Recommended Tools & Supplies
I've been asked a couple times about supplies and tools needed, or what I recommend across the board. I'm going to link the tools/supplies/materials that I have been using below. Some of these are used in my patterns, and others are just items I use on a daily basis for bagmaking.
I can only speak to what I have used. There may be better options out there! I buy from small businesses when I can, but I also shop outside of them for standard items. Always use your best judgement and price check before you buy!
Full disclosure, I have shopped around for some items, but you may be able to find it cheaper since my initial search/purchase. Also, all Amazon links are my amazon aff links, so I do get paid a small percentage if you buy with those links but you don't pay any extra.
TOOLS/SUPPLIES:
-
1/2" Hole Punch (You'll need this if you use the force fit grommets)
-
Rivet/Grommet Press (You can find these cheaper elsewhere. This is just where I purchased mine.)
- Hand Hole Punch
- Seam Roller
-
Heat Erasable Pens (Disclaimer: Beware of using the black on white/light fabrics. As with almost all Erasable pens, they will not fully come off, so make your marks small, within the seam allowance, or right under your stitching line.)
-
Steam Press (If you can swing it, this would be one of my top recommendations. I don't put water in it, but it has made a world of difference for fusing Decovil light/heavy, foam, fleece, woven, etc. I highly, highly recommend trying to thrift one or consider this an investment. Seriously - such a game changer. I waited until this last Feb to purchase one and I consistently kick myself for not investing earlier.)
If you purchase a steam press, also purchase this. It will protect your press from interfacing glue. -
Scratch film for packing/protecting your bags (Beware, I have had it take off the finish of some older rainbow hardware, but only once and only on rainbow.)
-
Glue:
- Fabri-tac (fabric)
- E600 (hardware)
- Loctite (screws): (This is permanent and red. Beware and be careful.) -
Cutting Mat: (This mat doesn't have quarter inch markings, but it's huge! And they have smaller sizes. I love the large size. I had to trim it down slightly to fit my table.)
- Blacklight Flashlight (for glow in the dark items)
- Turntable for Product Photography
MATERIALS:
-
Decovil Light: Thumbs & Thimbles
-
Decovil Heavy (Pellon 526), Flex Foam (I prefer 1 side fusible - Pellon Pellon FF78F16020P), and Fusible Fleece (Pellon 987f) are available at various places at various prices - sometimes with a coupon. I just suggest you shop around beforehand.
-
3/8" Grommets:
- Force Fit
- Screw in
-Traditional ( Sewful Therapy - only recommend with hand tools), Wawak, TheBuckleGuy, and Amazon -
Waterproof canvas If you haven't purchased from here before, use the following link for $10 off and I get points for referring you
https://www.fabricwholesaledirect.com/a/rewards/r/5VAcxlX ) -
Cork: Thumbs & Thimbles & Fabric Funhouse
-
Vinyl (Mora is my favorite): (But so so so many businesses have a ton of great options available! Also check out My Punk Broidery & shop their Tuesday sales!)
-
Cork labels: (Super fast TAT and lovely people)
-
Sassy labels: Kylie & the Machine has some of my favorites, but I also love some from More Me Know
- Fun themed magnets, zipper pulls, and other bag hardware: Alchemats Materials & Hardware , Thumbs & Thimbles
WHAT MACHINES AND THREADS DO I USE?
My industrial is a Juki 1541 and my domestic is a Juki HZL-DX7. Both are great machines, but not the cheapest. I typically use Amann Tex 45 or Tex 70 in both with a size 16 needle in my domestic and 17 in my industrial.
-
1541: Best to contact a small business near you for this That's what I did and was very happy I did so.