing my first and then not being able to carry on without finding it. Now I can usually find one of them nearby

[@sleevesfour]

So glad to see this! I don’t have an industrial, nor do I have room for 1. I do have a 1916 Singer 66 treadle (as well as a couple other domestics) that was known for being able to sew anything from fine silk to leather. Her stitches are still beautiful and now I know she’s the girl for my (future) vinyl projects.

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Thanks. Old singers are great! 😁

[@viviyup3386]

I like the way you present your video. You come across very articulately. And your advise is great. Thank you

[@elonanamor6420]

Great information for beginners. All machine brands and models handle fabric layers differently. What works for one doesn't always work with others. Sewists have to try their own machines and not get disappointed. Great video.

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Absolutely, very well said Elona! 😁

[@leabelcher9792]

I loved the bernia, when l did sewing in school this was the machine we used. Love how you explain about the machines and your patterns are great.

[@SuzyS1959]

thanks Jo for all the tips and advice, I struggle on my domestic with the thicker things, so all your advice is great, keep up all the great work and your beautiful unique patterns

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Thanks Suzy 😁

[@NorthernStar-zf1zt]

Some information on the correct strength threads to use would be useful and appreciated

[@chantalrenaud557]

Thanks Jo for sharing these very useful tips. 😊

[@archananayak8043]

This video was beyond helpful!!!! Thank you!

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Glad it was useful 😁

[@shelley7147]

Thank you so much for this video! I’m a newbie so this was so helpful! I appreciate all your videos and adorable patterns 🥰

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Thanks Shelley 😁

[@nancysmith1027]

Thanks for the tips and tricks video. Now I know what kind of vinyl to try. I've been a little reluctant to try any but have wanted to. Your patterns are beautiful. Keep up the good work.

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Thanks Nancy 😁

[@janenemcanally1749]

The Bernina 930 record is from the early 1980’s not the 1960’s. I am really enjoying your videos and have just purchased some of your patterns. 😀

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Thanks, someone else said that too ☺️ I must have misheard when my grandmother gave it to me. Either way, it’s a fantastic machine!

[@cynforrest]

Great tips, Jo! My domestic Janome 6500P sews thru most things including the 600 denier WPC. Like you, I adjust my needles frequently. A recent vinyl bag was a bear to TopStitch- I forgot to change to Teflon foot! Grrr. Your new hair cut is FANTASTIC. Love it! Very professional too.

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Thanks Cyn 😁

[@annguglielmino8989]

Thank you for mentioning vintage machines. I have 3 Singers; a treadle from the 40's, and a 301 and 403A both from the 50's. Having issues with the tension on the 403 but the 301 is fab for sewing bags. I had a Bernina 930 but it didn't like making bags so I gave it to my granddaughter.

[@CountryCowDesigns]

That’s a lovely present for your granddaughter😁

[@malley4747]

Thanks!

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Thanks Joan 🥰

[@siobhanstitches]

Thank you so much! This was hugely helpful and I’ve made some notes to refer to as I progress in my bagineer aspirations.

[@Kim.Artman]

Awesome information! Thank you so much

[@Studio7t7]

So many tips! Fab video thanks Jo

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Thanks 😁

[@janeybeasley9525]

Thanks for this really helpful

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Glad it was helpful!

[@reginagraham6539]

Great video. Love , love your new hair cut!

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Thanks Regina 😁

[@hannahzechariah5062]

I just found this video. And its a bit of a relief because I'm just getting into bags more from being an apparel sewer mainly and so many people doing bags on youtube are on industrials. While industrials probably cost less than my Janome S7, I can't go buy a new machine just to experiment with a different sewing skill. I am going to need to invest in some bigger needles (I love changing needles and microtex but I dont have anything above an 80 atm) and find my hump jumper- which is a tool I've never totally mastered- I definitely had one but I'm not sure I've seen it in 3 years. But that sounds pretty achievable.

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Definitely! I know a lot of people upgrade to an industrial once they really get deep into bag making, and I understand why as you can then use other materials that a domestic can’t handle. But you can do so much on a domestic and an industrial machine is a big investment if you decide bag making isn’t for you after a few months 😆 I hope you love bag making though. It’s amazing if you as me 😁

[@barbarafrangella796]

Love the informative videos ALWAYS such a great help. Did not catch the name of the second vinyl you liked after the Emmaline vinyl, could you share again :) Thanks Your new hair do is fabulous..Barb

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Thanks Barb 😁 that one was from Vala Creative Designs - she’s not stocking it yet but she’s planning to in the future and it’s lovely so I’m hoping she will ☺️

[@barbarafrangella796]

@@CountryCowDesigns Thank you

[@Jaded6911]

Great tips. I use my hump jumper regularly but I usually stick to one needle. May see if changing it up makes a difference.

[@CountryCowDesigns]

It’s worth trying. I find my stitching on vinyl and cork looks much neater if I’ve got the right needle in. It might just be my machine 😆 but it makes a big difference for me

[@Jaded6911]

@@CountryCowDesigns I will definitely try it. The worse that can happen is it doesn't work. I'll give it an honest go

[@sandrastephens1508]

Hello your video was excellent. If you’re having trouble with your Teflon foot, try putting some scotch tape (cello tape) on the bottom of the foot. I’m looking forward to making some of your bags. Mind how you go Sandra 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧🇨🇦

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Thanks Sandra. Someone recommended Teflon tape so I’m going to give that a go 😁

[@sandrastephens1508]

@@CountryCowDesigns Good I know frustrating “a sticky foot” can be.

[@apwhoa7767]

This is great! Thank you. Only missing part, thread. : )

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Bag Making Tips - Needles & Thread kzbin.info/www/bejne/qH3MepWVh9R0gqM We did a separate video on this

[@apwhoa7767]

@@CountryCowDesigns ohhh, stupid me. I should of checked. i did a search on KZbin and watched several videos, but did not see/notice this one. I will watch. Thank you for your help. : )

[@debbiewhite4500]

Thank you for for tutorial. Any suggestions on thread that you use with your domestic machine?

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Your welcome. My favourite thread is saba tex40 thread from Littlestichersews. It’s thicker than Guttermans but not too thick to work with.

[@debbiewhite4500]

@@CountryCowDesigns thank you

[@debbiewhite4500]

I ordered some Saba thread today. Thanks

[@sewingroom8625]

Where can I buy the Rex vinyl from?, thank you

[@CountryCowDesigns]

You can get it from Sewhot.co.uk if you’re in the UK or from Emmaline Bags in Canada 😁

[@lindafox1910]

What brand of double sided tape do you suggest? I have used some that I ordered through Amazon, and my machine does not like it, the needle gets sticky and will not sew. Thank you!

[@CountryCowDesigns]

We use this DST. Buts important to use the correct needle. Ones like Microtex and super universal have a coating that stops them gumming up countrycowdesigns.com/product/double-sided-self-adhesive-sticky-tape-152

[@lindafox1910]

@@CountryCowDesigns Thanks, I didn’t realize the importance of using the correct needle would effect it, but it makes sense now. Thank you,again!

[@sharonkennedy8612]

This is a great advice. I have bought the Rex vinyls from emmaline bags. I also bought some interfacing that is meant for the vinyl but I don’t think I have to use it, especially at this point since I’m just making just wristlets. Do you agree ? The only thing I was worried about if there was any stretch to the vinyl.

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Yeah I don’t use any interfacing on vinyl. But when I’m using it on bags I tend to be using a stabiliser such as foam or Decovil light so I suppose that helps reduce stretching a bit.

[@sharonkennedy8612]

Thankd

[@mariamparo9]

Thank you so much for this video. I’m new in this bag making and I have a question for you, what can of thread do you use? I have a domestic machine and I can not use thick thread, like 45. Can I use all purpose thread? 100% polyester? Or it could be cotton? And the size of the stitch, it’s the same for sewing and top stitching? Thanks!

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Hi, I use polyester thread always. I find cotton thread isn’t strong enough. I used to use Coats Moon threads or Gutterman but now I use Saba Tex 40 from LittleStitcherSews.co.uk as it’s thicker but still works great in my bobbin. For sewing, if I’m using cotton or canvas I generally use a 2 or 2.5 thread length. For cork or vinyl I use a 3 because the holes perforate it and can cause problems if they’re too close together. Then for topstitching I use a 4 because it’s the longest my machine does. Longer stitches look nicer for topstitching. Hope that helps 😁

[@mariamparo9]

@@CountryCowDesigns thank you very much! A great help! Blessed day! 🥰🥰

[@anisterhowell-byron2304]

What is best thread to sew with on a domestic machine. Materials like faux leather, canvas, cotton.

[@CountryCowDesigns]

I used to use Coats Moon threads but nowadays I prefer Saba Tex thread. I get it from Little Stitcher Sews. It’s slightly thicker but still works in the bobbin of my domestic machine as well as the top. Here’s a link: littlestitchersews.co.uk/collections/thread

[@jackyf3505]

Your tip videos are nicely succinct but give lots of helpful pointers. :) Being succinct is sadly not one of my skills! Your 930 is the absolute tops and considered by those who really know vintage Berninas to be the best machine they ever made - that's why they're still really expensive as used machines! That was a fantastic gift to you. I'm using a Bernina 1130, their first computerised series, and was wondering if the Teflon foot you used was the original green Bernina #53? If so, I may try Nicki's Teflon tape tip. My tip is definitely for your machine and anyone else whose machine has a knee lift. Three of my four vintage Berninas can use them so I recently gave the one that can't (1020) to my daughter as I find the knee lift invaluable for quicker sewing and better control because you can keep both hands on your work throughout the process. Useful for all sewing but especially for bag making. If you don't have one - keep an eye out on ebay. I found another one for about £40 three years ago and it's worth every penny.

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Hi Jacky, I do have a knee lift but it doesn’t work well for me because I sit a bit funny to compensate for a health problem and I can’t sit in my necessary position and use the knee lift 😆 so it sits there not being used unfortunately. Perhaps when I’m better I’ll be able to use and be comfortable. My Teflon foot isn’t the original unfortunately, which may be why it’s no good. It’s an aftermarket one.

[@jackyf3505]

@@CountryCowDesigns I forgot to mention, your machine is 20 years younger than you think. The 930 was made between 1981-1989. Still older than you. 😉 You can tell the specific year it was made from the serial number on the back, bottom left. 1st digit for the decade (1=1970s; 2=1980s; 3=1990s). The 2nd digit tells you the year in that decade.

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Thanks! I must have misheard when my grandmother gave it to me 😆 either way, it’s proved to be an amazing machine!

[@maureenmetcalfe8357]

I missed where you said you got your waterproof canvas from. Can you tell me please? Thanks for the great tips and info 😀

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Yes it’s from littlestitchersews.co.uk 😁

[@beckyezra1]

thank you. are you aware the video is unlisted! .

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Yeah 😁 mailing list subscribers get the video link 24 hours before we make them public which is why they’re unlisted at first

[@Studio7t7]

If anyone is looking for needle tips and how to choose the right needle for your project I made a video to help with that… kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4jRoZuPe9l_aac Thanks for letting me post the link Jo 🥰

[@jeanhayes4940]

Would like to receive your news letter and your email address thank you.

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Hi Jean, here’s a link to sign up to my newsletter: landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/g9o6s0 Feel free to email me at: [e-mail]

[@allisbella536]

Bernina Record 930 was produced from 1982 to 1989.

[@CountryCowDesigns]

Thanks 👍 I thought my grandmother said she bought it in the 60s but I must have been mistaken

[@allisbella536]

@@CountryCowDesigns I have a 640. Can’t find its date of manufacture as it was only out for a short period of time. It is my machine for heavier work. Sadly, it’s packed away so I’m using my newish 570. A bit of a struggle.

[@CountryCowDesigns]

You love Berninas as much as me! 😁 I’ve never tried a newer Bernina but I imagine they’re not as heavy duty. These old ones are absolutely amazing. And very heavy when you have to move them ☺️