Vinyl Tips for Bag Makers

[@joantadisch2872]

A walking foot is VERY helpful when working with vinyl.

[@lucilledznoj1792]

Also regarding holes 🕳, if you iron on the backside of the piece of vinyl with steam, the holes will drastically reduce in size. Use a cover cloth over the piece.

[@denisepettit8534]

Thank you for that hint.

[@janetm356]

New subscriber here…loved the video. One more tip about “ironing” that can be successful: heat up your ironing surface, them rub the vinyl across it. This works very well with clear vinyl and it might help with other types, too.

[@lindab259]

The black button on that sewing machine foot also levels out the foot when you are going over a hump/bump so you may not need the hump jumper.

[@NikkiVelazquez]

I've found myself watching your videos because you are so damn entertaining. I actually know all this stuff already, but it's fun listening to you talk about it.

[@fiercekittenz]

Hah thank you so much!!!

[@sonialorenzo9223]

Thank you for the tips to be more successful.

[@znycelondon5313]

Yeeeeeeees finally a channel I find that has information about everything bag making. I was getting so frustrated having to find answers to so many questions I had........ I cannot tell you how happy 🤗🤗🤗 I am to have had your channel in my feed..........😊😊😊..... Now I can actually learn while not having to hop all over you tube. Thank you thank you thank you.... And..... Definitely a happy new subscriber 🥰

[@fiercekittenz]

Thank you! Don't hesitate to make requests for videos!

[@denisepettit8534]

@@fiercekittenz love your reply as I get into bag making for self and loved ones it is great to know I can come to you and ask questions. I am thinking vinyl for the bottom portion of the bag and canvas for the top portion any thoughts on that?

[@paulinebennett-tamati3556]

Thank you for the tips. I'm at the stage in my bag-making to consider using vinyl as an accent piece. Your video was really helpful.

[@memeyers1962]

I use parchment paper, tears away like a dream and doesn’t require tweezing out seams.

[@fiercekittenz]

Oh yes, that's a great one too!!!

[@marystewart4994]

Thank you on the tips! You are easy to listen to! I’m going to try the scotch tape!

[@aprildegele1510]

I also use parchment or wax paper because that's what I have. Also find it works well and pulls away easily.

[@aprildegele1510]

@@marystewart4994 I've heard of a lot of more difficult solutions, but that scotch tape sounds great. I'm going to try it also! Working on a bag now as a matter of fact and haven't started sewing the vinyl yet. Oh, and it is very sticky. Especially the sparkle upholstery vinyl. I just wish it was sticky enough to hold itself down sometimes! Alas, it's not.

[@BuhlouBear]

Thank you for sharing the parchment tip.

[@UnusuallyWonderfulbyTT]

Thank you for sharing all your valuable knowledge. My machine came with a humper jumper and I wasn't sure what it was used for. Now I do!

[@opalitethefox6048]

Thank you soooooo much for this I have struggled sewing vinyl for years

[@ParchCraftAustralia]

The scotch tape trick sounds like a good one! Thank you...

[@beyondtherabbithole]

I really appreciate your video. I've been binge watching all the info I can on vinyl. I'm still having issues with my stitches showing when I use marine vinyl and turn my bags, I've tried the 2nd row of stitches and I still have show trough. PS: my vinyl is also from JoAnn

[@katekadera3916]

Loving all of your videos...both informative and I always love someone that can laugh at themselves. 😂 Have you thought about doing a video on fabric selection for bags? (I.e. main exterior, accents, different liner options, options for different customer price points, etc.). I love the thread video that you did but am struggling to learn about fabric options. Thanks much!

[@fiercekittenz]

I like that idea thank you!

[@aprildegele1510]

As someone who has had to tear out a seam on vinyl ... my personal suggestion is that anytime you're sewing vinyl, you take the time to do a basting stitch. Basting stitches are usually done at 1/8 seam allowance and a 4mm or longer stitch. If it's not right, you can remove it and adjust what you need to before making your final seam, which will normally be wider. The secondary seam can then be decorative at 1/8 seam allowance inside of the original ... if you've accommodated for that in your pattern of course (or the pattern calls for the topstitching). I also recommend using pinking shears on rounded corners that will be turned. Just be sure not to cut your stitching. A lot of bag patterns call for stuff to be turned and cutting out that bulky seam while cutting notches at the same time will make the inner seam on a curved surface lay much more flat. Any bulk you can take out of a seam the better, but especially when working with vinyl. BE SURE to leave enough seam that the plastic won't tear, as she said! Sometimes really close is too close. If you cut too close, yes, it makes turning easier, but also diminishes the integrity of the seam. When in doubt, leave it longer. Don't like the look on the inside? Bind it. Yes, it's another step and adds bulk, but in all the right places ... thus making the structure more ... well .... structured.

[@LizMcDon]

Excellent video and tips. I’ve been sewing vinyl for a few years and find this information very helpful. This is excellent for beginner vinyl sewers.

[@cindyloomis9096]

"Seam Jumpers" who knew!!!! Fierce Kittenz knew!

[@CassandraPerez-v1p]

Thank you so much I have learned more watching your videos then from all my mistakes! Wish I found you sooner. But happy I found your channel 🥰

[@aprildegele1510]

I also use a jeans needle for vinyl. However, not all marine vinyl is equal. Some of it is really thick. When sewing a shoulder strap for one project I did, it required that the needle go through a total of 8 layers after double-folding and then doubling it. The solution? A walking foot and a leather needle. Still a bit of a struggle with a domestic machine, but my Singer Simple will just accommodate 8 layers of marine vinyl with a walking foot, a leather needle, a 3mm stitch, and some encouragement at times by a purple thing. You just have to go REALLY slowly. Hand-cranked some of it even, but it worked. Doesn't mean it will fit through your bag adjuster hardware without a fight, but if you're careful, you can make it fit. If only I'd heard of the "humper-jumper". I will be working in a lot of vinyl, and upholstery vinyl at that, so that's the first thing I'm looking for tomorrow when I get paid!

[@artemisorange]

Great video and fantastic tips! You covered all of the problem areas I've been running into lately.

[@Piecemaker1623]

This is very helpful. Made many a cotton fabric project bags, want to and vinyl to step it up a notch.

[@Kiwimaille]

I love your tutorial style.

[@tlbidwell]

Thanks for all the tips!!

[@saram5604]

Just got an order of vinyl in thank you so much for giving me the courage to move from fabric to vinyl!

[@timsgrrl]

Just what I was looking for, thank you!

[@dianedoherty3655]

I am making bags for friends & grandkids, so not selling. I love your videos, learn lots. My BERNINA 750 powers through everything!

[@tammystiletto]

Bernina is my moms holy grail!! I only wish I could get one 🙌🏻

[@dianedoherty3655]

Indeed. I sewed on Pfaff for years. It always ‘jumped’ ever so slightly when starting/stopping with top stitching. Then I tested drove a BERNINA in 2013. What a difference! Precision all the way. 2 weeks ago I bought a BERNINA 850 serger. All I can say is wow ! They are worth the investment.....

[@Annie-eMM]

Thank you for this video. You actually demonstrated on a domestic machine and showed examples which is what I have been looking for. I have a Brother SQ9185 and looking into a Brother HD machine. I am also interested in bag making (for gifts and for my tween daughter) so I have been doing a lot of research and watching your tutorials starting with the interfacings, and you are right about others tossing out different names of the same product so I made a cheat sheet that tells me exactly what I will need to use and what can be used as a substitute. Recently I am working on a chart of hardware and tools that goes with it. Currently I am stuck on metal snaps and rivets.. Do I need a press machine? Commonly used sizes? and where to buy them as a beginner? and when shopping for them what to watch for since there are so many types is gets so overwhelming! Also your tutorial on templates.. would laminating the pieces help and what should I print them on? paper? cardstock? Suggestions on how to organize them.

[@fiercekittenz]

I figured it was cheating if I did the vinyl tutorial on an industrial machine with a compound walking foot. I wanted to actually show people what they would struggle with if on a domestic. Usually by the time people dive into industrials, they are already using vinyls. Metal snaps and rivets: A press helps a TON. I'm not going to lie. I got nervous trying to hammer them in. It's a big investment, but paid off after the first few sales. I can cover that in a video soon! Commonly used sizes are 1/2" and 1". I find it harder to find in bulk if it's over 1" in size. Highly recommend that if you're going to try to do this as a business to buy in bulk from Country Brook Design (they're available on Amazon too!). You're going to want d-rings, swivel hooks, and triglides (adjustable slides). If you're just learning, pop by a craft store and you can get the hardware enough for 1-2 bags at a time. It's more expensive, but at least it isn't a $20 investment for 50 swivel hooks! Templates: You can absolutely laminate the paper! they'd still be a touch on the flimsy side, so some people trace onto cardboard, foam board, or poster board for heavier options. You don't have to get fancy acrylic templates at all. If you do want them to be a little more sturdy, pop by a Dollar Tree and grab plastic mats. I also have a link to Amazon mats in that same video. Get a sharpie, trace on those, then cut them out (with regular scissors, not fabric ones). To organize, I have holes in all of mine and I hang them up on a pegboard wall (I show this off in my studio tour video). The heavier/larger ones I actually keep in another closet, in a plastic bin.

[@geridine1]

Wow! You give a lot of Good Information! I have to watch it again to remember all these great tips! Thank you so much. I love all your videos. They are full of very useful information! Thank you! Do you have a video on how to attach vinyl/leather straps to a bag?

[@femalehustlecowithzee]

Another great video! Yay! Good info

[@1packatak]

I have used glitter vinyl for embroidered items. I have found that microtex needles last longer. That glitter can really dull the needle quickly. I’m betting that the microtex may also help in bag making.

[@michelleknapp7043]

Thank you for video wish I had seen before just sold first bag with vynal it was a wester print and seemed very sturdy but didnt do 2 rows of stitches so worried about that ..thank goodness went to a good friend lol....thanks

[@susandenton9853]

Thanks for all of the great tips.

[@ronagallup4037]

Thank you so very much for sharing your knowledge with us!! Your informative tutorials have saved my tooshie several times. Keep up the great work!

[@fiercekittenz]

So glad to hear!!!

[@daisyhugs2024]

Thank you so much ! I’ve been using vinyl and had a few problems and this really helped me🤗

[@judywinkelman9574]

I use bra underwires to slip in handles after sewing. Works great if shorter handles

[@maddienaidan]

Thank you! I am just starting to play with vinyl and this is just what I needed!

[@wendyclifton8111]

Just saw your video. Great tips.

[@dianeschroeder5882]

Great helpful information as I make my first vinyl bag! Thank you!

[@annjelley5363]

I’m vinyl ready now I’ve seen your great video, thank you so much! Xx

[@fiercekittenz]

Let me know how it goes!!!

[@ellenrobertson8655]

Great video Kittenz. My issue is trying to use some of the decorative stitches on my Bernina 200E. The surface of the vinyl is very slippery and the needle seems to slide so much that the design does not complete or does not end up with the design joined, i.e. such as a heart. One side ends up lower than the beginning when it is finished sewing. I have tried the designs on cotton and they work just fine. Any suggestions? or do I just have to forget the fancy stitches and stick with straight lines and zig zag which are no problem at all.

[@AlexisVabreFigure8labs]

really good notes, thank you!

[@cheril7221]

Loved all the tips for vinyl. And where did you get the rainbow and snakes skin iridescent vinyl? I need some!!

[@fiercekittenz]

The Rainbow is from MikriWorldLLC and the snake skin was from MyPunkbroidery, I believe. It's been a while!

[@SewGigi]

Thank you for your guidance in sewing. You are very helpful. I have a question, do you know where I can purchase heat sensitive vinyl? I bought some, but don’t remember where I got it.

[@greenmtnmellie]

I watched your video because I was mostly curious about working with the clear, iridescent vinyls. (Like the stuff they call unicorn skin) I saw a super cute bag for sale online, but it was WILDLY expensive, given the materials & the website. Figured I could make my own, so I started researching sewing on & working with clear vinyl. Do you work with these, or just the opaque types?

[@ChemicalPete]

Thank you! This was a great tips video!

[@livinglifegracefullee]

Can you do a mini tote bag tutorial for adults 😍🙌🏼

[@merxsa]

Thank you for all these great tips!

[@Annie-eMM]

Oh I forgot to ask!! what about keeping the interfacings out of the seam allowances when sewing on a domestic machine to help with the bulk? is there a reason why they need to be sewn down if they are already fused? Sorry for all the questions.. I am such a newbie at this!

[@fiercekittenz]

You only need to sew them down if they aren’t fusible. It does help on a domestic machine to keep it out of the seam allowance, but what I was saying about the foam is it’s sooooo easily compressed it’s ok! I like to zig-zag over the edges of the foam to compress it down a bit. The thing about keeping the foam out of the seam allowance on vinyl is that you can’t fuse it (the fusible kind is horrible) so you have to encase it in a layer of woven interfacing, which may require some basting stitching along the edge to make sure it stays in place.

[@David-er4sz]

You are fantastic! Thanks! Saludos desde Mexico!

[@Wulfgeist]

Great tips

[@dboutine]

Helpful tips. Thank you.

[@meanodustino9563]

Im going be making a tarp car cover and was researching how you sew it. Not much out there 😢 but you covered what size needle i likely need. I was considering using fishing line for the thread. 🤷‍♂️

[@fiercekittenz]

Oh yeah don't use fishing line! That'll muck up your machine for sure - also the friction and resulting heat may cause it to snap or melt. Use Tex 70 or 80 thread. I have a video on thread, too!

[@magicalmysticalmimi6908]

Thank you for this video!

[@simpixlepixies]

Highly appreciative of the scotch tape tip. Finding it to be a sanity saver.

[@fiercekittenz]

Right?? Depending on your brand of machine, a Teflon foot is pretty pricey!

[@TaraLynn56]

Awesome info, thank you!

[@blw1502]

With mikri world, I see there’s a canvas vinyl and a marine vinyl.. I’m more interested in the colors of the canvas vinyl, but it will be used for the base of the bag, as well as accents and handles. have you used the canvas? will the canvas be strong enough? I was planning on using decovil heavy on it

[@fiercekittenz]

I don't think the Canvas vinyl is sturdy enough. It's a lot thinner than a Marine Vinyl for sure. I've used it for Necessary Clutch Wallets.

[@rubyc.4311]

What type of vinyl can I use for bag making? Is upholstery fabric okay to use for bags?ty for the tips in this video🙂

[@user-eu3op7or6v]

Very helpful thank you so much kitten!

[@mchristofas]

Love this! You put a lot of time into these videos and it shows!

[@cindyahlm6941]

I have a husqvarna opal 650, and have had issues with the bobbin thread not getting picked up by the upper thread, especially during thicker parts. Any suggestions? Also, wondering if you have a glue recommendation for attached cotton lining to marine vinyl at the top edge of a bag. Lastly, what industrial machine do you recommend? Thank you!!

[@melodiehughley7238]

When the platform of the presser foot is not level, you will have skipped stitches. I press down on the front of the foot (carefully, watch your fingers) or use a chopstick so that it is more level. A "hump-jumper" helps, too, but the idea is to level out the foot. That ensures that the needle is moving straight up and down and locking in the bobbin thread at the correct angle. When the foot isn't level, the needle isn't straight. Also, as others say, go slow and lengthen your stitches.

[@LarenaLoves]

This is so helpful, thank you! About to make my first vinyl bag (first vinyl anything really). Do you recommend I use a special type of thread/ heavy duty thread??

[@fiercekittenz]

I have a whole video on thread actually!

[@LarenaLoves]

@@fiercekittenz Thanks! I found and watched it right after I asked my question :)

[@bekindtoall1579]

Thank you for this informative video! Do you happen to have wholesale supplier you use for your bagmaking supplies, most especially fabrics and vinyl?

[@fiercekittenz]

I have a supplier video where I cover this and give all the names and links!!! I’m on a plane right now or I’d grab the link for you.

[@wandalandry8189]

Hi, just sent you a Twitter message before seeing where to send it comment. Lol My question is what thread to use on a domestic machine for sewing vinyl. Is extra strong polyester thread good? Thanks! 😀

[@fiercekittenz]

You can’t use Tex90 bonded poly thread, I don’t believe, but you could use thicker domestic threads for jeans or furniture sewing for sure!

[@thelma-mimi-dulce-blue]

Thanks !

[@cruize4u]

Hi great video I just love your videos tips and tricks and sharing your knowledge. I'm new to bag making and I purchased the vinyl on the big rolls at hobby lobby but I did see the rolls of the 8 inch vinyl in tube. I asked the sales lady and she said she's only seen the vinyl for earrings making etc. I'm wondering I'd that vinyl on the precut packages work with what you are talking about? Is that the vinyl you are showing us?

[@fiercekittenz]

Oh yeah, those vinyls are way too thin. They're for craft cutter projects - like heat transfer vinyl to iron to t-shirts or semi-permanent vinyls to put on tumblers. They aren't meant for sewing.

[@cruize4u]

Thank you for clarity on that. ❤

[@amandacorniello3588]

Having a hard time going through layers of vinyl with my M7. Any recommendations?

[@ladybea67]

the black button on the foot will lift and stay up when you press it in

[@rvaltes]

Thank you again for your tutorial! What should we do if the sewing machine (industrial) catch the fabric at the bottom? I got a lockstitch. Tks xx

[@fiercekittenz]

How do you mean "catch" ?

[@rvaltes]

@@fiercekittenz it's like the feed dog damages the faux leather underneath

[@CahliaShay]

Thank you! I just started working with vinyl and I'm curious about thread. What type of thread and what weight is best?

[@geridine1]

great Video and very helpful! Thank you!

[@BuhlouBear]

I am still very new to sewing and as new working with heavy duty vinyl. I was led to believe that a "walking foot" was my best choice for this task. Is that true or am I creating a bad habit I'll need to break later?

[@fiercekittenz]

A walking foot is totally fine - my industrial Juki has a walking foot built into it (I can't swap it out). It helps keeps the layers feeding through the machine at the same rate. Otherwise, what could happen is the bottom shifts faster through the machine than the top and they kind of inch away from each other.

[@BuhlouBear]

@@fiercekittenz FK Thank you very much for responding and so quickly!

[@annjelley5363]

Very useful, thanks so much!

[@mariamurphy9014]

thank you!! I am starting my first bag with vinyl but I am still confused on which thread is best to use?

[@fiercekittenz]

I'm sorry, I didn't really cover this. Typically I sew vinyl items on an industrial machine with Tex90 bonded poly threads. Unfortunately, you can't use that on a domestic machine. You can use a thicker thread like a thread meant for jeans or furniture. They're usually labeled "heavy duty" in craft stores.

[@mariamurphy9014]

@@fiercekittenz thank you. I just recently purchased a janome 6700 so I am hoping this will make my life a little easier when making bags.

[@SherrelleWright]

Would a non stretch vinyl with a Thickness of 0.8mm be good to make a duffle bag and does it need interfacing?

[@fiercekittenz]

Marine vinyl I never interface. If it has a fuzzy or fleece-like backing, I ALWAYS put some woven interfacing on it.

[@ShaynaKrause]

I enjoy your videos so much.

[@fiercekittenz]

Thank you! I'm hoping to make loads more. I just have to find more time in the day (I work full-time and stream on Twitch 4x a week). The A/C unit in my room is busted, so it's 80+ in there at night, so hasn't been too pleasant of a sewing experience as of late.

[@rosechallenger2894]

I saw someone use baby oil. He used a q-tip and placed a line of baby oil and the presser foot glided over the vinyl with no problem. I will try it and see how it works out.

[@roxannericchio3556]

Thank you for the tips!!!!

[@izabeau1953]

I have had so manny problems, sowing vinyl. Doesn’t move, I don’t have a teflon foot for my sowing machine and it’s been awful. Even put tape on the foot. But will try a more smoother tape . Don’t know I will have to see. Paper just is also so frustrating, to pull away, and I can’t see what I am doing..anyway going to try again. Tks learned a few tips hope I can get something sowed...❤❤❤

[@denisepettit8534]

Try gift wrapping tissue paper. Good luck.

[@joycejesko4024]

My top thread is bunching up on the bottom of fabric. I checked everything. I am working with clear vinyl only I am using Teflon pressure foot and 14 needle and longer stitch any suggestions. My top thread is 30 W and reg 40w in bobbin.

[@fiercekittenz]

Something isn't threaded correctly in the upper thread then. Birdnesting is a sign of upper thread problems. Is the tension too high?

[@ufoquilter86]

Can those slippery mats for quilting that goes on the bed of your machines work to keep it from sticking?

[@fiercekittenz]

Only if you're ok with sewing through it.

[@ufoquilter86]

I would not be sewing through it, I would only put it on the bed of the machine. It is one of those mats that you use on your domestic machine for free motion quilting

[@rachaelb9164]

Is MiCri World closed for good or did someone else buy the company?

[@msonu1005]

Can we make clothes (sportswear) out of vinyl fabric?

[@fiercekittenz]

If you have no desire to move and just stand very still, like you're hunting for wabbits, yes.

[@kittybrowning]

Hi asked other makers before but not got a answer how do u get creases out of vinyl please ?? Xx

[@fiercekittenz]

Hit it with a hair dryer! Just fan the hair dryer over the vinyl and it should drop the creases.

[@emmadark4166]

do you know where i could find vinyl that is glossy black red or light pink no print for bag and wallet making? like patent leather not real leather.

[@fiercekittenz]

My PunkBroidery: mypunkbroidery.com/epages/726ea0ec-336f-4ce5-a3e0-1548ce35ebd4.sf/en_US/?ObjectPath=/Shops/726ea0ec-336f-4ce5-a3e0-1548ce35ebd4/Categories/Specialty/Specialty_Plain/Patent

[@shutterbird27]

Do you have sew alongside for making vinyl bags?

[@fiercekittenz]

I do not :( It's a good idea though! I really want to try to stream over here someday. I just don't know who would show up, because the demographics are so different. I can't stream until 8pm ET on weeknights. Weekends are touch and go with family shenanigans.

[@rachellmoultrie4883]

No one talks about thread. What type are you using?

[@fiercekittenz]

Fair point! I'm using Tex 80 thread. It's a heavier thread than an all-purpose you'll find in a big box retail store. That's usually Tex 40. With "Tex" the higher the number, the thicker the thread. Then of course you have embroidery thread being super special and going in the opposite direction with "Wt" (e.g. 40wt is standard, 60wt is lighter for bobbins and small text). I buy my Tex 80 from Wizard Stitchery & Crafts (geekyhardware.com)

[@skutovr]

Are there many sewing crafters on twitch? I haven’t checked that out...

[@fiercekittenz]

There's a couple of us! Quiltoni is one, Imperial is another.

[@Dria121960]

Awesome

[@itz_mochi_rhino1825]

when i turn my vinyl pouches right side out it gets the little puckers? and i dont know how to avoid/fix that.

[@fiercekittenz]

What are you interfacing the vinyl with? I’ve had this happen with Decovil, so unless the bag needs a ton of structure, I only use woven interfacing now. That said, you can take a steamer to it OR a hairdryer on low heat and just pass over the vinyl for a bit to hopefully warm out the wrinkles.

[@itz_mochi_rhino1825]

@@fiercekittenzI’m not interfacing them because I’m yawing translucent vinyl to make semi clear pouches

[@fiercekittenz]

@@itz_mochi_rhino1825 Ahhh ok - are the puckers in the seams or wrinkling from the turning? If it's puckers in the seams, you may have to use a smaller seam allowance and be very careful when going around curved areas.

[@priscillayanez5406]

Thank!

[@starblzr3351]

What kind of vinyl is that

[@starblzr3351]

Is it the same vinyl that are used for the cars?

[@fiercekittenz]

I'm not sure. This is a glitter marine vinyl from Mikri World LLC.

[@lauratran7638]

I use a clear hair oil from Walmart to help the needle glide across the vinyl.

[@orionshomeproductions]

i use my heat press on vinyl. i use teflon sheets and only 6 seconds

[@lucilledznoj1792]

Also wax paper...

[@eldajackson1]

Funny!

[@panioloprep8126]

Is that a rubber chicken behind you?

[@fiercekittenz]

LOL YEP!!! I ran the runDisney Wine & Dine 10k in 2019 as the Swedish Chef. I carried that chicken for 6.2 miles just for funny photos.

[@jessefoulk]

Just a random screaming chicken in the back there.

[@maggiequinones3573]

Interesting 🤔

[@annguglielmino8989]

No vinyl for me...😄

[@blackgirlsareblessed6688]

What about tension my thread keeps poping

[@fiercekittenz]

What do you mean by popping? Is it popping out of the upper looper or popping up on the work?